I'm Grateful...

Jace brought home his grades today... He threw his bag and yearbook on the counter, and sat next to me with the sealed envelope. “I’m so nervous!” he said.

I smiled to myself, because I wasn’t nervous at all…but I had to put on the, ‘Your grades better be good’ face. We’ve tried very diligently NOT to let Jace use cancer or chemo as an excuse, so as the responsible parent, I really do act like it would be the end of the world if Jace had a bad score… ha ha. Luckily the boys still take me seriously in this regard, and I don’t have to micro-manage at all. But my priorities have altered so drastically in the last two years.  I used to think grades were at the top of the list…but, um, ya…Not so much now.

Yesterday we watched Jace perform in his classroom play, “The Terrible Leak.”  Jace had a chemo treatment last week, so I was shocked when he forced himself to go to school on typically his sickest days just to rehearse his part. His performance was fun, and I was so grateful for all of his teacher’s efforts to make his days at school worthwhile.  His grades matter, because he needs to continue growing academically—but more importantly, Jace felt part of a cause bigger than himself. He didn’t want to let the other kids down. He also suited up and played a few great baseball games over the weekend. Watching him you would never know he has low numbers.

In the ever so familiar Jace phrase: "Wassup?"

 *I’m grateful for classes and baseball teams who need my sons.

*I’m grateful for adults who rub Jace’s head and tell him it’s good to see him.

*I’m grateful for teachers who put their arms around Hayd at school and tell him he’s a good kid.

*I’m grateful for teachers who whisper quietly in Jace’s ear, “Are you feeling ok?”

*I’m grateful for good coaches who spend countless hours, in all kinds of weather, to make a difference in the lives of our kids.

*I’m grateful for those of you who still ask how chemo is going too…because… well… it still is.

SIX more months.

We can do it. 

Love you all.