K and Kids

I knew there was a reason I hated Lima Beans. Slimy, waxy tasting little boggers. Yuck! Will keep you in my prayers.

Hi Karen, I am not sure how old Faith is but 10 kids to 1 teacher sounds a little too crazy to really handle situations like this. Is there any way the school could have another adult to come in and shadow Faith. I used to do this with the infants/toddlers in my group who needed a little extra guidance ... I called it "being their conscience". It doesn't take much from the adult ... just moving in when an argument starts to heat up or even placing a gentle hand on their shoulder to remind them that you are there. The adult can remind her that it is OK to be angry/frustrated/sad and how to use her words instead of her body. The other thing that shadowing will help with is finding out what sets her off. If the adult is watching and taking note of those situations that Faith has a hard time dealing with, other teachers can be made aware and keep their eyes and ears open and get there to help before the kids get physical. The whole point is to be able to help her learn the appropriate way to deal with these situations. I'm sure you have found that kids don't verbalize their frustrations or worries, they act out. My 4, almost 5 year old, is having separation issues and he has verbalized very little to me about it. Boy, did that come out of left field. Faith sounds like she is just not going to put up with frustrating situations and hair pulling might be her way of saying "Back off" or "Give me my space". I could be off on that but that is what I have seen in other children. With all that your family is going through it does not surprise me that a little one is going through this ... unfortunately, it is sad and frustrating for you. I don't know if I have made any sense. The most important thing is that your little one is just working through some issues ... and she might need a little help. There is nothing wrong with that. What you have described Faith doing is not unusual ... she is perfectly normal and will get through this. She just needs a little help and understanding and a good school will recognize this. Hope I haven't over stepped my bounds. I just hate seeing children and their parents in distress over something that takes a little effort on the part of the school and teaching staff. Sending hugs and prayers your way. Here I go ... jumping OFF my soap box ... you're safe now.

It is ironic that your post was kicked up to the top when I checked in here this morning because last night was the first time that I dreamt about my dad. He was chatting away and joking like he used to and his voice was so clear in my mind. He felt close and I haven't felt that way since he died. It was definately comforting which is nice. Unfortunately, I don't remember exactly what it was that he was saying but he was in good humor. It sure does make me want to dream again.

Margaret, I am so, so sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you are surrounded by love during this time ... you certainly gave that to your wonderful Jim. With all my love and prayers, Karen

Wow! That is such a special honor. One more way to show how all those who knew Becky thought so highly of her. I felt the "bitter sweet" aspect as I read the letter but what really struck me is the way it shows that Becky is still with you and Katie, as a great wife, mother and role model. This is very touching. Wishing you and Katie all the best.

We were lent Maria Shriver's "What is Heaven?" I also was told about one call "Freddy the Fallen/Falling Leaf" and "Seasons" ... I will have to do some research and find the exact titles and authors. My little guy, Scott, is having some separation problems lately and some of it might be a delayed reaction to all of our experiences during November with Dad. We are working through it and he has verbalized some things to indicate that he is "thinking" about this and other things that might be scarey to him. I wish he had a little sign on his forehead that told me exactly what was going on and how to help but I guess he didn't stand in line for that option or like his 'owner's manual' it has been lost.

Just Beautiful!

I am very sorry to hear this. Grumpy will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and you. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thought it might be interesting http://www.drdonnica.com/celebrities/00004259.htm

As with most things it takes a little getting used to but I like it. Thanks for all your hard work.

Anais, I can relate to the "coming in waves" description. My problem is that I feel as if I going to be hit full force one of these days when I least expect it. The stages that you posted are helpful to read. I almost feel that I am still in the shock phase. It doesn't seem real to me at times. I too feel the need to talk about my dad and remember the things he used to say or do. It is helpful to me that my children enjoy recalling their memories of Grandpa. The often talk about Grandpa watching them or enjoying something that happened from heaven. I am glad that they feel at ease talking about my wonderful dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and for all those have lost parents.

Very cool. I can only imagine the feelings going through your mind when the oncologist's number shows but I hope that was relieved and replaced by good feelings.

That is more great news to make my day. Congratulations Cindy!

Can I have a plain old Pepsi? .... I hardly drink them any more and this seems like a great time to celebrate the good news we have heard here lately.

I have no words just a great big hug for the both of you.

Fay, That is WONDERFUL news! You just made my day.

Will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Yahoo! I am so glad you are back!

Sharon, My situation is a little different than yours because I was not "there" for my dad's last moments as you were. But I hope you can come to a place where you can feel that you (and your family) and the doctors did the very best for your wonderful dad based on the information you had at the time and the situation that you were dealing with. A few weeks before my dad died I was reading a book by the mother of a little girl who died after her battle with cancer. She explained that at the diagnosis the child's doctor spoke to both parents and said ... the most important thing was to know that they had done the very best with the information that they had at the time.... This doctor was dealing with his own child also fighting cancer and he knew the helplessness that family members feel as well as the blaming that they do to (to themselves). I know my mom wonders if she should have done things differently or not but as part of the support I could offer her, I reitterated (sp?) this same statement to her. I think your Daddy felt the love and care from you and the rest of his family. That is something that is so valuable and I hope you can continue on from here knowing that that love made his moving on easier. You are a wonderful daughter and have been through so much this past year and longer. Take good care of yourself and rest easy knowing that you did the very best for your dad. With all my love and prayers for you, Karen

Prayers and big hugs going out to you Cheryl. I am so sorry that you are having to deal with all of this and I don't have any words except that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Happy Birthday to Alex! I hope you both have a wonderful day. I'm sure his dad will be watching proudly. While I can't identify with all that you are missing, I certainly keep you in my prayers and feel some of your loss as I feel the loss of my dad. With all my love and birthday wishes.

Shelly, I will definately keep her in my prayers and pray that there is a major turn around in the situation.

Dean, I always look forward to your posts and find your words calming. You are right, know one knows for sure. Each case is different, each person is unique and from what I have seen and heard ... the spirit and will make up the part that medicine can not touch. My words do not flow as easily as yours. Just know that your are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children as you grieve for you husband and father. I'm sure he was at peace being home with you all. Wish there was more in the way of comfort I could offer. With sympathy,

David and Karen you are both in my prayers. This is a difficult time to be dealing with all this but there is certainly no GOOD time. You have both been through so much and I am sending hugs your way. All the best to both of you and soon.