"Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright"

Lately, I've spent some time reflecting on my life's journey to this point. Not unintentional reflection...more reflection due to assignments in school, personal struggles and outside circumstances, but any how...it still has allowed me to think of some experiences in a different light. 

Last year, I had the pleasure of teaching a delightful student. She was that "little ray of sunshine" (pardon the cliche) no matter what day of the week I saw her. Throughout the year, I learned that aside from previous health issues she dealt with, she and I had quite a bit in common. She loved to go the beach and surf and swim, she plays the flute, loves to be outside and play sports, but was also 100% girl! I was always intrigued by her spirit...never negative...never upset...never weak! 

Throughout last year, I began to notice that she was missing quite a bit of school due to health issues...headaches, stomach pain etc. I grew increasingly more concerned based on her previous illness. At the end of the last year, my sweet, strong, positive little student was re-diagnosed with neuroblastoma (a form of cancer that affects nerve cells).

Throughout the summer months, I followed a blog written by her parents about their journeys across the country to see doctors, but most importantly to have FUN! I was encouraged all summer long by how ALIVE she was...how HAPPY she was...how STRONG she was! 

On the first day of school, I was able to say hello, ask her some questions about her summer and play catch up, but it wasn't but a few weeks into the year, that she became increasingly more symptomatic of the cancer AND the treatment (GAH...CANCER SUCKS). She wasn't able to come to school for sometime due to high temperatures, sickness, weakness and the treatments she was undergoing. As a part of the treatment, her hair began to fall out. They decided to cut her hair to her chin...It was ADORABLE! 

On Monday, I was able to see her at school again! I got to give her a big hug...tell her how beautiful she is! and catch up a little bit!

That night I began thinking about her situation. How exhausted she must be trying to "save face"? How scary it must be to know how sick you are? But, I was also reminded of how STRONG she is! How BRAVE she is! and how POSITIVE she is! Even in light of all the darkness...she sees the light! 

It is really convicting honestly...how challenged I felt! Here I am, worried about things (yes important things) but still....nothing in comparison. I was once again reminding that each day is a blessing from above and more importantly....each day MATTERS...each day COUNTS...each day WE CHOSE how we will face the day. 

I hate that this precious, innocent, determined young lady has to face this challenge at all, but I am reminded that if a 13 year old can fight for her life with such grace as she does, than I can face the challenges in my life with the same grace, dignity and positivity. 

For all of you who read this...please say a prayer for my dear student! Pray for strength, peace and healing! 

Without a doubt, I am reminded daily to Live In Grace! 

                                                                           ~ G 

Wishin' I was 21

September is the month of birthdays for so many people in my life! My hubs, both of my sisters' boyfriends, my own and my baby sister, Amelia's birthday! This weekend we went down to Orlando to help celebrate her 21st birthday! It was an awesome time with family and friends....and wishing we were 21 again!

Before we headed to Orlando, we drove to Gainesville to watch Amelia run a meet. She is a cross country runner for the University of Central Florida. I'm always fascinated by watching her (and all the college runners) race! They are FAASSSSTTTTT! And I can't help but be a little inspired by how disciplined they are!! I don't get to see her run very often, so it was a real treat!!

 

 

 

 

 

Driving to Orlando was a NIGHTMARE! We tried to take I-75 to the TurnPike, but there was an awful wreck, so we ended up taking these small country roads all the way to Otown! It would have been great...except there were traffic lights every 100 yards (quite literally)! Once we FINALLY made it, we were fortunate enough to spend some time with our dear friends Ashley and Neil! They hosted us for the rest of the weekend.

We took Amelia out for her birthday in Downtown Orlando. Neil served as our host and really did a great job showing Amelia the ropes! I think we all had a great time! Lots of great drinks, great music and great company!
 

Isn't she gorgeous?

 

Its a family affair!

  

 

 

It's really crazy to think about how much has changed in my life since I turned 21! But as I think back on those 6 years ago...I realize what a FUN, exciting and fulfilling chapter it opened! I'm hoping that Amelia enjoys this new phase in her life...soaks up the memories...and toasts to all things new!

 

Happy Birthday Sister!

 ~ G