It is definitely fall in Southern Indiana: rainy and only 43 degrees, dark, gloomy skies, but IT IS FALL BREAK. Four days to be lazy, or not, to sleep-in or not, whatever, it is our choice. No bus duty, no meetings, no lunch duty, no parents, no kids, no teachers. Life is good. :-)
I'm not quite ready for such cool weather, but I love the chance to wear sweaters and jackets again. And since my office is a constant 58 degrees with winds out of the north, I have been choosing some bright, colorful new toppers for my basic black look. I find it amazing what a good cover-up can, well..cover! No one needs to know what chunkiness lies beneath my new bronze brocade jacket with tiny ruffled trim. Or that the little patchwork number is disguising 3 rolls of excess insulation. And the navy swing cardigan, oh my, how well it flows over all the extras and makes me look taller and leaner. We all know tall and lean aren't words usually used to describe me, but this navy job is almost a miracle worker. If only it came in other colors. I even bought some new jean trousers, dark indigo, long, lean legs which transform my fat little stubs into legs to my chin. I am so happy with my new things or with the cataract on my right eye which is distorting my vision enough for me to think I'm seeing all these things... yeah, I guess it is the cataract, girls. I'll still be the same ole' dumpy goose when we get together in Indy in a few weeks. No surprises.
My mom is on meds now for the memory loss, she has good days and bad. Depression has been a big issue lately, for the first time in her 80 years, she doesn't have anyone to serve. My nieces have gone to school and aren't there much. Mom has had these girls since birth al days everyday, while their parents work. My brother and his wife would eat at her house many nights when they came to pick up the girls. And now she doesn't have anything to do, to look forward to and she's sad. My sister spends several hours each day with her and I do weekends, but it isn't the same for her. Mom is the oldest of 13 kids and started caring for her younger sibs as a toddler. She babied my dad and us kids, waited on us hand and foot, until we married and beyond. Her life has changed and for her this means it is over. She just doesn't know how to relax and enjoy life. It breaks my heart. I pray you all will never know this for your parents, it is such a feeling of loss. Right, Jill? They are here, but not here, with you, but not really. Loosing my dad was much easier than watching Mom go through this.
I have my annual laryngitis again. No voice and coughing fits every few minutes. Fun, Fun. No fever, just no talkee :-). Fall allergies in the Ohio River Valley, I guess.
I hope everyone is doing great, no snow storms yet, no impossible school issues, no family emergencies. I can't wait to sit down with you all and catch up. After a few days of wallowing in self-pity, I've put away my violin and face each day anew and make the best of it. I do everything I'm capable of to make our school a safe environment for our kids and leave it in my office at night. I always find it waiting the next morning, no one has solved the problems, but at least I didn't take them home to Stephen King. I wasn't being fair to him or myself. Every once in a while I have to see I'm not in control, we all answer to God and He has the Plan. Not me. Rather humbling sometimes.
Courtney is coming home on the 24th for a few weeks, yay! Be wonderful to see her again. The computer has helped with emails, Facebook and Skype, but I need to see and touch my daughter again. At least for awhile.
I'm planning to take my girlies to B-ton for an overnight on Sunday. They have plans for tonight and tomorrow, so they won't be free til after church, but we can go shopping and they can swim. Even Caleb is going, I think. He says he is on Fall break, too and wants to go swimming. Pray for me and my chicklets!
Love to all. Talk to me. Hedy
Friday, October 16, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
PUMPKIN MADNESS
Hello Everyone,
Saturday night, my kiddos just left and I'm tired. I didn't think I would get through this past week alive. The weather change has everyone wired, we are doing Aquity Testing, and it is Pumpkin Festival week in the Valley. Chaos rules the land and all young brains turn to mush. I do believe this place could qualify as a research habitat if some enterprising university would look closely. Suddenly an 8th grade Honors Student finds fractions much too difficult to comprehend. A 6th grader challenges ME to a duel. And sadly, a bright, beautiful girl decides to quit eating. My heart breaks and I'm laughing my head off during the same lunch period. Do I look like I can DUEL? And why oh why are bright, beautiful girls in such need to control something in their lives? What is going on that they can't just be young and carefree and healthy? A former student showed up at the end of the day and cried that her babies were taken from her. ..and her husband just got out of jail. ..and she's just been released from rehab... and she has no money and no where to live...can I help her? The last time we saw each other, I gave her $500 to take her babies and go to her mother's up north. She bought pills instead, got busted and lost her kids. Oh, yes, she's pregnant again. Looking at her, I see my last 20 years go up in smoke. Why did I think I could help anyone? The world is way too big and bad to defeat.
