Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Shi- /th/-ead

Mel wanted to make sure that everyone realized how "shithead" (the IV stand) was pronounced. It is shi-/th/ead....... It is something that came about from Greg's mission that has always struck us funny.

Today has been a bit of an emotional day for Mel. She started to lose her hair. She would run her fingers through it and chunks started to come with it. So she decided that it was time to just shave it off. Mel and my mom were pretty emotional about it as you could imagine. My mom could not do it. It was just too much. Her CNA (Melanie) just couldn't do it either. So Natalia, her nurse did it for her. She has a very nicely shaped head I must say. :) We all think that she looks great! I admire her strength so much!

There were a couple other emotional moments in the day as well. Her cousin Julie brought her a "cancer" bear. It comes with a little story of how the bears came to be. It had these words: "give this teddy a squeeze and it'll give you the strength to be brave, the courage to face any challenge and the heart to live each day to the fullest." As Julie read it to Mel there were some tears. It was so sweet of Julie and it is the softest bear.

She also received a scrapbook from her Kindergarten class. It was little book with pictures of her class. It was about feelings. It had things that Melanie can do with the different feelings that she may be having while she is in the hospital. It had pictures of 3-4 students with a different feeling written on it. One side would be the kids making the face of scared or lonely, etc, then on the other side it would have things that she could do to help her not feel that way. Like "hold a doll" or "call someone". Mel's motto to her students is "Do your best. Always do your best!" So they wanted to encourage her like she always encourages them. It was the cutest thing. Melanie was so very touched by it.

So it was an emotional day for Mel. But it was a good day! That is what counts. She is just so strong. She will do her best and she will stay strong! That is just who Melanie is. :) Thanks to everyone for all your support and prayers. It means so much to Mel, Kaden and our family.

I love you Mel! Here is to a good night of napping. ;)

5 comments:

Cami said...

Thanks for the great post Kimbies! i can't wait to see your new look Mel. You have such a gorgeous face! Mom said that she told you that you remind her of her "baby girl Melanie", how sweet is that? I miss you more than I can express. Stay strong and know that we pray for you. Hugs!!

Chris said...

Good Morning Sunshine, I am so glad things are going well and you are able to enjoy good days. You are showing amazing courage and strength each and every day. Your character is reflected in those around you, and the support you have received from friends and family shows what a wonderful daughter, sister, teacher, and friend you are and what you mean in each of their lives.
Continue to face each day with your smile and sense of humor and no matter what the day brings, it will be a good day. I look forward to continuing our coversations as your strength returns. Have a fabulous Thanksgiving and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, take care...

Chris

"Look to this day, for it is life. For yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope." Sanskrit Proverb

Brother Greg said...

It's pronounced "Shi" "Thead". It's a popular name in ghetto. I guess it would be like naming our kids Crystal or Sharon or ......And also, we'll try to get some pics up today of Mel's new due. As I told her, "Her hair looks very round". And by hair, I meant head.

Jullie said...

Melanie, I just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and your family! We're excited that there are improvements and pray they'll continue. Hugs from the Payne family!
Love, Jullie Payne and family

Melissa said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Dear Heart! One of the things on the top of my thankful list is MODERN MEDICINE! The expert help you're receiving is one of the major miracles of living in this day and age. I'm so thankful for all of the care you're getting! The other obvious topper is family, and you's is just amazing. Their love is very evident. We are all very blessed. Keep on keeping on!
Much love and many prayers,
Kerren