Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Rethinking yesterday's post
After finding out some disheartening news this morning, I realized that my recent ramblings about the amount of work I have to complete before the culmination of the school year is just plain selfish. I was told this morning that my former student, who is now in 11th grade, has been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer. His sister is currently in my class, and we spent some time talking about the situation. She said that she feels like the whole world is on her shoulders. This is a big statement coming from her because she is a student who radiates confidence, but on the inside is very reflective. Things have literally changed overnight for her, her brother, and their mother. She explained to me that her brother is scared regarding his upcoming radiation and chemotherapy treatment. I stood there and listened intently as my heart and eyes teared up. I understand some of the emotions and confusion that this young girl is feeling; my mother is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. However, I am at a loss for understanding how my former student feels as he is about to take on the biggest challenge of his life, or how his thirteen year old sister feels as her mind seems to wander off into the frightening abyss of the unknown. Unable to grasp their mother's feelings, I can only empathize with her; a single-parent who just last week was concerned with motivating her kids to complete their homework has now shifted her focus on the health of her son and being able to give the right attention to her daughter at the same time.
Today was another reminder for me that my small struggles are exactly that. Small. Get it done, quit brooding, and spend time on things that truly matter. Make today your best day.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You are absolutely right . . . it shouldn't take such devastating news to drag us back to reality, but you realized the smallness of your struggles. Thoughts and prayers are with your former and current students. Be strong and continue to listen!
ReplyDelete....I want to echo what Michelle said. Wishing strength to all.
DeleteLife always seems to throw a wake up call to remind us of what's important. So I will heed this call and be grateful for the people in my life who are healthy. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYep....life has a way of straightening us out and reminding us what is really important and what real problems are. I've just recently been going through the same thing and it does wake you up.....
ReplyDeleteThis is an important reminder for all of us. It sounds like you stood by your student and let her express feelings. In difficult times it is so important to let others know we will stand with them and that little family needs you. "My heart and eyes teared up" too.
ReplyDeleteDespite hearing bad news, I always appreciate the reminder that we all are in this world together and we need to reach out and help others.
ReplyDeleteDespite hearing bad news, I always appreciate the reminder that we all are in this world together and we need to reach out and help others.
ReplyDeleteWe sometimes forget how good we have it until we realize what others are dealing with. My heart and prayers go out to your student and her family. She is very blessed to have a caring teacher like you.
ReplyDelete"Make today your best day" is good advise. Thank you for the reminder. Prayers and good thoughts for his family.
ReplyDeleteOh Mandy, I am sorry for this, but don't feel bad for your own little gripes. Isn't it great that they are little? It sounds as if you can give good support to this young woman & perhaps to her brother too. What a challenge for the mother too. We should all reach out whenever we can.
ReplyDeleteI only have five minutes left in this day. I will make those five minutes count. Tomorrow I will be thankful for my day. Thank you for sharing about your student.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, the little things are little, and the big things are big. Life is in telling the difference.
I heard something the other day that resonated with me when I read your post. I heard someone in the staffroom talking about their clothes that they were sick of ironing (or something like that) and another teacher replied to her in a slightly dismissive tone "Oh, that is SUCH a first world problem!"
ReplyDeleteThis really made me think about what I was whinging about! It is unfortunate that we get so caught up in our lives that it takes awful news like this to remind us of our real priorities in life.
I wish your former student well and hope for the best outcome for him (and your own Mum!)
I hope he and his family find the strength to cope with this :(
ReplyDeleteSo many emotions for everyone involved! It sounds like your student and her family are lucky to have you. Just knowing that someone is there to listen and that there are more people thinking about them probably helps so much even when you probably wish there was more you could do. I can tell through your description that the gears must be turning in your mind; it is evident that you are very conscientious and sensitive.
ReplyDeletei hope he finds the strength to face this challenge. It certainly makes us reflect on what we call "problems" in our lives, when we hear things like these.
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com