Sam’s second grade school year has come to an end! School’s out for summer! And even though he didn’t attend many full days of school because of doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, or because he was just feeling crummy from chemo, he will be moving onto third grade with the rest of his classmates. :) And just because school is out for the year doesn’t mean the school work has come to an end! Sam has been busy during these sweet summer days writing in a daily journal to practice his writing skills and doing a little math practice here and there. He’s so bummed that his mom used to be a teacher! :) Sam’s sweet second grade teacher, Mrs. McKinney, sent home a summer journal with each one of her students this year, challenging them to write at least 20 good entries over summer break. With journal in hand, they are invited to meet Mrs. McKinney at Dairy Queen for a mini reunion and a yummy ice cream treat before they head back to school in August. At first, Sam was a little bummed that he might not be able to participate, stating…”But Mom, I won’t be able to eat the ice cream because my counts might be too low.” (When Sam’s counts are low and his immune system is not at its full fighting power, Sam has been told to stay away from ice cream machines that could harbor bacteria and cause him to become ill.) That’s when I was happy to remind him, “But Sam, in August you will be finished with chemo!” I wish you all could’ve witnessed the biggest smile ever that crossed his face! A smile that told me that he saw a light at the end of this tunnel, a smile that told me that he realized that there was an end in sight, a smile that brought tears to my eyes! Yes Sam, you are almost finished!
Sam was lucky enough to have the best school nurse in the world! I mean it! Mrs. Jacobs is the kindest, most caring person you will ever meet and just the person we needed to care for Sam when he was at school. Never, ever did I worry about him while he was away because I always knew Beth would take the best care of him. Many hours were spent in her office this year, laying on her little green couch bed, comforted with his fleece Sponge Bob blanket and his own personal pillow purchased by her. When Sam was in her office, she worked by a little desk lamp, so the big overhead lights would not disturb him. She also had plenty of snacks in her office to offer him when he was feeling up to eating. Sam loves Mrs. Jacobs! She is an angel and we will be forever grateful!
Sam and Mrs. Jacobs on the last day of second grade!
The school year ended before we were able to snap a picture of Sam’s wonderful second grade teacher, Mrs. McKinney! What a blessing it was to have her as Sam’s teacher this year. Her kind and caring spirit radiated each and every day. Sam LOVED going to school. We will be sure to catch a picture of her when we see her again at the end of summer at Dairy Queen…when Sam is enjoying his ice cream treat with the rest of his old classmates!
Until next time,
Erica
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