I decided to make the ultimate comfort foods for my Social Studies Department-I will be making banana bread and 3 meatloaves. When I posted this on Facebook, several people asked me why I was doing this-was it a special occasion? I do this because of the comfort my department offered to me during the last year.
When I was diagnosed, so many teachers told me it was probably nothing and went out of their way to see how I was doing. I think it really hit them that this was serious was when I was quickly given an appointment with a surgeon at the Cancer Institute. Then they really got it when I needed surgery and would be out for a few days. Several teacher from other departments started crying when I shared the news.
There are so many people to thank from school.
My students who wrote me hand made cards after surgery #2. My current students who cheer every time I get good news and are plotting a party for my one year NEDiversary.
The secretaries constantly asked how I was doing and when I was out on medical leave (May 25 2012 through the end of the school year) I often got cards in the mail from them. They cheer and celebrate every victory I have and comfort me in the setbacks and pray for me all of the time.
Arlene called me a lot, dropped off dinner one day and gave me thoughtful gifts to keep me motivated and uplifted.
Alena often sent mass cards, email cards, and offers endless support.
My department sent me off for surgery #1 with flowers and one of those fruit bouquets.
But there are special stories-the guys would cover my classes so I could leave early for appointments and not have to use up sick time. The teachers who knew I was having a rough day who would 'happen' to walk by and check on me on a regular basis just in case I needed a break.
When I was experiencing Pituitary failure (before I knew) I was offered to take a month off to rest.
I knew if things were bad that day, I could leave with a moment's notice and it was taken care of for me.
The story that is hardest to tell happened shortly before surgery. The mole had started bleeding. I was wearing a white blouse (and one of my favorites). Todd noticed something on my shirt and upon closer inspection, it was blood. It was too much to clean off in the 15 minutes before school started. I panicked and that was the moment I realized I had no control over this situation (and would not ever again!!!). I broke down sobbing in the hall. Within moments my homeroom was covered, my bags stowed (I was off first block), and Todd was driving me home to change. I was pretty angry that this happened and was also a bit embarassed but he put me at ease-we have been friends since starting at the school in 2001. I bandaged my back, changed my shirt and he took care of the dogs until I was ready to go back. I was also offered to take that day off but declined-I could not let Melanoma win that round.
My building Principal and the other administrators were amazing. I got phone calls and cards through the end of the school year and over the summer. My principal let me cry in his office about possibly not being able to come back to finish the school year (June 2012). He made it clear that he did not want to see me until September because that was when he needed me-now was covered. That made is so much easier on me-I didn't have to try to come back-even though I wanted to finish the year.
I would not have been able to focus on healing had I been worried about my job. I am so thankful I work where I do and an so thankful for each and every staff member who helped me along the way. I am the kind of person who is always quick to offer help with something-an idea, a handout, an opinion, copies for sub plans, whatever it may be. This earned me the title Den Mother of the department-oldest, most experienced, and for a while, only woman. People tell me my school was so helpful because I do the same for them-always helpful when needed. I guess what comes around does go around. All I know is I am thankful everyday. Go Mustangs!!!
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