Hope

I had a student in my class last year during 2nd and 3rd tri who had cancer. I remember that he got a bloody nose once in my class during an algebra test. I just don't think that getting a bloody nose during your algebra test because you have cancer should be anywhere near ANY 15 year old's mind. Ever.

Anyway, I have never met anyone who thinks cancer is cool, so I won't go off on how much I really hate cancer and what means for people and families to have to go through it. (Not that I even know what it's actually like..)

So. This student of mine actually had surgery last spring to remove a tumor from his right calf. The surgery had been put off a few times, so it was really sweet when he actually got to have it done and have his chemo port taken out. He went into remission at that point! This was in May sometime, I believe.

I am scheduled to teach this young man again this fall in my Geometry class. Last week I received an unexpected email with his 504 plan attached. (It was unexpected because he was in remission and I didn't think he would need one anymore.) I found out why a little later that day. I received a forwarded email from his mom saying that his cancer is back, and that it's not a promising situation. I don't exactly know what that means, other than he has to go through some intense chemo sessions and if they take, it will hopefully be enough to "buy him some more time." (I believe that was the phrasing from the email.)

If you could pray for this student, his family, and for the students and teachers at school during the coming weeks that would be awesome. The fact that he is able to still come to school and is still being treated and is seemingly very optimistic about coming to school during all of this are all really good things. And from what I know of this kid, he knows the Lord. Reading through some of his caringbridge page (I couldn't get too far into it..) and his mom's emails is amazing. They radiate with hope and perseverance. So humbling and so sweet to see that kind of faith!

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." -Hebrews 10:23