“I am out here living life after shucking off responsibilities. I shucked off work, I am retired. I shucked off owning my own home, I sold it. I shucked off being a responsible for a son who helped me out by growing up and being a good kid. I don’t have anyone left except him. I am dying. I have cancer in my brain. I have a high school reunion next Memorial Day. I won’t be around to see it. I have know this for about five months.”
“How do you handle that?”
“How would you handle it? There is nothing I can do about it. I went in to get my teeth fixed and they told me I have an infection and then they found the tumor. There is nothing that can be done. I could have another year if I had chemo and radiation, but none of it would be comfortable. Right now, I have difficulty walking. I drive my car right up to the bathroom, 20 steps means that I get to the bathroom safely, 30 means I could blow it. That’s no fun. Sometimes I feel better and better and can walk a little more. I am figuring out how to live within my limitations. I used to have a life where I had few limitations and it was really nice working and scurrying and doing. I can’t worry about what I could do in the past. So now I enjoy my day.”
“What do you want to be remembered for?”
“That I was dinnertime conversation for a lot of people because kids went home and told their parents what went on in English class that day. Mrs. Hamilton did something weird or said something kind. I taught 8th grade English for 30 years at Daphne Middle School. Maybe every once in a while at Christmas or Thanksgiving they will say, ‘I remember that time it was the first day of school when Mrs. Hamilton was telling us the rules and regulations of her class and all of a sudden her shirt started moving. It scared the hell out of me. She reached into her bra and pulled out a squirrel.’ It really happened. Our cat pulled a couple of baby squirrels out of the tree. She ate one and I rescued the others and took care of them. My mom was going to pick one of the squirrels up from me at school later in the day. The heating pad went out and I put it where it would stay warm. By second period it stared moving and I had to take it out. During my first year of school, one day I started calling role and after each name they said chop. I didn’t even ask. We got to the last kid on the list, Wesley Wright, and he didn’t say chop, he said timberrrr and they all fell out of their desk. It was fun teaching the difference between lie and lay, and using laid was hard to remember. I would fling myself on the table and say I am lying on the table. Don’t tell your parents Mrs. Hamilton was laying on the table because you can’t get to laid unless someone or something else is involved. Or they went home and asked their parents, “Do you expect me to masticate at the table?” Some parents would say of course because masticate means chew.”
“I love books and to read and spend a lot of time at the library. It is my escape. I have my nook and right now I am reading Shadow’s End by Sherri Tepper. It is science fiction about feminism and ecology. It is nice to be down here reading these themes because because the city takes good care of this beautiful park. Whatever color I want to rest my eyes on, it is here. Look up on the hill and see the green, it makes you feel cool. The cypress tree above me retains the light green, even in the middle of summer. Soon I will park under a pine or under an oak. I thought about selling my house before I got cancer and building a tiny home. I had a 1200-square-foot home and four acres and that became too much. I dream of someone close to here building a one-bedroom tiny home in the corner of their property they could used for kids coming home or grandkids staying there. They would let me live in it for the time I have left and then it would belong to them. It would give me a place to live other than my car. Every once in a while, I pay the $259 a week to live in a hotel for a week, but I can’t do that every week. Living in a car here is called boondocking and there are several of us who do it. I am still getting retirement. I don’t have any insurance except for this car. I have few bills and own nothing else besides this car. I have a credit card I will pay off in four months so I will leave behind no debt. There is freedom to that. Sleeping in the car, I lean the seat back and go to sleep. There is privacy in some places far away from sidewalks. If I am not in the way, people leave me alone.”
You can always park on my property of you need a place. My dad passed away from pancreatic cancer and mom died of ALS. I will keep you in my prayers.
Bless you Mrs. Hamilton. You were teacher to both of my children. We will pray for you as you do life and death on your own terms.
This was beautiful, and I want you to find peace and dignity. Seems like you are. Many of the things you taught me I carry on in my own writing. I also enjoyed returning to DMS and helping tutor some of your pupils as well. A joyus experience.
I understand getting in the car and driving to that sunset. Do it, do what you want and need.
You were my English teacher in 1996. I still remember your crazy antics and was just telling someone a story a few weeks ago about it! Yours was the only class that year I didn’t sleep in 🙂 I have worked in education now for several years and am about to complete my PhD. But I’ll never be able to type as quickly as you!
It’s sad when the people who give the most impact to society, by teaching our youth and shaping the future of our world, can be so easily cast aside. Mrs Hamilton I will remember you for more than just dinnertime conversation. You made us laugh with your funny prison guard story. You hit us with reality when you told us your childbirth experience with your son. (In terrifying detail) You taught us the importance of safety when you were burnt by hot grease during class. And I will personally never forget the encouragement I felt when you told me you were sending in my Abraham Lincoln speech assignment to a competition. You are the reason I enjoyed writing all those college essays. You have made such an impact to our community and I want to thank you for being you!!!!
I will always remember you, Ms. Hamilton. Thank you for being a friend.
Mrs. Hamilton, you are so in my prayers. I pray for peace and comfort and safety. Thank you for being my 8th grade teacher in 2006 and for teaching me what it means to masticate.
Mrs. Hamilton I had you in 8th grade and I must say that you left an ever lasting impression on me and remember you will never be forgotten.
Love you always
Tiffany Hector.
You were my Engish teacher in middle school what seems like an eternity ago now. I still have my year book I asked you to sign and it always makes me smile as I imagine was your intent. You were incredibly smart and didn’t take any shit from us. Even at 13 I admired that. That and the baby squirrel stories haha. You will always be one of my favorite teachers. Don’t go gentle into that good night.
Mrs. Hamilton, I just want to take this time out to say I am praying for you and your family in this time and peace. I will always remember the hand motion you taught us in class I can never remember the name of the song, but I rember how to do it. I was in you 8th grader 7th period class in 2006. I will always remember you as the teacher who loved English and did not take crap from anyone and no one could get anything pass you…
Autumn (Hurt) Alexander
I am heartbroken. You were Ms. O’Brien to me over 30 years ago, and in addition to an 8th grade English teacher and Yearbook Staff sponsor, you were a cherished mentor to me during my malleable middle school years. I became an Architect because of your guidance and haven’t been out of arm’s reach of a camera for 30+ years. Now I’m 46 with twin 8th graders of my own, and I can only hope that they find a teacher that leaves as much of an impression and positive influence with them as you did with me. Thank you for leading me down the path and I pray you find peace knowing that many, many people feel as I do and wish you the best on your journey.
You will always be remembered. You were my English teacher. You have impacted everyone who knows. You are a reason why so many can write an essay without grammatical error. We love you. Thank you for everything.
Mission accomplished. I’ve talked about you multiple times. From your witty rhetoric, to your fast typing (which I’ve tried to beat…. I think you were….97 a minute??). I think very highly of you and always have. This article has brought tears to my eyes and know I needed to say this or else I’d regret it. You are an amazing woman and always have been. You have always been brave and your fun class room antics will live on forever.
Mrs. Hamilton you were a dear friend to me when I moved to Daphne. I will always remember you for your friendship and guidance in education. Teaching has been my life’s passion. May God guide you and keep you on this last journey. AMEN!!!
What courage you have sharing your words, keeping it real, being you, at this stage of your life. I don’t know you, but I loved reading your story. God bless you.
I am a college friend of one of your students, and shared the story of your squirrel rescue with me. You are remembered. More than that, you are remembered fondly.
*she shared
I remember you for way more than the funny things you did! I remember you with fondness and love. I speak of you often! You were one of my best teachers. You taught me about grace and dignity. A lesson a smart ass girl like me will never forget! I love you and would love to see you again!
