Generosity...

Once again I am left in awe because of the kindness of others. My co-workers (at two schools!) donated money to Jim and I to help with medical expenses. I was so surprised, so thankful, so grateful, and so appreciative of their kindness and generosity. I certainly did not expect it! I was so touched and overwhelmed with their compassion I had to fight back tears just minutes before school was to start because I didn't want the kids at school to think something was wrong. I held it together, barely. I will always wonder if my friends know how much their gesture meant to me. 

Their timing was impeccable. Just yesterday I had expressed concern in my blog about Jim’s low white blood cell count. I didn't blog about the financial aspect, but I also had concern about Jim’s five extra trips to the cancer facility to receive the additional medications. Each trip takes more gasoline money. Each additional doctor visit is another $35 co-pay. My main focus was, and is, Jim’s low WBC counts… but in the back of my mind I was worried about the extra expenses. I knew (or was hopeful) the funds would somehow work out; at least it always seems to work out. Little did I know that 'elves" were at work gathering funds to assist us through this crisis. The amount that we received, $249.00, was the exact amount to cover the five co-pays, plus gasoline, plus Jim’s new prescriptions. It was amazing to me that the exact amount we needed was the exact amount we received. As a friend told me today, God knows. 

They will never know just how deeply I was moved by their kindness. Some of the co-workers I have know for years, some of them I recently met, some of them I do not know at all. And yet, they helped us. Someday I will pay it forward. 

50th Birthday...

I guess ignoring my birthday this year was just not going to happen. I went with the theory ‘if you can't beat them, join them’. My birthday started off very nicely. My husband, Jim, baked me a chocolate cake. Jim and the kids iced and decorated the cake, too.

Since it was my birthday I took mini-cupcakes to work for the 60+ kids in grade two that I work with. I thought this would be the end of my birthday at school. I was wrong! I was so surprised to find out that the three grade 2 teachers had baked me a cake to share with all the school employees. They had put up posters on their classroom doors announcing my birthday. These same three teachers took time out of their busy day to sing Happy Birthday to me. They also gave me a lovely gift. They wore black in my honor. They had a coworker create a big 50 hat for me to wear all day. The kids all loved the 50-hat that I was “required” to wear all day. As I entered each classroom, the children stopped working and sang happy birthday to me. I was so touched by the joy that was shared with me. Second graders love birthdays, so when they told me happy birthday I could see that they really meant it with the all their hearts. Many of the kids were amazed at the age 50, which made me laugh inside. They had a hard time grasping the concept of 50 birthdays, since they have only had eight so far.

My son and daughter-in-law sent a lovely bouquet of flowers. My daughter called me first thing this morning. She had already sent me a cute weekend bag that she had created herself. My step-daughter sent me a cute video of the triplets telling me happy birthday from all of them. We topped off the day by going out to dinner with friends.

Being 50 isn't so bad.

Catching up...

It has been unseasonably chilly here in Kansas this mid-April 2013. I am ready for spring to arrive with some new flowers, green grass, and new leaves on the trees. I am ready for a fresh start and a fresh outlook.

from google images

My husband Jim had his first three days of treatment in this second cycle of chemotherapy for his lung cancer. Jim’s white blood cells continue to be an issue. Jim is very queasy, even while taking his two anti-nausea medicines. Jim is very tired. He takes several naps to try and deal with the fatigue. Jim continues to have a good attitude and good spirits because it is what it is.

My new job is going well. I really enjoy working with children again. I love the cooperative spirit at the school with everyone on the same team and no drama. It makes going to work more like a hobby than a job because it is such an enjoyable experience. I love the “light bulb” moment when a child understands the new task. I have been there to witness their joy and pride at mastering a new skill.

My family will continue to play the cards that are dealt to us as we move forward in this journey. 

New job...

The job that I applied for recently has come through. There were so many qualified candidates that I was pleasantly surprised that I was selected. After being a stay at home mom for over 15 years, I am now a working mom again. I am proud that Jim and I are meeting our own financial needs.

Right now I am feeling bitter-sweet. I am proud that I was chosen for the job, but I am saddened that I will be returning to the workforce. I am glad that I can provide for the family, but disappointed that it pays so little. I am happy that the job is part time, but wish that the job had some benefits that only come with the full time position. I will no longer be available for our special needs daughter because I am working, but I hope that Jim can take the call if there is an emergency. All my mornings will now be committed, but my afternoons will allow me to be available for Jim’s appointments. 

I know I will love the job… once I get over the guilt.