9.21.14
September 21st, the day after the storm. I drug myself out of bed, brushed my hair, and ignored the puffy eyed girl in the mirror. I pulled on my grey skirt, my most comfortable shirt that could pass as something nice, and put on my grey jacket. I trudged down the stairs, looking down at my black TOMS. My energy gave out so I sat on the last stair ignoring the smiling faces around me. My thoughts went so fast that I didn't understand them. One of my teaching partners, asked if I was going to church. I replied "I think so." I was waiting for a comforting face, I only knew two and neither were downstairs yet. One walked by and I followed her into the dinning room. She told me good morning and asked how I was doing. I told her the news, we cried and hugged. I didn't feel any different than before. I saw my other comforting face and walked toward him. He asked what was wrong, and I told him. He went to hug me, but stopped himself. I wanted nothing more in that moment. We sat down and he prayed for me whilst his hand was on my arm. I didn't know what he was saying, but I was glad he was saying it.
My first comforting face came to me and took me upstairs. I received permission to not attend the church service. I went in my room and slept. After everyone returned I was feeling hungry. I returned downstairs and went to get some food. While in line a girl asked me how I was doing. I coldly replied "not well." She asked why and I explained without emotion.
I went to the evening church service. I sat next to comforting face #1. She gave me a list of bible verses she thought would help. They did help. After the service they served dinner at the church. Once we ate, everyone gathered around in a circle to sing and praise God. While everyone was telling the great things that happened to them the week before I sat in silence. I decided I should tell everyone what was going on. So I slowly raised my hand. Once I was recognized I stumbled out the words "Last night, I received a call telling me my 15 year old brother had leukemia. He and my mother are now in Memphis, and he is being treated at St. Jude. I'd appreciate it if you'd pray for him, and my family." The jolly faces turned silent, and I cried and held my friend's hand. After the singing ended I received hugs from people who have never spoken to me before, I felt awkward. No one really said anything to me other than "I'm sorry" or "I'll be praying" One of the staff members asked if I was going to teach tomorrow, and I agreed. I didn't want to be stuck in my room doing nothing. Once we left, I went to my room, and laid in my bed.
My first comforting face came to me and took me upstairs. I received permission to not attend the church service. I went in my room and slept. After everyone returned I was feeling hungry. I returned downstairs and went to get some food. While in line a girl asked me how I was doing. I coldly replied "not well." She asked why and I explained without emotion.
I went to the evening church service. I sat next to comforting face #1. She gave me a list of bible verses she thought would help. They did help. After the service they served dinner at the church. Once we ate, everyone gathered around in a circle to sing and praise God. While everyone was telling the great things that happened to them the week before I sat in silence. I decided I should tell everyone what was going on. So I slowly raised my hand. Once I was recognized I stumbled out the words "Last night, I received a call telling me my 15 year old brother had leukemia. He and my mother are now in Memphis, and he is being treated at St. Jude. I'd appreciate it if you'd pray for him, and my family." The jolly faces turned silent, and I cried and held my friend's hand. After the singing ended I received hugs from people who have never spoken to me before, I felt awkward. No one really said anything to me other than "I'm sorry" or "I'll be praying" One of the staff members asked if I was going to teach tomorrow, and I agreed. I didn't want to be stuck in my room doing nothing. Once we left, I went to my room, and laid in my bed.
This is simply a retelling of what happened and was felt in the moment. The purpose of the post is to document what was so that proper record could be kept.
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