Mrs. Hamilton, I was your student in 97-98, and you gave me a lot of confidence in my writing ability. My degree is in Print Journalism/English and I’ve been substitute teaching in a full-time program to try out teaching. Know that you are greatly appreciated and never forgotten! God Bless!
Yvonne,
Come to Montevallo and hang out here a week or so. You can see where I hung Georgia’s Horton Hears the Who poster.
Yvonne, you will be remembered for so much more than just the fun stuff. My kids and I will remember you for the love you have shown, the stories you have told and the impact you have had on our lives and many others. Not only have you helped to shape the lives of so many young people through your work as a teacher, you have also raised a son with a heart of gold. It takes great heart and great love to do that. Without your love and guidance he would not be the wonderful young man he is today. Please know that I respect your choices and wnat you to do things your way. Should you decide you would like to change anything. My family and I are ready and waiting to do any and everything that we can. You are loved…..greatly.
Mrs. Hamilton, I had your class in 2000 and 2001. I believe I learned a lot from you, including how to draw a woman bending over :). I am very sorry to hear that you are ill, but I am glad that you you seem to have found solace in the simple pleasures.
You truly touched my life as a teacher who demanded respect.On the last day of 8th grade I was having to make up my final examwhen you were called out of the room. You came back in calm with a smile and told me that something important had come up,and I needed to get my things so I could leave. It yurns that my grandmother had driven an hour and was there to get me because my mother had been in a terrible car accidentand was being rushed to the hospital. Her jeep had flipped 4 times on the Mobile Bay bridge. She had fractured her neck and was covered in glass. She has made a full recovery. I still to this day appreciate how you handled the situation.Thank you for the many lessons you taught me. I am now a mother of 3 and pursueing my dream of becoming a dentist. Prayers with you.
Ms. Hamilton, there are moments my peers and I shared with you in homeroom and 1st period English, I’m certain, will never be forgotten. Each day of the ’96-’97 school year was almost always started off with some form of hilarity and excitement.
Thank you for the memories and keeping things interesting. We will definitely think of you when we masticate at the dinner table.
Sending love and warm thoughts from Denver, CO.
I had you as Ms. O’Brien at Daphne Middle probably in 1984-1985. I was not a good student simply because I did not apply myself. I remember being encouraged to stand up and talk in class and try! Always with a smile and a wink. Praying many others will tell their families about a wonderful middle school teacher that showed them how to try just a little harder! God speed Ms. O’Brien.
Hi Mrs . Hamilton this is Marshauna Pickett I was in your class years ago and the thing about it I kept u on my mind all of these years if it wasn’t for u I would have never seen 6 flags as a child u paid for me to go u really wanted me to be apart of it I couldn’t afford it I speak of u right now today and I’m 38 years old it broke my heart when I seen this if u ever need me inbox me on Facebook my name is IzPickett Wasp I love u and I pray for God to heal u the battle not yours Love it’s the Lord I love u Mrs . Hamilton and u will always be apart of me
Mrs. Hamilton, I read your post today even though I knew nothing about you. I am also a retired teacher and just turned 70. I have been thinking about what I would post if I had been given a terminal diagnosis. I know that I will spend eternity in heaven and know that God wants all of his creation to do the same. But the decision is a personal choice. I pray that before you leave your earthly body that you will consider the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for you by dying for your sins. All humans are sinners and can only be saved through their faith in Jesus. I love you and pray that we will meet in heaven. One thing I know for sure. . . . you had a positive impact on your students. You will be remembered by many! God bless you.
I see u everyday at the pier ….I go to meditate and walk along the water….. and I wondered …Lord never know !!!! I pray that everything work out for you …I believe you have all the peace u need ….god bless you !!!
Mrs. Hamilton,
You were my teacher in 8th grade and I loved your class! I will be praying for you!
Ms. Hamilton,
Bless you. And thank you for being the person so many will remember in high regard and respect. I pray these comments keep coming and that they deeply encourage you.
