Week 2 of Consolidation. 3 trips over the bridge down, 1 to go.
Benjamin’s clinic visit today was relatively uneventful (as uneventful as an appointment to inject chemotherapy into your child’s body can be). We didn’t even meet with a physician or PA today–a first, though the nurse did consult them to make sure a blood draw wasn’t necessary until tomorrow. We were asked the usual questions about medications and bowel movements and such. Benjamin can answer all of these by now. Our nurse, a new one, gave Benji his Zofran intravenously, then hooked him up to the 15 minute Cytarabine drip. Some nurses don’t put on the blue cloak; this one geared up in full haz-mat costume. Cloak, gloves, extra snaps, the whole nine. I wouldn’t have been surprised if she had whipped out a pair of safety goggles.
On the way home, Benjamin asked me what the “yellow things” were for on the Sunshine Skyway. I tried to explain basic engineering, and I know I failed horribly. We stopped by the library when we got home to Sarasota, and found a great book in the kids’ section about different kinds of bridges (the Skyway is a cable-stayed bridge). The book included suggestions for building models of each kind of bridge. I see a little Skyway in our future.
These are the kinds of things I want to be sure to keep in our homeschool repertoire; project-based learning driven by his questions and interests. Lately, our schoolwork has been a real struggle, when it was so much fun at the beginning of this journey. There are several reasons for this, and I understand them all. We’ve been in the clinic so frequently that we’ve had very little time, both to do the actual work and for me to prepare the lessons in a fun and engaging way. Also, Benjamin is trying to exert control over his life and his choices however he can. When faced with a reading test, especially while faced with everything else he’s going through, he’s going to say no way. And honestly, I’m not inclined to argue with him too much right now. I know that when we have most of our mornings at home again, the work will get done.
Benjamin’s lovely teacher paid us her weekly visit today and made me promise not to worry about the workload. He’s right where he should be in terms of assessment, and we’ll make up the rest when we can. She reminded him to “focus and finish,” her classroom mantra, when it’s time to buckle down and do the work. I like those words.
Still, the growing stack of schoolwork kept poking at me. It threatened to push me over with a gang of overwhelming thoughts, should I budge just a teeny bit. So, I too tried to exert control however I could. I spent most of the evening in the kitchen, washing and chopping fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks and juicing. I made a healthy lunch for our trip to the Infusion Center tomorrow. I cleaned out the refrigerator and baked a banana bread. I unpacked and repacked the hospital bag and organized The Binder. And before that banana bread comes out of the oven, I’ll have a plan for getting a little bit of schoolwork accomplished tomorrow while Benjamin is getting his blood transfusion.
Did I really just type that last sentence?
Laura dear: Your last paragraph was unbelievable. Think what would happen to this whole structure you’ve built up, 90% of which appears to depend on you because Michael has to keep his business going, if you became ill or something happened to you. I see nothing in your schedule for you–and you need to try to fit in some time for yourself–or get an assistant. There’s way too much of a load on you. You’re trying to be super mom, super cook, super driver, super teacher, and super keeper of your daily journal. You are an amazing woman but no human being could continue to do all you’re trying to do. I’m not impressed with you–because you’re trying to do it all yourself and you need to get help. If anyone is reading this post such as Michael, Gana, your mother or someone else close to you, they need to sit down with you and work out a new modus operandi where other people–family, friends, a hired assistant–does some of the things you are currently doing.
❤️
Listen to Sonia…she is wise in her thinking. <3
Sonia dear, thank you so much for your constant love and concern. I just want to reiterate how deeply and thoroughly we are supported through this. In no way am I doing this by myself, I have an army. Michael has been absolutely amazing, he is my solid partner and because of his dream team at work, he’s able to come with us at least weekly, and he’s been home early nearly every night. I have yet to cook an evening meal, due to the kindness of our community (including you). Our family has fed us, cared for us, cleaned for us, and taken care of Banyan when we can’t be there. I am taking very good care of myself these days, I consider it part of my job (my time in the kitchen last night and in organizing was totally self serving). Should something happen to me, I have no doubt that Benji would be extremely well cared for. For now, I can’t think of a single thing we need. I am quite sure this road has been made as easy as it possibly could be by our amazing family and friends.
Project based learning is where it’s at! It’s the only way I can school two at a time, at two different levels. I know you have so much on your plate right now with everything else, but there’s a great book by Lori Pickert called “Project Based Homeschooling” and it is brilliant! I know your situation is obviously very different from mine, but it find that when kids are genuinely interested in what they are studying, they are far more likely to want to participate, and more likely to retain what they’re studying. There’s nothing wrong with doing this type of learning to show him the world is fun and interesting, and also throwing in a few worksheets to get those math skills down. The reading will happen naturally, as he begins to read materials he find interesting. You are doing the right thing and you are amazing, Laura dear!! <3
“Laura the Lioness with Benjamin the Brave” – profoundly amazing journey! Thank you for sharing with us!
Stay strong mama! You’re doing a great job!