You might be wondering how I am able to post twice in one week, but I was just checking on one of my patient's website and just HAD to post what I read there. Kate had a stem cell transplant at Duke in July 2005. Feel free to read more about her disease and story on her website....listed in our "Favorite Links" to the right under "Kate the Great." Kate's Mom, Allison, journals on the wesbite and the journal I read today made me cry. I know it doesn't take much to do that for me, but I think what she wrote will touch even the toughest of hearts. Here is what Allison wrote:
Kate and me in April 2006 before she left Duke to return to Nashville, TN
Today you will hear from Ms. Cotten, Kate’s preschool teacher. She sent this letter home with Kate on the last day of school. “I have really enjoyed teaching Kate this year. However, she has taught me more than I have taught her.She has taught me the importance of smiling and laughing. She has gone through more in her short life than many adults ever will, yet she still finds a reason to smile every day. When I think I am having a bad day, I just look at Kate and she looks back at me with her arms outstretched and smiles. One of my favorite memories of her happened one day just before dismissal. While we were waiting for parents, she just looked at me and giggled. I giggled back and that started a giggling competition. I think we both won.She has also reminded me of the importance of family. I understand that Kate’s language has diminished quite a bit, but there are three words I hear from her every day: Mama, Daddy, and Caroline. I guess when life gets hard, we all tend to cling to what matters most.She has also taught me the proper way to give a hug. Apparently I have been doing it wrong all my life; I’ve just been wrapping my arms around people and squeezing them a little. But Kate wraps her arms around people and hangs on for dear life! If you think about it, Kate’s way makes a lot more sense. If you are only going to give someone a half-hearted hug, you might as well not be hugging them at all.Finally, Kate has taught me the proper way to celebrate birthdays. Most people celebrate their birthday once a year, but not Kate. She wants us to sing Happy Birthday to her every day—and why not? Birthdays are simply a day set aside to celebrate the fact that you are alive. But considering that none of us are guaranteed a long life, shouldn’t we be celebrating this more often?I am so thankful that Kate came into my classroom and into my heart. I will never forget her.”This describes Kate to a "t" and reminded me how important it is to celebrate life. I don't know about you, but it is very easy for me to get bogged down by the activities of daily living, namely dishes, kitchen floors, and laundry. I hope reading this provides you with a much needed attitude adjustment, as it did me.