Jill, you are right, we can't do this anymore. Let's retire and run away.
The other side of the coin is my family, my friends, my co-workers and most of the kids in my school. I love them for being normal and gentle and supportive and sweet and non-threatening and excited about life and the future. I am so blessed to have everyone of you in my life. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the others. I'm sorry I let that happen.
Our weather is turning cool and the sky is absolutely magnificent at times. The clear blue is contrasted by the bright white of big, puffy clouds floating through it. The trees are just beginning to turn; each day brings more color. The humidity which seems to blur the air for the entire summer has gone, leaving a clarity that was forgotten. Everyone is struck by it, no one seems to remember it being this bright, this clear last year or ever before. I recall hearing this every fall of my life. It makes me happy that people still notice small things like the weather. We aren't quite so caught up in the rat race that we aren't aware of God's blessings...yet.
I've always felt safe and sheltered in our hills of Southern Indiana. How can the flats of your Northlands offer protection from Nature itself? I suppose the trade off is wide open spaces for hillls and hollows. I wonder if I could have survived in Kansas or Nebraska where the Plains roll on for days without a break in the horizon. I think not. I find comfort in small rooms, small houses, small towns.
I am so excited that most of us are planning to be in Indy on the 13th. Angela, I hope it will work out for you to be with us. Staci, Carrie how about you? I can get a third room, no problem.
Courtney is coming home for a visit on the 24th, we pick her up in Chicago. I hope she stays till after Thanksgiving, but don't know her plans yet. My niece, Stori, adopted 2 Congolese boys and they will be here Nov. 7. Courtney will stay with Stori and her family to help with them for a week or two, I'm sure. They are 6 and 16 months old, Jamey and Stori have an 8 year old boy and a 10 year old daughter. We all are over the moon over getting these babies home. What a wonderful, selfless thing for this family to do. We are so proud of them.
Our family is well, no N1H1, just coughs and sniffles. The boys are growing like weeds and are beautiful. Maddie is as long legged and thin as a colt, doing real well in 4th grade. Mackenzie was inducted into National Honor Society last Sunday in a beautifully quiet ceremony. We were excited and proud that she made it in as a sophomore. Shayla is sporting a new hair style today. Clipped short and spikey, very edgy. She looks much more her age than usual. She will be 21 in December. Such a sweet heart, I worry about her future when Nina and Trent are gone.
Thank you, my girls for letting me bend your ears tonight. I needed to talk. Looking forward to tomorrow. Stephen King and I may go for a long drive. Good night, Gaggle.
Saturday night, my kiddos just left and I'm tired. I didn't think I would get through this past week alive. The weather change has everyone wired, we are doing Aquity Testing, and it is Pumpkin Festival week in the Valley. Chaos rules the land and all young brains turn to mush. I do believe this place could qualify as a research habitat if some enterprising university would look closely. Suddenly an 8th grade Honors Student finds fractions much too difficult to comprehend. A 6th grader challenges ME to a duel. And sadly, a bright, beautiful girl decides to quit eating. My heart breaks and I'm laughing my head off during the same lunch period. Do I look like I can DUEL? And why oh why are bright, beautiful girls in such need to control something in their lives? What is going on that they can't just be young and carefree and healthy? A former student showed up at the end of the day and cried that her babies were taken from her. ..and her husband just got out of jail. ..and she's just been released from rehab... and she has no money and no where to live...can I help her? The last time we saw each other, I gave her $500 to take her babies and go to her mother's up north. She bought pills instead, got busted and lost her kids. Oh, yes, she's pregnant again. Looking at her, I see my last 20 years go up in smoke. Why did I think I could help anyone? The world is way too big and bad to defeat.
