PC Love

(Picture: after my surgery, when I came back to school, two of my senior boys handed me this little balloon along with a scribbley handwritten note....and yes, they really did cross out "It's a Girl" and write "Welcome Back" in black marker. What hams.)

I have been feeling very guilty about the amount of school I have missed because I love my kids and only want what's best for them. I am usually the kind of person who doesn't want to show even a hint of weakness or vulnerability in the work place, but today - again - I forced myself to stay home and nurse a soar throat instead of doing what I usually would do (which would be to go to work anyway). I finally decided that if I was going to get through the remainder of the year, I would need support at work in order to avoid the overwhelming temptation to push myself beyond my physical limits.

So, today I decided to let a few of my close colleagues at Paramus Catholic know about my situation. Below is the email I sent to them and some of the amazing words of encouragement I received in response; I am so lucky to have such caring people in my life.

"Dear Friends and Colleagues, First of all, thank you for all of the incredible support, prayers, love, kindness and help in keeping my classes going. I wanted to share with you that I was recently diagnosed with a rare carcinoid cancer, which is the cause for my recent absences. I have every reason to believe that with God's help I'll beat it, but my body right now is not letting me do what I want (which is to be at school working). I guarantee I'll be back in full force very, very soon! I am so lucky to have found my second home at PC - each one of you has made such a positive impact in my life; I am truly blessed."

* Beautifully said. I'll keep you in our intentions today as I teach! Love you. - B.G.

* You are truly an inspiration to me in the way you love the students and this profession. I am confident that you will return but in the meantime I will pray for your continued strength and determination to beat this. Take good care of yourself - we will miss you and look forward to your return. God bless you! - M.P.L

* I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. - A.P.

* By the grace of God, I know you can beat this. If I can be of help in any way, please let me know. Know that you will be in my prayers. Hugs. - L.R.

*I had no idea! If you need anything, please let me know and I will def say a prayer for you but I have faith that your faith is already carrying you through this and it is done. I will see you soon, again please don't hesitate if you need anything, to talk etc. I do have friends that work at Sloan Kettering if you need a second opinion or anything :) - M.L.

*Your directness, your openness, your balance of optimism and pragmatism do you credit. You are a good role model, in many ways. I'll see you later - F.M.

* Thank you so much for keeping me updated. I knew you have been out, but did not know why! Please know that Our Lord and His Mother will be hearing from me on your behalf!!!!! If you need anything else, PLEASE let me know. I am available and happy to be of service. God bless. - S.B.

*I am SO SORRY to hear of your illness. You happen to be one of my favorite teachers here - always so professional and accommodating. You will be in my prayers, and I believe you will beat it! - N.K.

* My thoughts and prayers are with you...come back to us soon!! - C.S.

* You'll be in my intentions every day...if you ever need anything let me know - T.S.

* First of all, I've subbed a few of your classes and they have been great kids. Second, I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Anything you need at all please let me know. I will keep you in my prayers and pray for a speedy and safe recovery. You are not just a respected colleague, but someone who brightens my day whenever I get to see / chat with you. I hope to see your smiling face again soon. - J.S.

*I had no idea !!!! I just wanted to tell you that I am here... - B.R.

* It was inspiring to hear from you. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a successful outcome and your return to PC. We are truly blessed to have you in our PC family and English Dept. You have enhanced our PC community in many ways with your unique skills, special gifts, outstanding talent, amazing background, bright mind, cooperative nature and outstanding heart. I hope we see each other more next year on a professional and personal level. Your students love you and miss you. May the Lord's strength and peace be with you. - L.D.

* I had no idea. Please be assured that you will absolutely be in my prayers, and from the bottom of my heart if there is anything I can do please, please do not hesitate to ask - from grocery shopping, washing laundry, to taking you to doctor's appointments - I'll be there. Just keep me posted. - C.L.

* So very sorry to hear about your current setback. Try to keep in mind that God can make something good out of every kind of hardship. I guess He is asking something different from you right now. I will place you in my prayers, and, if you would like, I would have your name placed on the Felician Sisters' prayer list. -K.D.

* I hope you are feeling better. Please let me know if there is something else I can do to help. - C.D.