dells68 7,498 #1 Posted November 16, 2019 I’ve been around, mostly lurking as a lot has been going on. There have been a couple of incidents with former students that have left a lot on my mind. One little girl moved away a couple of years ago. I had had her in 2nd grade. She was 12 years old this year. About 3 weeks ago she passed away. I don’t know for sure, but I heard a rumor that she committed suicide. That has left me wondering what in the world could be so bad as to drive a young person to such extremes? I don’t have an answer, but this is too quickly becoming a reality for many children. We need to work harder to help identify these struggles with our young children and make sure they get the help they need to deal with their issues. So sad to see my little friend gone so early! Another student, also 12, was just diagnosed with cancer about 6 weeks ago. She also is a very sweet, kind, caring young lady. I promised her that if she had any issues with hair loss that I would shave my head until she could regrow her hair. Well, the little thing woke up to find some of her hair on her pillow. I went straight home and peeled my head. While I know that isn’t much help, I want her to know how much I love her and support her every step of the way. If nothing else, she can laugh at my ugly bald head. Either way, please keep both families in your prayers as they deal with things children should never have to experience! I’m sure Kierra would love your support as she fights a tough battle. Here’s a pic of me and one with my friend Joe for your comic relief! 4 2 1 16 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,245 #2 Posted November 16, 2019 Looking good fellas Just unbelievable smiles 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,191 #3 Posted November 16, 2019 Please share with Kierra that a few of your friends from Michigan are thinking of her and will have her in our prayers Dell. I know there is no good time of year to hear either news, but it seems like Christmas and the holiday season is so hard to hear of this! You’re a better man than most, by making her feel like she’s not alone! With Love, Kevin “Pullstart”, Taylor, Jada and Rylee 2 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 54,373 #4 Posted November 16, 2019 Dell, we tend to forget how well our lives are going until tragic news like this comes our way. Both families need our prayers. 5 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,333 #5 Posted November 16, 2019 12 minutes ago, 953 nut said: Dell, we tend to forget how well our lives are going until tragic news like this comes our way. Both families need our prayers. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,333 #6 Posted November 16, 2019 Hey Dell , I cannot tell you about the way I feel as my daughter has gone through this in her adolescence. We had her twice at Vanderbilt because of her thoughts of committing suicide as well. It is a very trying time In our lives to have to deal with this. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and all involved. God bless us all!! 1 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,051 #7 Posted November 16, 2019 (edited) You know it's a cruel world we live in sometimes Dells. I hate watching the evening news because of the bad stuff we see going on out here but I force myself to do so for a wake up call. Most times I just wonder why people can't just go to vintage tractor shows or one of Ed Kennels tree stands and every thing will be good. Works for me anyway. All I can offer is count your blessings at home, pray for others and deal with things one day at a time. Keep your head high and your beliefs and heart strong. On a more humorous side note if things get real stressfull we'll round up a posse to come get your horses and keep them safe! Laughter is a always a good medicine. Edited November 16, 2019 by WHX24 2 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dells68 7,498 #8 Posted November 16, 2019 Thanks guys. I’m no better or worse than any other, I just have very close ties to both girls. When we had our fall festival last month, little Kierra was looking for me. When I found her, she hugged me and just smiled. She is a trooper and has a peace that only God can give her. She is truly a special girl. When I told her I would shave my head with her, she said she told her dad she knew I would - how could I not knowing she feels so close to me? Her sister who is 14 is wonderful as well. She had a stroke prior to birth just like Emory with her left side effected. Our families have gotten closer as a result. Both will forever hold a spot in my heart and if a little lack of hair can help Kierra know she’s not alone, shaving my head is the least I can do. The power of prayer is powerful, so please send lots her way! 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,333 #9 Posted November 16, 2019 Media is no good! They control way too much ! I have turned my head on the crap we get from any news broadcast! JMO! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dells68 7,498 #10 Posted November 16, 2019 8 minutes ago, WHX24 said: You know it's a cruel world we live in sometimes Dells. I hate watching the evening news because of the bad stuff we see going on out here but I force myself to do so for a wake up call. Most times I just wonder why people can't just go to vintage tractor shows or one of Ed Kennels tree stands and every thing will be good. Works for me anyway. All I can offer is count your blessings at home, pray for others and deal with things one day at a time. Keep your head high and your beliefs and heart strong. On a more humorous side note if things get real stressfull we'll round up a posse to come get your horses and keep them safe! Laughter is a always a good medicine. Not to give you too much credit there Jimbo, but I have to agree the world we live in is much scarier than just 40 years ago and perhaps the best medicine is to keep our spirits high! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,333 #11 Posted November 16, 2019 8 minutes ago, dells68 said: Not to give you too much credit there Jimbo, but I have to agree the world we live in is much scarier than just 40 years ago and perhaps the best medicine is to keep our spirits high! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,280 #12 Posted November 16, 2019 Will keep Kierra and the families of both children in my prayers. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #13 Posted November 16, 2019 Prayers sent. Great what you're doing. But Dell's...our eyes...... 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
troutbum70 857 #14 Posted November 16, 2019 Many prayers for this young lady for healing and also to stay maintained in a strong relationship with her lord and savior. AMEN 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497 #16 Posted November 16, 2019 Your a good man. Glenn 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,424 #17 Posted November 16, 2019 (edited) Unfortunately now a days, social media can take someone places they never should go and expose them to stuff they never should see. Too many parents hand thier kids a device to pacify them instead of spending time with them. Cyber bullying is also something that without social media, wouldn’t exist. Easy to be a keyboard warrior. Kids are exposed to stuff we didn’t see when all we had were books that wouldn’t talk back but with imagination would take you to far off places that only @Achto Dan’s cobbler could get you too. And yes, it’s good to laugh. Stay strong, keep the faith. Tell them they are not alone. Keep doing what you are doing @dells68 Edited November 16, 2019 by 19richie66 2 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,156 #18 Posted November 16, 2019 Prayers for the families... Your thoughtfulness will no doubt benefit that girl and her family in ways you never imagined... 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dells68 7,498 #19 Posted November 16, 2019 The thing that so many people don’t understand about teaching kids at such a young age is that you form a lot of deep and lasting friendships with children that lots of times last into adulthood. I’ve heard too many teachers say I’m your teacher, not your friend. My question is how in the world can you be a teacher without first being a true friend? Kids are very smart, they can sense when someone really cares about them. 3 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tractorhead 9,047 #20 Posted November 16, 2019 Hey Dell, after i read your first post, it hit my Heart, because i know how it felt to loose such young life. That‘s the badest experience in a Humans life what can be happen. As more, i appreciate, that you support another Kid. Kids in such extreme situation needs a bit more attention than healty ones. Sent some Prayers to you, and all Kid’s you’re supporting or in same circumstances, you are a person with the Heart on the right Point. Great sign get blank on Head for supporting them. 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 9,980 #21 Posted November 16, 2019 Hope the little lass comes through OK. Nearly lost number 1 grandson a couple of years back to cancer. He's back at work now and only has to have a check up every two years now. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites