This morning, around 7:15, I was in my classroom and a heard someone run in the door. Taylor’s best friend, Steven Forsberg came in! He ran from his home to Skyline and came in to give me a big hug. Try keeping the tears away then. Steven’s mom, Shauna, struggled w/ breast cancer and passed away when Steven was in the 8th grade. She was such a beautiful person- one of the genuinely kindest people I have ever met and she suffered much in silence. I feel sick that I wasn’t there for her! She was so happy to be a mom and would take Taylor everywhere they went. She was a second Mom to Taylor and for that I will always love her. I, too, am Steven’s 2nd Mom! It was so hard for Steven to lose his Mom. She was the cement in that family and sorely missed. But I have felt her spirit many times and I know she wants him to succeed. It gave me a chance to tell him how much his Mom loved him and still does. He is going to be a walk-on for the Westminster Men’s basketball. I want Steven to reach his potential in life!
I talked w/ Matt Clark, my favorite friend at Skyline. He has been an incredible support to me. He has gone through a lot and knows how hard it is when life throws you a curve, which is definitely how I feel. Like all the sudden, this girl, who thinks she has control over her life and goals, pretty much is going down the road and just waiting for the next test results to tell her which path to go. It’s sobering but I can also feel it teaching me lessons I can learn no other way.
I knew it would be hard to tell my students that I had cancer, but I was unaware of how dear each of them is to me. I told my 3 classes that I had been diagnosed with cancer and I watched them respond. Their eyes would water or they would gasp, cover their mouths or groan. I looked over to see one boy that I had last year (and has a very gentle spirit) and his eyes were watery. That’s what touches me the deepest- when someone hurts because you hurt. I am finding it very hard to pack up mid-year and gather my things when I have so much more to share w/ them. Here’s what I learned today: we have a bigger and wider impact than we ever realize on those around us. Three of my students left packages on my door and the kindest messages- thanks Jenessa and family, Caryanna and Natalie. I also got the sweetest e-mail message from Hayley whose words of wisdom really touched me. I love you guys!
I can not even believe the support that we, as a family, have received. We live in this incredible community of givers and I am the recipient. It is a lesson to me, that I need to be so much more aware of other’s problems. I have been given much. I don’t even think this cancer could live with all the prayers that have been offered. I e-mailed the teachers to let them know why someone else was in my room and I got back the most incredible responses of hope and well wishes.
I talked w/ Patti Clements and she told me that Scott would shave his head if I lose my hair. I know it’s coming Scott so I’m excited for that. Maybe we can get buzzes together!
Thank you Malissa Rodgers Ryberg Family for the beautiful bouquet of flowers that arrived at school. I loved looking at them all day. Heidi and Roger brought dinner by- delicious, and Caryanna and Natalie brought a sweet card and gorgeous flower, Kim and Landon Rudd brought flowers, Maddie Jones keeps checking on me!
My sister, Lynne, called to say she was going for genetic testing in Portland to see if there is some family link to our cancers. We would like to find out if there is a connection so that our sisters don’t have to go through this and also for Lynne’s daughters and Maggie and Kate.
Serida left a kind message on the phone. She has always been a source of strength to me. Both Peter and Serida have had so… much impact on our family.
Melissa Faber is such a resource- thanks for this incredible quote:
Surgery tomorrow- It was great to talk to my surgeon, Erika Lloyd. She’s got an incredible way of making you feel like she has all the time in the world to answer your question. I have a lot of faith in her!
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