~ Aug 2013~ Sew what... We've gotta find a way back! Part I!!

[DMGeurts]

So fun on a DIS meet!!!
Sorry about the wallet.. Honestly it still is amazing. It can look like a fish breaking out of a fish tank??? Just kidding. i still would use it if that means anything!

You have an amazing talent.

How fun that you got to meet Flora!


I agree that you can probably cut out the vinyl part and use the rest of the wallet. I know that it won't be exactly what you imagined but the rest of it is awesome.

It sounds like you have gotten a big chunk of your holiday shopping out of the way. I am mostly done too. I will pick a few things up when I go on my girls' weekend at the end of November and then my girls just asked for more Wii controllers so that they can play a game with 4 people. Right now we can only have two kids play at a time. I like to do my shopping as I go through the year and tuck a few things away a little at a time.

Finally have some time to get back on the DIS now that my company is gone. I was holding my breath that MIL would get out yesterday since she was flying up north.

That is such a bummer about the wallet. I hate ironing, try to avoid it at all costs. I've ruined a few pieces of clothing in my time.

I love those Disney villages, but am not sure where I would put it if I got one. I do of course have the piece with Pluto and the kittens!

Oh and if you are interested at all, I started a PTR for my November trip, link is in my signature.

Oh "D". How awful for you and the whole community.I will add your family and the whole town to my prayers. How great that Ally can talk to you and Josh! Not all of the kids are that lucky. Things will improve,sometimes it's so hard to see the "end of the tunnel". Hope you have a peace filled day!

this is so sad. I am so sorry your town is going threw something like this. I pray they are calling in a doctor for the kids? What a terrible tragedy.
Prayers are with all of you!

How frustrating about your zippered wallet. It still looks cute and maybe you could cut a piece of vynal and super glue it onto the fabric.

But just be careful... last night I almost super glued my fingers together





Yes SW participates too. They have since 2010 and this is the best thing ever invented.



How sad for you town and the family of the ones that have lost someone.

Oh gosh D....this is just horrible I can't even imagine having to deal with this. I wish there was something I could do! Just know I am thinking of you all!



Yes, of course I knew you were kidding! Silly girl

sorry to hear about the other death's at school, so sad...hope the community will rally together and some healing can start

My prayers will definately include your community.

It's tough when teenagers are in the midst of tragedy...everything hits them so hard. Hopefully the school will be able to help students with a support base.

My dear, D, my heart is bleeding for all in the community...especially the students and teachers at the school. I will keep all close in my heart and say many prayers for them.

And here's a special for your daughter.

D~ you and your community are def in my prayers. I also pray for you and Josh as you have these conversations with A that are so difficult.

Sorry to hear about the continued grief in your town. I told you my experience when the accident happened so I know what all the kids are going through. I think you are doing a great job by talking to A and also having concerns for her friends. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

And not to be an enabler or anything but Sears carries a Disney town. I can't remember if it's Department 56 or not but there are several houses and accessories and Sears regularly has their holiday stuff on sale. I have not bought any of them but I was so tempted last year.

Your family and community will be in my prayers. Death is such a sad thing anyways but once you add in young adults and children it's even worse. We had a sensless shooting my Junior year of high school and lost a very a classmate. Even though I didn't know him personally I did know his girlfriend. Thankfully she had a very close group of friends that helped her through it. So I understand the feeling's that are going on.

I'm just now joining in...a little late to the party. Might take me a bit to get caught up!

Welcome!!! So glad you are here!

Prayers for all of you D~

I'm so sorry to hear about the further tragedies in your town. Those poor kids! Everything is so magnified at their age, so all or nothing. I'm glad that your girls know that they can talk to you about anything. That is the most important thing we can do for our kids I think. And it has to start at an early age so it will progress naturally. This means you've been getting it right for a long time, kiddo! My prayers will definitely be with you, your town, the students and especially the families of these kids. How my heart goes out to them!

I had this huge long reply all written out, and it disappeared. I don't have the time to rewrite it... I am so sorry.

I just want to say, we found out last night that someone else died yesterday. I am just sick beyond belief, and I don't know what to do. I really didn't want to send Alli to school today, but she needs to go. So I told her to call me if she wanted me to come get her. I would love to pull her out of school completely and have her do online courses.... That's the flight instinct in me coming out - but the rational person tells me to just tough it out... But death is not something you "tough out" - ya know?

