It's really October already?! Wow. Time sure flies when you're running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.
The kids and I are crazy busy and have been for awhile. Well...I'm crazy busy and the kids are learning to deal with it.
I'm going to hit the highlights of the last few months.
Nick: He is now receiving his chemo and IVIG treatments in Huntsville. Nick was able to transfer his care to an adult oncologist close to home. His adult oncologist is the same one that treated Keith. Dr. W has many, many thoughts and ideas that are new to us. I'm really feeling optimistic about the changes that are taking place in Nick's chemo treatments. Nothing has been decided or changed yet, but Dr. W is seeking the advice of one of the top lymphoma specialists in the nation to guide our decision making. Nick will have CT scans done on October 22. We should have the results on October 23. Those test results will be our guide to the next steps we take in treating Nick's cancer.
Nick is still working at Baumhower's. He still really enjoys working there. He has had the opportunity to try his hand at a couple of new to him positions that will eventually allow Nick to be trained in other areas.
He was denied disability by SSA. Yeah, bummed us too. I've really been struggling with what the next step should be. My time to file an appeal is just about up. I'm not sure what to do. God hasn't shown me the right path to take yet.
Kacie: She's in 8th grade and doing well. She enjoys her teachers, but not the homework. Kacie is still dancing. This is her 9th year. She isn't on any of the performance teams this year. This has been a blessing for both of us. I think Kacie was getting burned out and needed a break. I was burned out and needed a break.
Me: I'm taking 15 hours this semester at ASU. I LOVE the program I'm in. The last 2 weeks I have spent doing field experience training in classrooms as a Teacher's Assistant. I still have 4 days left to fulfill the classroom days for my course requirements. I also have attended a three day training session with Alabama Mathematics Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). I am now Level 1 AMSTI certified in Mathematics. It feels good to know that I am building the foundation for my calling to be a teacher. Even though the last 2 weeks have been completely and totally exhausting, the experience has been invaluable. There are so many things I have learned that I wish I had known when Nick was in elementary school. I have learned so much about learning disabilities, special needs, English language learners, the "whys" behind math procedures...I can go on and on and on. I have also learned some things about myself. 1) Being a full-time student, working as much as possible, and being a single parent is EXHAUSTING! 2) Being mentally tired can make you physically ill just like being emotionally tired does. 3) It is important to keep everything in proper perspective. 4) I not only can do this, I WILL do this. I WILL finish this program and have my own classroom. 5) I already knew it, but it's nice to be reminded... I am smart. I am kind. I am important. I am a child of the ONE TRUE KING. I am answering His call for my life, and as long as I keep my eyes focused on Him...it's ALL going to be OKAY!
There is so much more I could write about, but not today. Thank you all for continuing to pray for us. We still need the prayers.
In HIS Grip!
~Kristy
