Pre-surgery classroom plans update -

[francine]

Thought I'd let you all know how it went today in Maia's classroom. Today was her last day before her surgery. We are Jewish and she goes to a Jewish preschool that is at a synagogue. Our Sabbath is on Saturday and we call that Shabbat. So on Friday, they have Shabbat services for all the children. One child per Friday is chosen to be the Shabbat girl or boy and they are honored during the service - they are in charge of doing all the ceremonial things, and they lead the songs, etc.

So Maia was the Shabbat girl for this Friday and we were invited to join her for this service...which we did and it was just wonderful. After the service, the Rabbi had Maia and her class stay longer and sat us down in the front of the synagogue in a big circle on the floor and talked to the children about Maia going to Texas. She very eloquently told the children about surgery and how sometimes it is scary and sometimes it hurts but it's so nice to have your parents right there and to also know that God is right there too...and really what is happening is that the results will be like a miracle or a present just from God. She asked the children what they thought about Maia not being there next week and asked them if they wanted to say anything to Maia. This little stood up and said, "I want to give Maia my funny face." And he made this amazingly funny face. And then he said "when she is sad, I want her to remember my funny face" (I couldn't believe this!!)...then another girl said that she wanted to tell Maia something and she turned to Maia and said "I love you Maia". Then another girl stood up and said, "Maia I will share my toy with you now"... about six children out of ten stood up and talked. It was just heartwarming.

Then we all stood up and Maia was given the honor of opening up the ark doors - there is a lit "closet" and inside are the Torahs. Torahs are the scrolls containing the Five Books of Moses - the old testament. When the ark is opened it's a moment of reverence. She said a prayer in Hebrew that is a special prayer for healing and wellbeing. And all the children answered with "Amen" and then Maia and I closed the ark doors.

Then we went down to Maia's classroom in which we did more ceremonial things (lit candles, ate Challah [bread] and drank grape juice. And when that was done I read them the book I wrote.

The loved it! They loved the idea that they could see the picture of the hospital and pointed to the floor where Maia will be. I told them that if they missed Maia next week, they could go to the book and see where she was! One little boy said, "if I wave to her will she see me?" precious! Then I took out the SOL splint and everyone got to try it on to see what it would feel like to be with their arm up. They were SO excited!

I am leaving the book there and the SOL splint there. I figured that when Maia came back - if they wanted to be like Maia, they could have the splint in the dress up box....and that way they wouldn't bother her current splint.

All the kids hugged me before they went out to play. I'm SO glad I did this!

oh yes - I forgot to tell you that a friend of mine got Maia a 'texas' style outfit.... jean skirt with paisley ruffles and a bow in the back...and a t-shirt that matched with boots sewn on the front... she wore it to school today...

I highly recommend getting your child's friends involved in some way....it helps them understand it better I think and have compassion (I hope at least).

We leave tomorrow early morning. Have a nice weekend and week y'all.

-francine

[christy]

Francine--how wonderful for you and Maia. SHe is officially on the prayer list at the hospital and all of my co workers as well as our family.

katie has the same outfit! I bet it looks adorable. I got both girls one the last time I was at TCH. I guess if this next one is a girl I can make a baby one for her...

Sorry I haven't gotten the pics to you yet. We are barely going out right now. We have had some bad experiences with this splint. Sadly some people have decided that we have not been watching her closely enough or something and allowed her to be hurt. They won't even stay around long enough to find out different and the ones that I could stop just said oh and walked away. Wish they had stopped at saying "OH" before they made comments loud enough for me to hear. So much for awareness. I have to finish shopping for Christmas gifts (we have chosen a family to help) so I think I will wear a sign "I DIDN'T DO THIS, CALL THE DOC"

LOTS OF PRAYERS

[Kathleen]

Francine

that was so wonderful! I think education is the key...
If children understand they are so kind...
What a great day you had...
Have a safe trip
Your family, the staff and the doctors are all in my prayers and especially Maia for healings.
Have a good trip
Kath
PS> Cowgirl outfit... so cute!

[Beth]

Francine and Maia,
Our prayers and thoughts will be with you through these next few stressful days.
Beth and Patrick

[admin]

thats such a great thing you are doing for her. thanks for the lesson in jewish tradition. we are having a jewish friend here for the holidays and he said he would like to incorate some things!