Back in October, I posted the situation regarding James's teacher and our friend, Rita Wells. Yesterday, we received news that she had passed away. Please pray for her family, the school and the community as all are grieving right now.
Last night Grace held her own in the system wide spelling bee. It started out with 22 contestants from the middle school and 4 elementary schools. After 6 rounds, it was down to 6. Those six were 4 middle schoolers, Grace and her friend Mansi.
After 8 rounds, it was down to two middle schoolers and Grace. They went round and round. In round 22, Grace misspelled indelible (she gave it indellible). Her 8th grade opponent spelled it correctly and then spelled chandelier for the win.
One of the perks is that the VFW doubled to prize money this year so she walked out with a check for $150.
Needless to say, we are very proud and expecting nice Christmas presents.
Grace and Shannon arrived back from the hospital tonight. It is nice to have every one back under one roof again. She will go back to the doctor on Monday to see how she is doing. Thanks to everyone for the prayers.
Grace is spending her second night in the hospital and hopefully her last. The Dr. came by tonight and didn't hear the crackling he was hearing in her lungs this morning. He said if her fever stays low, she should be released by tomorrow evening. Thanks for the prayers, please keep praying.
Grace has pneumonia. She was admitted to the hospital today after being sick since last Friday. They are testing to find out what type she has and that will determine how long she stays.
Friday night, I picked up the movie Glory Road . The movie follows the journey of Texas Western through integrating their team to being the first team to have all five starters be black in the NCAA championship game. The movie was well done and was based on a true story. My kids' reaction to the movie and the treatment towards the black players reminded me just how different the country is now (not that their isn't still a great deal of work to do).
When the movie was over, I shared with the kids that PawPaw Duer's uncle (their great, great, great uncle) is in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Uncle Al, was what I always heard him called but his real name was Alva Owen Duer. He went by A. O. but was known to many as Mr. NAIA. He did many impressive feats that are listed on his page at the Hall of Fame web site. The most impressive to me though is "Duer pioneered the integration of basketball with the inclusion of an all-black school in the 1954 tournament."
I wanted the kids to know that they had a legacy in being involved in fair treatment of others and to take pride in that.
Saturday, at their Upwards Basketball games, a halftime devotional brought a story back to mind that brought tears to my eyes (yes I am a sap.). It is the story of Derek Redmond who pulled a hamstring during the 400 meters at the 92 Olympics. Instead of crawling off the course, he hops his way around. His father comes out of the stands and fights his way to him. They finish the race together. Here is best video footage I could find of it on youtube.
It is nice as a child of God to know that their is a Father who will help me finish the race when I am unable to do it on my own.
Finally, the other blog worthy event of the weekend was James spending the night with a friend at a rustic cabin. He fell out of the loft and lived to tell about it. I am sure he will get a lot of mileage out of that story today at school.
James is learning to be smooth. Last weekend, Grace had a spend the night party at a friends house. Shannon ask, "So guys, what are you cooking me for breakfast?" I get the deer in the headlight look. James, doesn't miss a beat "It's a surprise." he deadpans.
Later Shannon took me aside and said "We are in big trouble with him." Is it possible to be proud of you child and scared for them at the same time?
Grace won the EastView Elem. spelling bee for the second year in a row. This year, her best friend, Mansi, pushed her and was the other finalist. She is the one giving Grace a hug on the video. Not only are both good spellers, they are very smart, and sweet young ladies. Both of them will be in the system wide spelling bee later this month.