I have loved English as a subject for as long as I can remember, but you stand out as one who encouraged that the most out of all my English teachers. I don’t know if I took the chance to tell you, but you looked beautiful the night of our 8th grade graduation–none of us had ever seen you wear makeup before that night.
You are cherished. You are loved. And you will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever walk Daphne Middle School’s halls. …and no, I still have not learned to cut the chatter.
Mrs. Hamilton,
I remember being in your class and listening to all the funny stories and life lessons you told. Great memories!!! I can say, you were the most unique teacher I had. 🙂
I will keep you in my prayers. ……
You encouraged and nurtured my love of English Literature, and your style is legendary. Thank you for many years of memories, may God bless and keep you.
Mrs. Hamilton,
Thanks for making English fun. I always enjoyed your class even inspite of lunch detention lol. It’s pretty evident how many people you’ve impacted here and I hope you know you had an impact on me too. Sending prayers up to the most high for you and your family! Love you and am hoping for the best.
Ms. Hamilton,
You will be missed and remembered. I hope you find peace and comfort in your last months.
You were my English teacher in 2003-2004. I loved your class and found you hilarious! You managed your class through humor, intellect and RESPECT.
I really liked our writing assignments. You always gave us “higher level” prompts, never any fluff work. I liked that you saw school as “quality” over “quantity.” I liked that you occasionally gave us loony, rambunctious middle schoolers the free time to be ourselves and chat with our friends. I became a better writer in your class. Maybe you remember me writing an essay about feminism after you gave us the essay prompt of “a man’s reach should never exceed his grasp.” You either read it out loud or had me read it aloud, I will always remember that moment. I still love writing today- I have written and edited a 480 page fantasy/sci-fi book, though I have yet to send a query letter to a publisher.
I am a middle school teacher now (Social Studies, entering my 3rd year). You were one of my inspirations for choosing this career. I understand now how TOUGH your job was. You were an amazing teacher and I hope to one day do as good of a job as you did.
Yvonne O’Brien Hamilton..I remember SO MANY great things about you….your wit, amazing creativity. Once when there was a week-long emergency with our son, I just called you and you “INVENTED” lesson plans for my history classes. . ….. (old Daphne Middle School) I once told the following to my Mother and IT WORKED! Sometimes, you are doing the other person/people a GREAT favor by accepting offered help! Please Yvonne, allow someone to help you.
Ms. Hamilton, I was not your student but am a life long resident of our are. I feel for you and would do anything in my power to assist . I am I’m the non profit field and may be able to assist. Please contact me at 251 421 7661, I do so hope and pray to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Dawn Prouty
I so wish you would come stay with us!! You have meant so much more to my kids than a mention at the table at dinner!! You were a part of our lives!! We would welcome you with open arms.
We will pray for you and hope you decide to come stay for a night or many!!
Pam and Jon Curry
195 Rolling Hill Dr
Josh and Morgin’s parents…..
Mrs. Hamilton,
You may not remember me. It has been many years since I was a student at Daphne JR. High – that I know it as “Jr. High” is a testament to this. But when Robbins told me of your situation I was deeply saddened. Contact me through my blog – http://briandandersonbooks.blogspot.com/
Perhaps there is something I can do to help you.
Brian D. Anderson
You were on of my favorite teachers because you let us kids be kids. You incorporated academics with liveliness. There was never a dull moment. I loved your pet squirl. I loved the fun and vivacious attitude and just calm but quirky care free spirit you had.
I am so sorry that you’re enduring such. But I admire the fact that you don’t feel sorry for yourself and that you want to positively enjoy your last bit of time here on this earth. If you need anything we are here for you.
Bless you. Bless your soul. And I hope you’re finding peace and calm in this storm.
Your name was Ms.O’Brien when you taught me…didn’t know you were sick Bless you ma’am. I will keep you and your son in my prayers Sincerely
Lankford
I am so sorry Ms. Hamilton. I just heard of this from a former DMS student. Philipians 3:20-21. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Dr. Linam, Wolves team member.