What I learned in Kindergarten

    So, today was Clayton's kindergarten graduation.  He did not get to attend.  While his friends were walking up the stairs dressed in their caps and gowns, shaking the principals hand while their parents clapped and cried, my sweet boy was receiving his 19th day of radiation.  He's totally unaware of what he's "supposed" to be doing.  Does this make me sad? You better know it!  BUT, I am reminded that he is still a Kindergarten graduate just the same and is now a First Grader.  I thought it appropriate to review some of the things my little man has learned his Kindergarten year.. not necessarily academic things. 

 Clayton with Mrs. Barrett... his beloved teacher

1-  Vocabulary... Cancer, Radiation,  Chemo,  Zofran,  Oncologist,  MRI, CT Scan, Rhabdomyosarcoma, tumor, port, transfusion, infusion,.....

2-  The meaning of true friends.  They stick by you through thick and thin, bald and sick, grumpy and crabby.

3-  A person's beauty is NOT judged by his outward appearance.  Hair is not all it's cracked up to be.

4-  No matter how bad a situation seems, someone always has it worse.  Be thankful in ALL things.

5-  Tears are ok... sometimes they're our only way to feel better.

6-  Patience... Instant Gratification is not always in God's plan for us.

7-  Perserverance... Continuing to trudge forward even when you know what's ahead will not be fun and will probably even hurt.

8-  Trust....Putting your life in the hands of educated people around you when circumstances are more than you can comprehend. 

9-  Learning that God hears.. He comforts .. and He meets us where we are... Even when we're 6.

10-  People are good...truly caring...giving of their time and resources... and prayerful.

11-  Life can change on a dime.  Love it, live everyday with all you've got... and appreciate the small moments that we all seem to take forgranted.

    I'd say Clayton learned more this year than any of his fellow kindergarteners.  I'm so glad to be able to trust in a God that hears the heart of a little 6 year old when he's too tough to share it with his momma... to know that His healing hand is on my baby even this moment.. and to be able to teach Clayton to share the goodness of God and his healing mercies for the rest of his life. 
    Yall pray for us as Clayton finishes out his radiation.  He has 9 more days.  His little ear is getting pretty red, although not really causing him pain, thank you Lord. 

Jeremiah 29:11.. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord... Plans to PROSPER you and not to harm to... Plan for HOPE and a FUTURE...