I just realized that this is the first time I am not the one leaving. High school - I left for TennesseeCollege - We all leftItaly - I came back to the statesGrad school - we all stayed in driving distanceHendersonville/ Nashville - I left for Uruguay This time I am the one staying. Well, … Continue reading When Others Are Leaving
UAS friends
Despedida
When people leave Uruguay you throw them a going away party. It is called a Despedida. Considering that this year we had so many people leaving, it only made sense that we had one big despedida. That being said, the people leaving all had their plates full and no one was taking the initiative. Plus, … Continue reading Despedida
Kim-O de Mayo
What do you do when your blood work comes back normal and you can finally drink alcohol again? You celebrate! Salud! My friend Robert asked what I was going to do the day I could finally drink. Have a party, obviously. And that is when he coined Kim-O de Mayo. May 9th was my last … Continue reading Kim-O de Mayo
Silly Socks and Wigs
What do all of the UAS teachers and students do for the English teacher the Monday after she finishes her last chemo? They all take off their shoes, put on some really silly socks, and wear some wigs. Then they come in all day bringing memes about finishing chemo and "take that" cancer cards and … Continue reading Silly Socks and Wigs
Chemotherapy Treatment Number 12
That's it. We are done. I know there should be this grand celebration, fireworks of emotions. But to be honest, I am just too tired. Just give me a week and the fireworks will come out. I have watched my mother's cut-out paper numbers dwindle down. And despite the fact that 59 followed 60, 29 … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number 12
A Sweet Note from Katie
Katie came over Wednesday to give me a final little note. It touched my heart beyond words. She has been through it all with me. Like my mom, she has kept the smile on her face, the air a positive space, and the ear when I just needed to say how unfair it all was. … Continue reading A Sweet Note from Katie
The Domino Effect
This week is spirit week at school. It is always my FAVORITE week because we get to dress up silly and be really creative. Our kids are kind of lame at UAS. Unlike at Hendersonville where the cooler you were, the wackier you dressed, these kids think they are way too cool to dress up. … Continue reading The Domino Effect
Chemotherapy Treatment Number Ten
I can't believe that I am finished with my fourth round. Only one more round (two sessions) left. One month is nothing but feels like forever. When I visualize the road, it gets more narrow, like I am Alice looking through the looking glass. There is no way I can fit and yet, the chemo … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number Ten
The Days After Chemo Number 7
It is true this chemo was way easier with the port, but man was I tired. I feel more and more tired as the treatments go on. But I will take sleeping fifteen hours to pain shooting down my arms. And still no nausea. I call this a win. Since Mom is in the states, … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number 7
Katie’s Birthday Beach Trip
There are a few events that I wanted to make sure my treatment wrapped around. So, when Katie told me she wanted to rent a beach house for her birthday several months ago, I set it on my calendar as one of those events where I would NOT have a chemo weekend. Katie found this … Continue reading Katie’s Birthday Beach Trip
Teach Abroad Coyle 