What would you all do in my situation?

*****************************

Despite everything going on, I was able to get a lot accomplished on my next bag set yesterday. So, I am happy with that. I hope to start the appliques this afternoon.

I also got all my auctions written up in Practice Writer - so that is a huge relief - I was fretting about when I would get to that. And since the auctions are going to take place one after another, I wouldn't have time next week to do it - on top of everything else.

I did want to post the teaser photo that I put on FB yesterday - I forgot to post it here.

So, that's the waaaay shortened version of what I'd originally typed up.

Also, I just wanted everyone to know that I am praying for all of you in Sandy's path - I hope that your are braving this OK.

D~

 

[Pluto0809]

I am so sorry to hear about the problems you are having in your town. It's hard enough being a teenager without the added stress. It's really good that you are so close to your girls. My mom and I have that kind of relationship, I consider her my best friend. I don't have any advice seeing as I don't have kids of my own but just know you and your girls are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[cajunfan]

Wow D~, not sure what I would do. I totally understand your gut response to pulling her out of school. But, I also feel that this is a time for her to learn and know that her family is all around her!

 

[Chicago Mo]

it's fantastic you have that open relationship with your daughters. This is truly a very sad and confusing time for such a young crowd. Your an AMAZING mom

need anything please let me know!!!

 

[mommy2mrb]

oh no, what a tough time for the kids and their families....


speaking from experience with Megan....look into grief counseling for Alli...do you have a Hospice group near by? they offer free counseling to anyone in need (that who we go to) you don't need to have had anyone use Hospice services to use the counseling.

I hope the school is being on top of this and getting extra counsellers into the school.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Wow D~, not sure what I would do. I totally understand your gut response to pulling her out of school. But, I also feel that this is a time for her to learn and know that her family is all around her!

Didn't know if I wanted to post my experiences, but I decided to post.

I had a similar experience when DD25 was a senior in high school. One late winter day while I was at work, I got a phone call from school...Mary was sobbing and sick and wanted to go home. I gave permission for her to drive home, but I wanted her to call me before starting the drive home.

Five minutes later, Mary called...One of her school's administrators (to whom Mary became close to) put a gun to his head and shot himself.

Several years earlier was was a driver in a car crashed which killed his daughter, a student at the school. After that tragic day, he plunged headlong into school fundraising, always in memory of his daughter.

I guess the guilt finally got to him.

School was cancelled that Friday, so that the teachers and administrators could go to the funeral. Mary also went.

So yes, I would have kept my child home for the first day (if she was that upset). But I would urge her to go the following day.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Didn't know if I wanted to post my experiences, but I decided to post.

I had a similar experience when DD25 was a senior in high school. One late winter day while I was at work, I got a phone call from school...Mary was sobbing and sick and wanted to go home. I gave permission for her to drive home, but I wanted her to call me before starting the drive home.

Five minutes later, Mary called...One of her school's administrators (to whom Mary became close to) put a gun to his head and shot himself.

Several years earlier was was a driver in a car crashed which killed his daughter, a student at the school. After that tragic day, he plunged headlong into school fundraising, always in memory of his daughter.

I guess the guilt finally got to him.

School was cancelled that Friday, so that the teachers and administrators could go to the funeral. Mary also went.

So yes, I would have kept my child home for the first day (if she was that upset). But I would urge her to go the following day.

Such a tragic story, just like what Alli is experiencing. So glad you were able to provide first hand experience to help encourage D~ in making the right decision. Thank you for sharing, I am sure it was a difficult time in your life to revisit. I just love the DIS for so many reasons...and this is another great reason to add to the list.

 

[solana131]

I don't know what to say or do...other than say we are all here for you! Such a horrible time for your whole community! My heart goes out for you all!

 

[DMGeurts]

Didn't know if I wanted to post my experiences, but I decided to post.

I had a similar experience when DD25 was a senior in high school. One late winter day while I was at work, I got a phone call from school...Mary was sobbing and sick and wanted to go home. I gave permission for her to drive home, but I wanted her to call me before starting the drive home.

Five minutes later, Mary called...One of her school's administrators (to whom Mary became close to) put a gun to his head and shot himself.

