A Memory for a Lifetime

Last week, my Principal asked our whole school to do a "Pink Out" in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  We were all supposed to wear pink on October 14.  So, a few days before that, I talked with her and our Media Specialist about possibly using this day as a teachable moment through our "Morning Show" that is broadcast throughout our school.  I wanted to go on the Morning Show and talk a little about cancer and baldness, etc.

I brainstormed with my good friend, Betsy, and we came up with the idea of an interview format.  We brainstormed questions and put our feelers out with a few teachers to see what kind of questions we should include in our brief segment. 

Betsy did an awesome job interviewing me.  We discussed eating healthy and how important it is to exercise.  When we got to the question about "Why do cancer patients wear hats?"  I answered the question by saying that sometimes it is because of it being cold outside....sometimes it is because you don't want to shock everybody who sees you....(recently, at the doctor's office, a little girl screamed when she saw me)....and sometimes you just feel like you look better in a hat. 

At that point, I took my hat off and said, "This is what a cancer patient may look like while they're going through treatment."  Betsy rubbed my head - I loved it - and I explained that I was going to not wear my hat all day at school that day and invited the kids to rub my head (to reduce fears, etc)....I told them if they saw me in the hallway to just lift up their hand to show me they were interested and I'd lean down an let them rub my head. 

Our Principal finished the segment by challenging and inspiring the students to study hard because we need smart scientists and doctors to figure out the big medical questions that we face.  I loved that point!

When I was leaving the library and heading back to my room, I walked into the hallway that my classroom is on....and saw tons of students standing along the walls.  I thought, "Great...I've forgotten that we have a fire drill today."  And I started walking a little slower, more cautiously.  Then, applause erupted and I stopped in my tracks.  It was then that I realized that they were standing there for me!

(Tears are flowing as I'm typing this.)

Many of you know that I've become an absolute Summa cum laude in the holding-back-your-emotions department.  But, at that moment, I was so overwhelmed/tickled/touched/wow-ed that I bent over and started crying.  While I was bent over, I thought about stopping the tears and suppressing the emotion, but I purposely chose to take the time to actually feel this moment.  I knew it was incredibly precious and I wanted to truly feel it.

My friend, Tina, came to me and said, "C'mon..." and guided me into that sea of 4th and 5th graders.  I decided to bend over the whole way down the hallway and let anyone who wanted to feel my head to do so....and many, many did.  As I walked, I squeezed Tina's hand so tightly.  She's a precious person and has been through quite a bit with her youngest son, and I was glad she was with me.  As we walked, I heard one of my teacher friends say, "You don't even know how brave you are."  That meant a great deal to me.

If you look in the distance of this picture, you can see
that the line of kids goes allllll the way down
to the end.  Pretty amazing!

My tears rolled as we made our way down to the end of the hallway where my classroom is.  I stood up straight and looked around and saw tears in the eyes of every single adult.  My teaching partner and friend, Jakki, thought quickly and grabbed her camera to capture this moment.  I'm so glad she did.

Later in the day, I found out that the idea for this sweet, huge gesture came from a teacher and friend, Amanda.    I hope I've fully expressed to her that this memory is one of the biggest treasures that I have. 

I work with some amazing folks!  It is because of all the love that is sent my way that I can walk around with a bald head and go on the morning show and handle this time in my life as a bump in the road.

Much love to you all.