Karen G. DePratto

Days can be impossibly long and blurred. The letter from the Oncologist at the Cancer Clinic came today. They are piling up. I don't know how we will ever afford out of country treatment funds. The amount is so far out of my reach and a hundred thousand dollars just to start with, is beyond my wildest dreams. I knew this disease could be life threatening, but you always think it would never happen to you or anyone you know. The odds were so huge against it happening that I never worried much about it until three years ago. That's when it started to bang it's ugly head into reality. At this point my self worth is being beaten down by the facts of multiple Plexiform Tumors running rampidly through such a small body. Just twelve years old this past January twenty-eighth, just a child full of innocence and a fearless attitude. Justin's remark when the Oncologist said there was a new tumor that was large and it was on his colon and right kidney, " don't I have two kidneys? " " All I need is one, so that is a good thing " Amazed at how he looks at things at times. He is too articulate for his own good and not afraid to carry on a conversation with an adult. I work as an Educational Assistant at the same school he attends. I happened to see him sitting in the principles office talking, dread was running through my mind. Oh no, what has he done. At noon I was walking by the principles office and decided to ask what Justin was in there for. The principle smiled and said that Justin was filing a complaint against some student for saying that I talked loudly to them. I have a tendacy to on purpose, to speak loud and firmly when attention is not being paid to the lessons being taught. This way I do not single anyone out from taking liberties not afforded to them from keeping those who want to learn. Justin felt the two students were not being respectful of me, and it bothered him. The principle said that Justin was concerned for me and did not approve of their remarks. Bless his soul. I never did mention that I knew about this, and Justin never said anything to me about it. Looking out for me is what he was doing the principle said. This made my heart swell with pride and love. He will have to learn that it is not necessary to be concerned with these situations, as they are common place. Still I loved the thought of him doing this for me. My little knight in shining amour. Another day is passing and there is so much I have yet