Several years earlier was was a driver in a car crashed which killed his daughter, a student at the school. After that tragic day, he plunged headlong into school fundraising, always in memory of his daughter.

I guess the guilt finally got to him.

School was cancelled that Friday, so that the teachers and administrators could go to the funeral. Mary also went.

So yes, I would have kept my child home for the first day (if she was that upset). But I would urge her to go the following day.

Thank you for telling your story. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for Mary.

************

Allison called me, and asked me to come and get her. With out going into too much detail, not only is it the students that are having a hard time - but Allison's teachers are breaking down in front of class... Clearly everyone is grieving.

I drove to town and took Allison out of school. I am angry at the school for not handling all of this properly. They have a great many counselors set up in the Commons area... But what about the teachers? Clearly, the students look up to them for support, but if they are breaking down in front of the class - I feel they should be offered to have a substitute take over, so that they are allowed to go home to grieve among their families - rather than bringing down the whole student body.

Allison is clearly upset about all of this. She wants to be learning among her friends, she does not want to sit at home with us. I can totally tell that she is much sadder now, than when I sent her to school this morning. And I am quite angry about it, and I just don't know what to do?

One part of me feels like she needs to be there, because that's where all the help is, and if she needs the help...

The other part of me just wants to keep her as far away from that school as possible, until the school as a whole can pull itself together to be a positive place to be, rather than the negative it's become, and the snowballing that seems to be taking hold.

And then I see Alli, my dd who LOVES to learn, and loves to go to school - just dreading to go and hating to be there. It makes me so sad to see this, because I don't want us keeping her home to reinforce her fears. Does that make sense?

For the time being, we have pulled Alli out of school - we are hoping it is only for a day or two. Long enough for everyone to get their bearings. She brought home all of her books and work, we are hoping she is able to stay caught up.

We are in the process of writing and emal to the school Superintendent, Principal and her Counselor, informing them of our decision and our reasons.

The only good part (if there is one) in this situation, is that the Middle school and High school are two seperate buildings, on opposite sides of town - so the Middle schoolers (Victoria) are mostly unaware of what is going on in the High school.

I just ask for continued prayers, as Josh and I try to determine what is best for Allison and our family, and the other students in Allison's school - that they are able to learn to cope with all the sadness that is around them.

D~

 

[EEs*Mommy]

Oh D my heart just breaks for your town and your DD. What a seriously rough spot to be in! I think that I would have likely pulled mine out of school in the same situation. Good for you on writing the people who are supposed to be in charge! I hope they can get on top of this and be able to support these kiddos at such a hard time! My thoughts nad prayers are with you guys!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Thank you for telling your story. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for Mary.

************

Allison called me, and asked me to come and get her. With out going into too much detail, not only is it the students that are having a hard time - but Allison's teachers are breaking down in front of class... Clearly everyone is grieving.

I drove to town and took Allison out of school. I am angry at the school for not handling all of this properly. They have a great many counselors set up in the Commons area... But what about the teachers? Clearly, the students look up to them for support, but if they are breaking down in front of the class - I feel they should be offered to have a substitute take over, so that they are allowed to go home to grieve among their families - rather than bringing down the whole student body.

Allison is clearly upset about all of this. She wants to be learning among her friends, she does not want to sit at home with us. I can totally tell that she is much sadder now, than when I sent her to school this morning. And I am quite angry about it, and I just don't know what to do?

One part of me feels like she needs to be there, because that's where all the help is, and if she needs the help...

The other part of me just wants to keep her as far away from that school as possible, until the school as a whole can pull itself together to be a positive place to be, rather than the negative it's become, and the snowballing that seems to be taking hold.

And then I see Alli, my dd who LOVES to learn, and loves to go to school - just dreading to go and hating to be there. It makes me so sad to see this, because I don't want us keeping her home to reinforce her fears. Does that make sense?

For the time being, we have pulled Alli out of school - we are hoping it is only for a day or two. Long enough for everyone to get their bearings. She brought home all of her books and work, we are hoping she is able to stay caught up.

We are in the process of writing and emal to the school Superintendent, Principal and her Counselor, informing them of our decision and our reasons.

The only good part (if there is one) in this situation, is that the Middle school and High school are two seperate buildings, on opposite sides of town - so the Middle schoolers (Victoria) are mostly unaware of what is going on in the High school.