Jill, you are right, we can't do this anymore. Let's retire and run away.
The other side of the coin is my family, my friends, my co-workers and most of the kids in my school. I love them for being normal and gentle and supportive and sweet and non-threatening and excited about life and the future. I am so blessed to have everyone of you in my life. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the others. I'm sorry I let that happen.
Our weather is turning cool and the sky is absolutely magnificent at times. The clear blue is contrasted by the bright white of big, puffy clouds floating through it. The trees are just beginning to turn; each day brings more color. The humidity which seems to blur the air for the entire summer has gone, leaving a clarity that was forgotten. Everyone is struck by it, no one seems to remember it being this bright, this clear last year or ever before. I recall hearing this every fall of my life. It makes me happy that people still notice small things like the weather. We aren't quite so caught up in the rat race that we aren't aware of God's blessings...yet.
I've always felt safe and sheltered in our hills of Southern Indiana. How can the flats of your Northlands offer protection from Nature itself? I suppose the trade off is wide open spaces for hillls and hollows. I wonder if I could have survived in Kansas or Nebraska where the Plains roll on for days without a break in the horizon. I think not. I find comfort in small rooms, small houses, small towns.
I am so excited that most of us are planning to be in Indy on the 13th. Angela, I hope it will work out for you to be with us. Staci, Carrie how about you? I can get a third room, no problem.
Courtney is coming home for a visit on the 24th, we pick her up in Chicago. I hope she stays till after Thanksgiving, but don't know her plans yet. My niece, Stori, adopted 2 Congolese boys and they will be here Nov. 7. Courtney will stay with Stori and her family to help with them for a week or two, I'm sure. They are 6 and 16 months old, Jamey and Stori have an 8 year old boy and a 10 year old daughter. We all are over the moon over getting these babies home. What a wonderful, selfless thing for this family to do. We are so proud of them.
Our family is well, no N1H1, just coughs and sniffles. The boys are growing like weeds and are beautiful. Maddie is as long legged and thin as a colt, doing real well in 4th grade. Mackenzie was inducted into National Honor Society last Sunday in a beautifully quiet ceremony. We were excited and proud that she made it in as a sophomore. Shayla is sporting a new hair style today. Clipped short and spikey, very edgy. She looks much more her age than usual. She will be 21 in December. Such a sweet heart, I worry about her future when Nina and Trent are gone.
Thank you, my girls for letting me bend your ears tonight. I needed to talk. Looking forward to tomorrow. Stephen King and I may go for a long drive. Good night, Gaggle.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
GAGGLEFEST FALL '09
INDIANAPOLIS MARRIOT NORTH
3645 RIVER CROSSING PARKWAY
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240
FRIDAY NOV. 13, 2009. TWO ROOMS EVERYONE WELCOME
FOOD, DRINK, CHAT, FUN
WEDDING NEWS, BABY NEWS
NO SHOP TALK, UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
SEE YOU THERE!!!!!
3645 RIVER CROSSING PARKWAY
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240
FRIDAY NOV. 13, 2009. TWO ROOMS EVERYONE WELCOME
FOOD, DRINK, CHAT, FUN
WEDDING NEWS, BABY NEWS
NO SHOP TALK, UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
SEE YOU THERE!!!!!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Next Gagglefest????
Another Sunday night, my girls, the world keeps spinning around to Sunday night. Someone needs to get the next Gagglefest going. I'm the least busy, I know, but don't have a clue when you all could take a break in Indy. I'll just throw out some dates; Nov. 6-7. Friday night and Saturday? F-ball shouldbe over and B-ball not started. I'm not sure about dance or little kids . What does anyone think, can we do this? If not post some other dates. I'll get a couple of rooms on the North side or downtown??? What do you prefer?
We are all terrific, the weather is superb in the south, you all should try it! Jill, have you run off with the office supply man? I'm beginning to worry, Lady. Speak up...soon.
