One of Jacob and John's classmates Garth Glover died. John said, "Well, mom now he's every ones best friend." In answer to me about who was closest to him and John trying to tell explain how he didn't know who his truly close friends were. Jacob had him in a class and both boys knew him. But, yesterday as I sat by his grandmother at the funeral home I was really hit hard, once again, with the reality of this life. The losses of this life are so big, sometimes they are simply overwhelming. I am sure Garth's family is at that point and have been there for a couple of weeks as they stood by him in the hospital.
My dear friend of many many years Mildred McDaniel died of a heart attack on Monday evening. Mildred had one birth son and adopted 9 children. She was single mom and like many moms with children whose mother's did drugs had some tough kids. She was actually in court with one of her teenagers when she died. She leaves 6 young children at home. I am so sad and at the same time, I know the impact she had on those children. I know she always had their best interest at heart and she tried.
I got a call from Sam's RTC and they are likely sending him home, soon. Why? They can't keep him safe. He has three staff to 9 boys, one teacher to 4 boys, 24/7 nursing and a therapist and they are afraid for his safety. Mostly because he is starting fights and and using his words to incite others to do him harm. I really do understand their point of view, truly. But the idea that he is "better" at home? The idea that my family is "better" with him home? That's so hard....so sad. We have spent 4 years trying to find help, serious help for serious issues.
Today is the last day of school for Rosie and Mercedez classmate Aaron Bell. Aaron will have brain surgery on Friday. The doctors will endeavor to remove all the cancer and give him back remission and then we all pray for a cure. I stood in the bedroom as Scott was getting ready talking to him about a few of our kids. I was so very frustrated with their attitudes. Scott reminded me that they were teenagers. Why does that give you an excuse to be self-centered? I thought of Aaron and I told Scott that we have been so greatly blessed to not have a family member with cancer, or brain injury, or in the hospital or who has died. Our children are without understanding. I am thankful for that and at the same time heavy-hearted. Tori and Seth were questioning me about cancer on the way to school. Tori said, "I sure hope I don't get cancer." I sighed and said, "Tori, I hope you don't either. But I can tell you that there will be things happen to you in your life that you "wish hadn't happened". When those things happen you will have to decide that you will never quit fighting." Seth asked a question and the whole conversation turned to sports (of course). I told Seth, "It IS like a ballgame, you'll have lots of losses in your life and you'll have lots of wins too. It's your attitude, how you play the game that matters most." Seth nodding and very much understanding the "game analogy".
Such heavy issues, so many prayer requests! I have had one of those heavy hearted days where it was just hard to give it all up. But, after much prayer and a serious talk to myself....I am trying. Today is a new day. And it is my attitude that matters most...right?
On a very happy note from yesterday...Daniel when to school for the first time. He did go all day and he did great. He has conceded to using a wheelchair (he cross teams and had band which are both treks from where he spends most of his time.). A big happy accomplishment:)
Also happy (cause with all the sad there is always happy) was Stuart running home and visiting for a while. Stuart had needed a costume for his mixer at school. He is a band member. So me, the dig store and Jacob fixed him right up. I am sure expecting lots of fun pictures! This one I had to take four times to get a serious one of....my two guys Stuart and John:) I'm not really sure I would tag it "serious" ...hum...perhaps just better! lol:)
Hi Amanda. I stumbled on your blog while reading comments on the Josh Hunter/Ava blog and noticed you're a fellow Tennessean. I moved here to Chattanooga from Orlando where I attended Northland Church. Are you also from Orlando?
ReplyDeleteHi Jenn:) I imagine the connection would be Patrick Wilson. Patrick and I went to college together and Deborah linked the blog from her facebook asking for prayers. That's how I found it. I was not even sure how they were connected? Incredibly tough, horribly sad and likely every parents nightmare. I have been praying for sweet Ava and the family. Thanks so much for messaging me:)
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