I just ask for continued prayers, as Josh and I try to determine what is best for Allison and our family, and the other students in Allison's school - that they are able to learn to cope with all the sadness that is around them.

D~

Oh D i am so sorry. I'll say it again you are a GREAT mom.. No one can be prepared for such a tragedy that is going on in your community! No one has the answers. But help is really needed for individuals! I hate to say this but just like Columbine they had counseling. they really got on top to help the children and the families. I.m surprised the "mayor" or someone like that isn't calling in help.
May I suggest maybe setting up something for you guys and a counselor? i know she isn't affected but maybe help shed a little light on feelings?
this is in no way being funny or sarcastic but i'm surprised the media isn't all over this??? I'm sorry but this is really huge, there are children screaming for help.

I wish there is something i can do to help??? Wanna come stay with me for a few weeks?!?!?!

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh D my heart just breaks for your town and your DD. What a seriously rough spot to be in! I think that I would have likely pulled mine out of school in the same situation. Good for you on writing the people who are supposed to be in charge! I hope they can get on top of this and be able to support these kiddos at such a hard time! My thoughts nad prayers are with you guys!

Thank you Callie.

Oh D i am so sorry. I'll say it again you are a GREAT mom.. No one can be prepared for such a tragedy that is going on in your community! No one has the answers. But help is really needed for individuals! I hate to say this but just like Columbine they had counseling. they really got on top to help the children and the families. I.m surprised the "mayor" or someone like that isn't calling in help.
May I suggest maybe setting up something for you guys and a counselor? i know she isn't affected but maybe help shed a little light on feelings?
this is in no way being funny or sarcastic but i'm surprised the media isn't all over this??? I'm sorry but this is really huge, there are children screaming for help.

I wish there is something i can do to help??? Wanna come stay with me for a few weeks?!?!?!

Thanks Mo - I wish I could. I was talking to my bff this morning, on my way into town, and she said she heard about it on the news last night - so when I got home, I checked all of our news stations, but I didn't find any stories about it? What she heard was that it's a suicide pact - which Allison said the rumors about that started today (there was never a rumor about it until this news story)... I will txt my bff and find out which station she watched.

I know the Obits in our small local paper are there. And the local paper just passed a rule in the last day that now they won't state the cause of death.

D~

 

[oopsiDAISY]

I have no wise or comforting words to offer...but you will have my prayers for sure!!!!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Thank you Callie.



Thanks Mo - I wish I could. I was talking to my bff this morning, on my way into town, and she said she heard about it on the news last night - so when I got home, I checked all of our news stations, but I didn't find any stories about it? What she heard was that it's a suicide pact - which Allison said the rumors about that started today (there was never a rumor about it until this news story)... I will txt my bff and find out which station she watched.

I know the Obits in our small local paper are there. And the local paper just passed a rule in the last day that now they won't state the cause of death.

D~

Maybe you guys need to escape town for a couple of days? it's turning into an epidemic..
Being in my lovely town, you know the media is all about rumors.. someone Needs to stand up and make a town meeting of sorts. Call in major media. Get the help these poor children and their families need. I understand Sandy right now is the Popular story.
My heart just breaks.
I'm so glad to know 'A' isn't part of any of this. What a blessing.
I pray for your community.

 

[PrincessMickey]

Thank you for telling your story. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for Mary.

************

Allison called me, and asked me to come and get her. With out going into too much detail, not only is it the students that are having a hard time - but Allison's teachers are breaking down in front of class... Clearly everyone is grieving.

I drove to town and took Allison out of school. I am angry at the school for not handling all of this properly. They have a great many counselors set up in the Commons area... But what about the teachers? Clearly, the students look up to them for support, but if they are breaking down in front of the class - I feel they should be offered to have a substitute take over, so that they are allowed to go home to grieve among their families - rather than bringing down the whole student body.

Allison is clearly upset about all of this. She wants to be learning among her friends, she does not want to sit at home with us. I can totally tell that she is much sadder now, than when I sent her to school this morning. And I am quite angry about it, and I just don't know what to do?

One part of me feels like she needs to be there, because that's where all the help is, and if she needs the help...

The other part of me just wants to keep her as far away from that school as possible, until the school as a whole can pull itself together to be a positive place to be, rather than the negative it's become, and the snowballing that seems to be taking hold.

And then I see Alli, my dd who LOVES to learn, and loves to go to school - just dreading to go and hating to be there. It makes me so sad to see this, because I don't want us keeping her home to reinforce her fears. Does that make sense?

For the time being, we have pulled Alli out of school - we are hoping it is only for a day or two. Long enough for everyone to get their bearings. She brought home all of her books and work, we are hoping she is able to stay caught up.

We are in the process of writing and emal to the school Superintendent, Principal and her Counselor, informing them of our decision and our reasons.

The only good part (if there is one) in this situation, is that the Middle school and High school are two seperate buildings, on opposite sides of town - so the Middle schoolers (Victoria) are mostly unaware of what is going on in the High school.

I just ask for continued prayers, as Josh and I try to determine what is best for Allison and our family, and the other students in Allison's school - that they are able to learn to cope with all the sadness that is around them.

D~

Oh D i am so sorry. I'll say it again you are a GREAT mom.. No one can be prepared for such a tragedy that is going on in your community! No one has the answers. But help is really needed for individuals! I hate to say this but just like Columbine they had counseling. they really got on top to help the children and the families. I.m surprised the "mayor" or someone like that isn't calling in help.
May I suggest maybe setting up something for you guys and a counselor? i know she isn't affected but maybe help shed a little light on feelings?
this is in no way being funny or sarcastic but i'm surprised the media isn't all over this??? I'm sorry but this is really huge, there are children screaming for help.

I wish there is something i can do to help??? Wanna come stay with me for a few weeks?!?!?!

Sorry to hear the school is not doing more. My kids go to school in the same district as Columbine. There was a recent incident that really affected an elementary school on the other side of the district. Not only did they have counselors on hand at every school in the district they also had substitutes available at every school if the teachers needed to step away for a few minutes. This district is huge, we live a half hour away from where this all happened and they still offered all that to our school as well.

At the very least I would think they should have substitutes on hand. All these kids are looking up to the teachers so to see them walk away for a minute to talk to a counselor is probably more beneficial than seeing them break down in front of the class.

One last thing I would not worry about Ali missing too much school work, sounds like there is not a lot of teaching going on right now. If I were you I would give her a few days and then slowly get her back into the school. It may take time for the school to get back to normal, as normal as it can get under the circumstances, but I think it is a life expereience for her to learn through.

 

[NiniMorris]

Hugs...I wish I had some words of wisdom...but I don't.


When something like that (although not as bad) happens here, we are encouraged to send the kids to school. Their reasoning is the kids need to see that adults have trouble dealing with death, and that they are not alone in dealing with it. It doesn't seem like the teachers have had any instructions as to how to deal themselves. Tragic!

I was never taught much about death as a child. It was never spoken about. The first funeral I ever went to was when I was 18. It was a close personal friend and it sent me into a tail spin. In contrast, my 12 year old daughter has been to 4 funerals in her short life. It doesn't seem to bother her as much as it does me. Evidently I am better at helping her deal than I am dealing myself.

Much prayers and hugs for your famliy!

Nini

 

[miprender]

I just ask for continued prayers, as Josh and I try to determine what is best for Allison and our family, and the other students in Allison's school - that they are able to learn to cope with all the sadness that is around them.

D~

It sounds like you may have done the right thing and let Allie stay home for a while.

This is just so tragic and I also feel for the teachers. I remember a few years ago when one of DH's students died during a baseball practice (he had an undiagnosed heart problem) and it took him a long time to deal with the loss.

 

[DisneyTeacher01]

D~ first off hugs and prayers

The only thing you can do for her is be there and listen. The idea of keeping her home for a while may be a good thing... I agree with everyone's ideas...yet there is no "right" choice, you have to do what you feel is best.

All of you are in my prayers.

~Jennifer

 

[KatMark]

D, I'm so sorry that you are all dealing with this. Only you know what the right decision is for your daughter becuase there is no one knows her as well as you. I will keep praying for your daughter, your family and the community.

 

[smile5sunshine]

Your last few post have been heartbreaking. I am praying for Alli, your family, the families of those who are gone and the school and rest of the community. May they find peace and strength to pick up the pieces and carry on.

I pray that you and your DH will have wisdom and guidance in what is the right decision for Alli regarding school.

Sunshine