Back to the ZOO tomorrow, for us all. Smile and enjoy it, we could be working for IPS. Now that would hurt. Or DOE, anyone scared by Bennett? He and Your Man Mitch are quite the dynamic duo, what?
Stephen King is headed to New Mexico with the sisters on Wednesday, if you are down this way, stop in and we'll go to the casino or at least to a nice restaurant for dinner. I'm off to bed now to watch Design Star, finale. I thought they were all bad designers this year. But I've watched this far might as well see it through.
Good night, Ladies. Have a wonderful week. Talk to me, Hedy
We are all terrific, the weather is superb in the south, you all should try it! Jill, have you run off with the office supply man? I'm beginning to worry, Lady. Speak up...soon.
Back to the ZOO tomorrow, for us all. Smile and enjoy it, we could be working for IPS. Now that would hurt. Or DOE, anyone scared by Bennett? He and Your Man Mitch are quite the dynamic duo, what?
Stephen King is headed to New Mexico with the sisters on Wednesday, if you are down this way, stop in and we'll go to the casino or at least to a nice restaurant for dinner. I'm off to bed now to watch Design Star, finale. I thought they were all bad designers this year. But I've watched this far might as well see it through.
Good night, Ladies. Have a wonderful week. Talk to me, Hedy
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Bright Skies Overhead and In My Head!!!
Hello Ladies,
I am posting again to counteract the last gloomy post. Things are looking better for everyone this week. Both our boys are back in school and doing as well as can be expected. Our friend is home from Mayo and is patiently awaiting her body's acceptance of the new meds. We are having amazing late summer weather down here with early fog giving way to bright blue skies and moderate temps... night time brings that cool crisp air of early fall.
My nephew Joe and his sweetie Bonner married on Sunday after an 8 year courtship. It was a beautiful, simple, elegant ceremony at Historic Locust Grove in Louisville, Ky. This is the home of George Rogers Clark and has been kept in pristine condition with lovely gardens. The couple was married on the big front porch while the guests looked on from the lawn. I haven't figured out how to post a picture yet, but maybe later.
Our niece Stori and her husband Jamey are adopting 2 babies from the Congo and were to leave this month to bring them home. The paperwork has been delayed and it looks like another month before our family increases by 2. The boys are brothers, 10 months apart. Ian is 5 months old and Chad is 15. Such cuties. They are living with a foster family that was able to get them out of the orphanage for Jamey and Stori. The orphanages are primitive at best and the boys have both suffered from malaria and others diseases. They are thriving in the foster home. Parker and Liv, the big brother and sister are so anxious to have their new siblings home. Liv is 10 and Park 8 and they have to be the sweetest, most kind-hearted kids around. They know the boys coming means a big lifestyle change for them, but they aren't complaining at all and have helped get the house ready for babies. Liv and Parker picked out the babies' names. Chad is the name of 2 family friends and Ian was chosen because they liked it! Our whole family is counting the days til we can hold these new blessings. No babes since Gavin and he will soon be 5.
I had lunch with Caleb yesterday in his classroom for Grandparents' Day. He is a totally different boy in school; polite and calm, but still the cutest kid in the room!!! Those big brown eyes are killers, I tell you. Friday we eat with Madeleine. next year Gav will be in K, so we will have 3 days at school! Cannot wait. The kids puff up when they introduce their grandparents to their classmates. My heart breaks for those kids who have no visitors. Most young g-parents are working.
Mom is doing better this week, she was at lunch with Rob's little girl, Kylee, who is in Cabe's room. She calls me and Debbie grandma, too, so introductions were somewhat confusing! Caleb kept saying "is not your g-ma" and "G-ma Helen is mine too" to Kylee. Quietly though.
Anna, I hope you are feeling better, Swine Flu? Hope not. Good thoughts and prayers to Angela and the kids with the doctor appointment this week. They are the busiest family I know. Elaine, how is the new job? Kids OK? I've been thinking about little Annie, how's she doing? Kirstie, still feeling good? Staci, it was good to hear from you and thanks for the support. I hope everyone else has settled in to the year without too much difficulty. I am still pleased with how we are doing here. Some bumps in the road, but mostly smooth sailing. We have had substitutes out the wazoo in the middle school, but they've been great. Progress reports go out Friday, then my real work starts; interventions for all the struggling students. Nothing like a mailing from school to get a parent's attention. We are hip deep in the new RTI work and I am not getting much cooperation from my teachers. I don't know how they will handle IEPs for everyone, which is what I see coming down the road. I hope to be out by then. Angry teachers are scary!
