Rocked to the Core I am an emotionally mess. Ive always had a sensitive spot for children who are fighting cancer. I believe no child should have to fight for their life. I first met a family affected by childhood cancer in 2007. Wendy was a nurse aide in my multi handicapped classroom. She was my saving grace along with one student named Conner. I still picture his bright blue eyes and hear his contagious laughter. Wendy had not worked since the passing of her son, Nick age 15. She came into our classroom with a bright smile and enthusiasm. We had a great year. School ended and summer started. Less than 3 weeks later, I received news that Conner passed due to complications from mitochondrial disease. I believe Wendy was sent to our room to be with Conner and build a relationship with his mom. None of us expected him to pass nor what Wendy would mean to us. Since 2007, I havent encountered another family like the Averys until a few months ago. Wilson is an energetic, full of live, 8 year old boy. I began to follow his journey for several weeks and realized I knew his mom. She had been a waitress at Pizza Hut when I was a hostess. Wilson has been battling leukemia for 2 years and is experiencing complications. He has lost the ability of his left side and is barely speaking. Hospice has been called. Please say an extra prayer for Wilson and his family. Yesterday morning I was texting with Kevin. As I pulled in the parking lot at school, my phone rang with a number I didnt recognize but I answered it anyway. The voice was Kevin calling from his land line. We spoke for just a few minutes before I had to go but we planned to have a phone date later on in the evening. At 7:30p, my phone rang. Kevin was on the other line. We talked and laughed for over 40 minutes. We compared how we were feeling. We discussed how we found out our diagnosis. We discussed our family life. We spoke of our chance encounter. I learned if he would have followed his doctors orders, we never would have met. He postponed his treatments because of prior engagements throughout the summer and opted to begin treatment in the fall. We did not speak of the elephant in the room; his terminal diagnosis. Without speaking of it, I know we decided to keep our conversations to the present and build a friendship. No matter how much time we have to build this relationship, we will put forth the effort because having someone in your corner that just gets you is a treasure. I honestly dont know the reason for rambling both of these stories to you. Maybe I want to spread awareness about childhood cancer. Maybe I want others to experience the type of friendship I have the privilege of having with Kevin. Maybe writing is my escape. Maybe I want you to understand the world is consumed by people fighting their own battles we may know nothing about. Whatever the reason, I thank you for reading.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 17:17:51 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015