Dear So and So

[Veronica]

My take on this, after just about a year of going to families' homes to counsel is that birthdays and other holidays are really big deals to some who are struggling in other ways. They do stuff and spend money on things for their kids that they shouldn't because it's meeting some other need, when really it's the day to day stuff that should be attended to. I've seen this across cultures and generations. Most of the clients I work with have more toys and stuff than my own kids had.

Totally agree. Same kid has a fancy cell phone too. Our clientele is changing, next year we will be a Title 1 school. But many of those kids who are getting free or reduced lunch have cell phones, which they are on as soon as the bell rings. Maybe cell phone companies have a reduced rate for the poor or a great family rate. But I see a definite trend towards bling and less emphasis on day to day necessities - like pencils and tissues for my classroom!

Veronica

[SheFly]

Dear grandma -

I'm glad they are making you comfortable. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'm glad that I got to see you one more time though, and to tell you I love you.

SheFly

[PamNY]

(((Shefly)))

[indysteel]

I'm so sorry SheFly. Your post immediately brought me to tears remembering my own goodbye to my grandfather. Hugs to you and your family.

[OakLeaf]

((((((SheFly)))))) I'm so sorry.

[SheFly]

Thanks, all. It's tough - she's a 9.5 hour drive from me. I went up on Monday and things looked pretty bad. I did get two opportunities though where she was alert and recognized me - one yesterday right before I was leaving to drive back home.

She is getting great palliative care, and has her daughters by her side. As tough as it was to say goodbye, I am so glad I had that opportunity.

Here's a pic of us from 2009 - the last time I saw her before this week (sadly).

SheFly

[Pax]

(((Shefly))) I'm so sorry.

[Veronica]

I wanted to give you a hug SheFly. So glad you got to see her.

Veronica

[Crankin]

She Fly, you must feel good you made that drive.
Veronica, yes there is a special program for low income people to get cell phones, though generally, you wouldn't be getting an I Phone. Most of my clients wouldn't have a phone if it wasn't for this.

[Veronica]

Veronica, yes there is a special program for low income people to get cell phones, though generally, you wouldn't be getting an I Phone. Most of my clients wouldn't have a phone if it wasn't for this.

Does every member of the family get one? I am just astounded that 5th graders "need" cell phones.


Veronica

[Reesha]

Dear organizers of the Mo Pro Tour de Grove,

Thank you so much for donating tent space at your expo so that I can sell raffle tickets for my mom's quilt to go toward the Big Ride campaign. Maybe I will get to $8,000 yet! You are the best! I have already thanked you over e-mail, now I am thanking you on Team E and I will definitely be thanking you on the day of the event!

[maillotpois]

Does every member of the family get one? I am just astounded that 5th graders "need" cell phones.


Veronica

I think Em got hers in 4th or 5th grade. That's right when she transitioned from fulltime/after school day care to walking home, and we wanted to be able to call her.

[Owlie]

Dear grandma -

I'm glad they are making you comfortable. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'm glad that I got to see you one more time though, and to tell you I love you.

SheFly

(((SheFly)))

[solobiker]

{{{Shefly}}} I am sorry that you are going through this but very happy you were able to see her again. I work with the older population ( I have worked with them for close to 20 years) and just love it so much. I have met such wonderful people with plenty of stories to tell. It brought a smile to my face to see your pic and tears to my eyes to read your post. All of my thoughts are with you.

[SheFly]

Thanks to all for the hugs and comments. Sadly, my gram passed away early this morning. I am really glad that I go the chance to visit and say goodbye. And solobiker - those stories will be in my heart forever!

SheFly