I'm home this morning to take Mom to Accountant appointment, she is sure she's bleeding money, but I think she's OK. Our own investments have improved lately. Thank Goodness. Stephen King was afraid he would have to look for a real job! He loves retirement and is busy all the time. Canning, freezing, taking old guys to the doctor, helping nephew rebuild the old homeplace. Loving every minute of it. He is even learning to clean up after himself in the kitchen, a true miracle, I believe.
My family is great, health wise and everyone is busy, busy. Like all the rest of you I imagine. Take good care and talk to me whenever you have a moment. Love to all, Hedy
I am posting again to counteract the last gloomy post. Things are looking better for everyone this week. Both our boys are back in school and doing as well as can be expected. Our friend is home from Mayo and is patiently awaiting her body's acceptance of the new meds. We are having amazing late summer weather down here with early fog giving way to bright blue skies and moderate temps... night time brings that cool crisp air of early fall.
My nephew Joe and his sweetie Bonner married on Sunday after an 8 year courtship. It was a beautiful, simple, elegant ceremony at Historic Locust Grove in Louisville, Ky. This is the home of George Rogers Clark and has been kept in pristine condition with lovely gardens. The couple was married on the big front porch while the guests looked on from the lawn. I haven't figured out how to post a picture yet, but maybe later.
Our niece Stori and her husband Jamey are adopting 2 babies from the Congo and were to leave this month to bring them home. The paperwork has been delayed and it looks like another month before our family increases by 2. The boys are brothers, 10 months apart. Ian is 5 months old and Chad is 15. Such cuties. They are living with a foster family that was able to get them out of the orphanage for Jamey and Stori. The orphanages are primitive at best and the boys have both suffered from malaria and others diseases. They are thriving in the foster home. Parker and Liv, the big brother and sister are so anxious to have their new siblings home. Liv is 10 and Park 8 and they have to be the sweetest, most kind-hearted kids around. They know the boys coming means a big lifestyle change for them, but they aren't complaining at all and have helped get the house ready for babies. Liv and Parker picked out the babies' names. Chad is the name of 2 family friends and Ian was chosen because they liked it! Our whole family is counting the days til we can hold these new blessings. No babes since Gavin and he will soon be 5.
I had lunch with Caleb yesterday in his classroom for Grandparents' Day. He is a totally different boy in school; polite and calm, but still the cutest kid in the room!!! Those big brown eyes are killers, I tell you. Friday we eat with Madeleine. next year Gav will be in K, so we will have 3 days at school! Cannot wait. The kids puff up when they introduce their grandparents to their classmates. My heart breaks for those kids who have no visitors. Most young g-parents are working.
Mom is doing better this week, she was at lunch with Rob's little girl, Kylee, who is in Cabe's room. She calls me and Debbie grandma, too, so introductions were somewhat confusing! Caleb kept saying "is not your g-ma" and "G-ma Helen is mine too" to Kylee. Quietly though.
Anna, I hope you are feeling better, Swine Flu? Hope not. Good thoughts and prayers to Angela and the kids with the doctor appointment this week. They are the busiest family I know. Elaine, how is the new job? Kids OK? I've been thinking about little Annie, how's she doing? Kirstie, still feeling good? Staci, it was good to hear from you and thanks for the support. I hope everyone else has settled in to the year without too much difficulty. I am still pleased with how we are doing here. Some bumps in the road, but mostly smooth sailing. We have had substitutes out the wazoo in the middle school, but they've been great. Progress reports go out Friday, then my real work starts; interventions for all the struggling students. Nothing like a mailing from school to get a parent's attention. We are hip deep in the new RTI work and I am not getting much cooperation from my teachers. I don't know how they will handle IEPs for everyone, which is what I see coming down the road. I hope to be out by then. Angry teachers are scary!
