Numerous Items to Update

Time keeps flying by and I keep wishing that I had wonderful, inspiring things to share with you all in an interesting and witty way. I don’t, so I will just share what has been going on in my life right now. My next appointment at the bone marrow clinic will be next Wednesday. It will be almost 11 months since my transplant. Here is the short version of some Grammer happenings.

I sequestered myself for many of my nonworking hours during January and February and completed my last class, including a 22 page research paper, toward my Masters degree. I tried for a C but got an A-. For a moment I was mad since I thought it might be pity points for kicking cancer AND completing my field experience in educational leadership, but I decided not to let it bother me. The program at Covenant College is so awesome, and I learned so much even if I couldn’t put my best on paper.

I am going to Chattanooga, TN to walk in my graduation ceremony at the beginning of May. I am very excited! My family, including my mom, dad, sister and Aunt Laura are going with me! Fun road trip.

I took the Praxis II in Educational Administration and Supervision last Saturday. I don’t have to pass it to graduate, so I didn’t study. I do want to pass it, but I have to wait 4 weeks to find out if I did. It seemed a little easy. Either I was really prepared by my classwork and job experiences, or I fell for that trick answer they put in there on the multiple choice questions. It’s a toss up.

I celebrated my sister’s 40th birthday. My sister, Jen, is one of the most awesome people I know. She is 15 months younger than me and the best sister one could ever have. She was at the hospital with me all the time when I was sick. She brought me Thai food in the hospital when I couldn’t stomach cafeteria food anymore. She stayed with me on Sunday nights for months while Brad and the boys went to church. We watched Antiques Roadshow and strange movies together. She was encouraging and up when I was depressed. She is so many amazing things for so many people, and I am honored to have her as a sister. Happy birthday, Jen!

Fighting cancer has given me a different outlook on life. Sometimes I notice that I am a little softer and calmer towards people, because I choose not to let little things bother me as much. Other times I notice that I have conjured up some strange fearless, fighting spirit that I didn’t know I had. The boys were attacked walking home from school last week. A couple of high school kids stalked them on the way home from school, threatening them and screaming obscenities at them. I figured that they couldn’t be as bad as cancer, even though in our neighborhood they probably carry guns, so the dog and I walked the streets until we found them. I gave them a few words of warning they probably won’t soon forget. As they tried to slink into their house one asked, “Does that dog bite?”
“Oh, yes he does,” I answered.
“I am afraid of dogs,” he countered, running up on the porch.

Our good friend Brian moved in until September. We all love having him here as he is doing all of the dishes and laundry (and vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms) as well as keeping us in stitches with laughter. Everyone should have a Brian in their lives.

I need to exercise, eat better, and wear sunscreen. I want to listen to Jesus more. I want to give more and be an encouragement to others. These are my prayers for the future.

I will try to remember to post an update from my appointment next week.

Love,
Laura