The 1st Day of School.....

Let me take this blog space to share with you the greatness I have experienced since that July 20 day. I never really understood why I moved back to Iowa and left the mountains, well other than my family and Angie. Ok, I suppose they are all good enough reasons. Needless to say, I will never EVER again question this. When people started hearing my news, I was and still am being showered with love and support.
First, I will start with my boss. What an amazing woman she is. She was one of the first people after Angie, I talked to that day and she has been by my side ever since. There is no way I would be where I am today professionally and personally without her. She is the boss and she gets things done! She also introduced me to another wonderful woman whom I have mentioned, Kay. Kay has been through 4 cancers, including lung. She has been my go to gal. She really is an inspiration and calms me whenever I feel a little crazy. She too has been along with us on this ride. For someone who didn't know me or my family, she didn't hesitate to help us. Now that's a truly GREAT person.
Second, the Prairie-City and Monroe communities have been so generous. I receive numerable amounts of cards, gift cards, gifts, the list goes on. These people are the epitome of small town greatness. I almost can't find the words to describe how generous they have all been. I can't even express how grateful I am to all of them.
Third, my staff and colleagues. The schools had gathered gift cards and other gifts as well to give their support. Unbelievable! My middle school staff....truly amazing. To this day they have a basket of "Smiles for Steph" I am very honored to be their administrator.
Fourth, my students. I still can't get over the fact that they ALL actually want their principal at school. That 1st day of school, I planned to meet with all of my students and be this rough and tough principal, don't mess around in MY school, here are the rules that YOU WILL follow and DON'T show up in my office or you will be sorry. Yeah, well that attitude changed real quick, before I could even get a word out. Look at these pictures and than I will continue....

EVERY single one of my students and staff had on these shirts. I don't know who was in charge, but it was absolutely incredible. They also planned this photo op. All of the students and staff attempted to make a ribbon with me in the middle and than a picture was taken from the rooftop! I must have done something right. :)

I really have to mention my family and friends. I am blessed with the best family and friends anyone can have. They are the reason I am strong and they are the reason I will fight this and win! I love them all beyond words and I only hope they all know who I am talking about. It's not just me going through cancer, it's all of us. It's not easy, but being together makes it bearable. I feel that I am leaving so many people out, if I am I am sorry. The 28th is approaching........