I'm home this morning to take Mom to Accountant appointment, she is sure she's bleeding money, but I think she's OK. Our own investments have improved lately. Thank Goodness. Stephen King was afraid he would have to look for a real job! He loves retirement and is busy all the time. Canning, freezing, taking old guys to the doctor, helping nephew rebuild the old homeplace. Loving every minute of it. He is even learning to clean up after himself in the kitchen, a true miracle, I believe.
My family is great, health wise and everyone is busy, busy. Like all the rest of you I imagine. Take good care and talk to me whenever you have a moment. Love to all, Hedy
Friday, September 4, 2009
Where Is A Good Counselor When I Need One?
I'm writing this from my desk at school, which is something I never do. When I'm at work, I am at work. But this has been a very trying week for us and I'm taking my lunch time to reach out to my friends.
We have another student at Riley with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He is the 14 year old son of one of our 6th grade teachers and one of our maintenance guys. This is the same class that lost a boy the first day of summer break. We also have a 6th grade teacher in Mayo Clinic, she hasn't worked this year at all due to numbness spreading over her body. I am so grateful for the upcoming 3 day weekend; everyone needs a break from the stress.
This boy is such a sweetheart, an All American boy next door. He is a class leader; all the kids admire him for his character, athletic ability and academic strength. He and his older brother a polite, compassionate, and friendly young men. The parents are close friends of everyone on the staff, they are both from local families and have worked here for years. Good People. He had his first chemo yesterday and was very ill afterwards. Today and tomorrow hold more of the same for him.
Teachers have been asking me into their classrooms to speak with his classmates this week; looking at their hurt faces, listening to their questioning pleas is almost as difficult as knowing what the family is going through. I reassure them his doctors are very optimistic and he will be fine after treatment, we discuss all the possible side effects of the chemo, talk about how to support each other and encourage them to pray, if that is their belief. Still in the back of my mind, the depth of my heart, I'm questioning too. Why is this happening? Why do children have to suffer? When do we learn to accept and trust? Life is difficult no matter who you are, did you know that?
The teacher in Mayo is afraid she may have some progressive disease which will completely change her life. She, too, has been a part of our community all her life. She has 2 sons and fears that they will have to watch her lose her battle with this illness.
I wasn't able to finish the post yesterday, too many interuptions, but we got some good news after school. The results from Mayo were that she has the lesser of the two conditions, chronic, but treatable. Answered prayers.
On the home front, Mom is now being treated for early onset of Alzheimers. Her short term memory comes and goes. She was great last night when Stephen King and I dropped her off from dinner. Two hours later she calls my sister in a panic over her meds; Deb got there to see pills all over the counter and Mom not remembering what she had taken. My nephew is getting married in L-ville tomorrow and Deb's day is full today. My brother and I will keep check on Mom till Deb picks her up for rehearsal dinner this evening. I keep reminding Debbie to BREATHE, but she is excitable. I've thought of you, Jill, all week and your momma. Bless you both. I think this is a long, long road we are starting down.
Our kids are great; Caleb and Gavin are less than impressed with school, but continue to attend. We may be looking at homeschool for those two characters!. Mack is loving sophomore year without PE. And Madeleine is becoming a stronger 4th grader everyday. She loves school and being with all her buddies. Stephen King is busy all the time, helping the nephew restore the old home place. And as he always says, "happiest SOB in the world". What a way with words he has!
Courtney is planning a visit home in late October and we are all excited. She will return to Oz after a couple of weeks, I'm sure. She has found her home and is very happy in it. She and Ken are an oddly matched couple, but seem to care deeply for each other and that makes her parents happy. She can apply for residency next year and then be allowed to work in any field she chooses. She makes the most of her temporary retirement by cooking from scratch, knitting and of course reading books by the dozen. They have a small sailboat and take long weekends sailing the many islands in a nearby bay. The pix from her are amazing; the wildlife, ocean and land formations are wild.
It is Saturday noon and I must check out the wedding duds for the man and myself. I'm hoping everything is still fitting, I didn't shop for new and the closest mall is 60 miles away. Don't want to shame the family by wearing our camo or anything tacky. I'm saving that for our Anna's wedding, hehehe.
I hope all of you are healthy and enjoying this good, long weekend with your loved ones. Miss you all and hope we can plan a gagglefest soon. Talk to me, Ladies. Hedy
We have another student at Riley with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He is the 14 year old son of one of our 6th grade teachers and one of our maintenance guys. This is the same class that lost a boy the first day of summer break. We also have a 6th grade teacher in Mayo Clinic, she hasn't worked this year at all due to numbness spreading over her body. I am so grateful for the upcoming 3 day weekend; everyone needs a break from the stress.
This boy is such a sweetheart, an All American boy next door. He is a class leader; all the kids admire him for his character, athletic ability and academic strength. He and his older brother a polite, compassionate, and friendly young men. The parents are close friends of everyone on the staff, they are both from local families and have worked here for years. Good People. He had his first chemo yesterday and was very ill afterwards. Today and tomorrow hold more of the same for him.
Teachers have been asking me into their classrooms to speak with his classmates this week; looking at their hurt faces, listening to their questioning pleas is almost as difficult as knowing what the family is going through. I reassure them his doctors are very optimistic and he will be fine after treatment, we discuss all the possible side effects of the chemo, talk about how to support each other and encourage them to pray, if that is their belief. Still in the back of my mind, the depth of my heart, I'm questioning too. Why is this happening? Why do children have to suffer? When do we learn to accept and trust? Life is difficult no matter who you are, did you know that?
The teacher in Mayo is afraid she may have some progressive disease which will completely change her life. She, too, has been a part of our community all her life. She has 2 sons and fears that they will have to watch her lose her battle with this illness.
I wasn't able to finish the post yesterday, too many interuptions, but we got some good news after school. The results from Mayo were that she has the lesser of the two conditions, chronic, but treatable. Answered prayers.
On the home front, Mom is now being treated for early onset of Alzheimers. Her short term memory comes and goes. She was great last night when Stephen King and I dropped her off from dinner. Two hours later she calls my sister in a panic over her meds; Deb got there to see pills all over the counter and Mom not remembering what she had taken. My nephew is getting married in L-ville tomorrow and Deb's day is full today. My brother and I will keep check on Mom till Deb picks her up for rehearsal dinner this evening. I keep reminding Debbie to BREATHE, but she is excitable. I've thought of you, Jill, all week and your momma. Bless you both. I think this is a long, long road we are starting down.
Our kids are great; Caleb and Gavin are less than impressed with school, but continue to attend. We may be looking at homeschool for those two characters!. Mack is loving sophomore year without PE. And Madeleine is becoming a stronger 4th grader everyday. She loves school and being with all her buddies. Stephen King is busy all the time, helping the nephew restore the old home place. And as he always says, "happiest SOB in the world". What a way with words he has!
Courtney is planning a visit home in late October and we are all excited. She will return to Oz after a couple of weeks, I'm sure. She has found her home and is very happy in it. She and Ken are an oddly matched couple, but seem to care deeply for each other and that makes her parents happy. She can apply for residency next year and then be allowed to work in any field she chooses. She makes the most of her temporary retirement by cooking from scratch, knitting and of course reading books by the dozen. They have a small sailboat and take long weekends sailing the many islands in a nearby bay. The pix from her are amazing; the wildlife, ocean and land formations are wild.
It is Saturday noon and I must check out the wedding duds for the man and myself. I'm hoping everything is still fitting, I didn't shop for new and the closest mall is 60 miles away. Don't want to shame the family by wearing our camo or anything tacky. I'm saving that for our Anna's wedding, hehehe.
I hope all of you are healthy and enjoying this good, long weekend with your loved ones. Miss you all and hope we can plan a gagglefest soon. Talk to me, Ladies. Hedy
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Congratulations Kirstie and Pat
What terrific news from the McClamrocks! How exciting to have another gosling on the way. Gee, wonder what gender it will be? All those girls on one side, all those boys on the other? Maybe twins are the answer! You could have knocked me over last night when I got that text, I have been wondering about K's silence lately. I thought she was like the rest of us COVERED up with work, didn't suspect this might be going on. Silly me. I'm happy that you haven't been too uncomfortable yet, Kirstie. Pregnancy can be a joyous time. Mine weren't but that's another story. I'm sure other women have experienced lovely months of morning sickness, heartburn, weight gain, hemorrhoids and all the other special things you have to look forward to in the coming months. Really, it isn't too bad, is it Ladies? Sorry, I just couldn't resist being mean. I know you'll be fine and I know how cute you will look in the new maternity clothes. My daughters-in-law were thrilled they didn't have those ugly things that women wore in my day. Talk about BAD, we looked like pumpkins on stilts. Skinny pants or skirts and tent tops. OK, let's get the name game going for this babe. I say something simple and classic to go with the lengthy Scottish surname. Something like CLAIRE. OK, who is next to suggest their favorite?
Allison says she is finally in the groove, I guess I am too. Our 6th graders are too, too young to be in middle school, but aren't they always? Our new principal is turning out to be a dream come true...supportive, high expectations, no excuses and funny. If I'm dreaming, do not wake me! Really, no kids in the hall, no tardy passes, no nurse passes unless there is blood or broken bones, no gum, no phones, no sticking paper clips in electric outlets. Well the other guy didn't allow that either, but the new one suspends X 2 days for that. And it happened today, in my building, of course. By accident, of course, any one can accidently straighten out a big ole paper clip and accidently stick it into the outlet, of course. Did you know the plastic coating melts when you do that? Yeah, it does and the clip gets all black and fire shoots out. Freaky accident. But,,,I was able to laugh it off to childish pranks, while thanking God he didn't get electrocuted. And Mom has no working phone or emergency number listed. And then there's the girl who showered after PE with her clothes on so she wouldn't be late to class. Yep, in my building. Today. I cannot wait till tomorrow. :-)
The mood in our school is a total 180 from the last 2 years, so much improved. How one person can make such a difference is amazing to me. I feel excited as we plan the next few years. We are being encouraged to use the middle school concept as we have wanted from the start in our new building. I may even have time for counseling! Not that I CAN, but maybe. It feels great to be excited about work again. This is why I started down this road, to feel excited about helping in the educating of young minds, shaping young lives. I'm glad I can do that again before I retire. Administration is not my cup of tea.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, the weather is supposed to be great here in the southland. Finally, a break in the humidity. Stephen King and I may have to do something fun. Talk to me, Girls. Love
Allison says she is finally in the groove, I guess I am too. Our 6th graders are too, too young to be in middle school, but aren't they always? Our new principal is turning out to be a dream come true...supportive, high expectations, no excuses and funny. If I'm dreaming, do not wake me! Really, no kids in the hall, no tardy passes, no nurse passes unless there is blood or broken bones, no gum, no phones, no sticking paper clips in electric outlets. Well the other guy didn't allow that either, but the new one suspends X 2 days for that. And it happened today, in my building, of course. By accident, of course, any one can accidently straighten out a big ole paper clip and accidently stick it into the outlet, of course. Did you know the plastic coating melts when you do that? Yeah, it does and the clip gets all black and fire shoots out. Freaky accident. But,,,I was able to laugh it off to childish pranks, while thanking God he didn't get electrocuted. And Mom has no working phone or emergency number listed. And then there's the girl who showered after PE with her clothes on so she wouldn't be late to class. Yep, in my building. Today. I cannot wait till tomorrow. :-)
The mood in our school is a total 180 from the last 2 years, so much improved. How one person can make such a difference is amazing to me. I feel excited as we plan the next few years. We are being encouraged to use the middle school concept as we have wanted from the start in our new building. I may even have time for counseling! Not that I CAN, but maybe. It feels great to be excited about work again. This is why I started down this road, to feel excited about helping in the educating of young minds, shaping young lives. I'm glad I can do that again before I retire. Administration is not my cup of tea.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, the weather is supposed to be great here in the southland. Finally, a break in the humidity. Stephen King and I may have to do something fun. Talk to me, Girls. Love
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