Keeping Me Going

I was still a little sick (mainly overstimulated and under-hydrated) this morning, so I had to miss class, but I felt well enough to go to school.


I have to say, last night, before bed, (and more things came today), I sat back and made a list of the positive things people have said to me over the last few days.


They are what are currently keeping me going.


First have been Bible passages.
God saying "I LOVE YOU!" (John 3:34)
God saying, "YOU CAN DO IT!" (Philippians 4:13)
God saying, "COME TO ME!" (1 Peter 5:7)


These things were said to me (or about me) during the literacy festival this weekend:
While introducing me to someone, the festival director said, "This is one of the most outstanding students I have ever met!"


Another festival leader introduced me to some authors and said "This is one of the most valuable players in future literacy eduction!"


"You are such a wonderful young man, and I am sure you bless any individual who comes into your life."


Today, someone said to my co-op, "Wow, your student teacher is amazing." I said "Amazing? I don't know about that..." And my co-op said, " I DO know that- he is absolutely amazing at what he does."


These came from my students:

(the bottom one says: "Please come every day)

And this is a get-well "card" my students made because they knew I wasn't feeling well. The top says 2+2=4 We love you. And the bottom part says Get well soon, and then various students wrote their names:

I also received this in an e-mail from a great friend:

...none of us can do everything. That is nothing to be ashamed of. And Dylan, please remember how much you have overcome this year! Your mind & your body have taken so much, and you have done amazingly to come through everything. We've seen so much strength in you lately! And I love that you've got that strength, but remember that you are still fragile, okay? We all are! What you are doing right now - I'm certain that would push just about anyone to exhaustion and illness. It is not that there's 'something wrong with you'. Please know that!

...

Nothing is wrong with you, Dylan. You're doing more than anyone would be able to handle right now. This is not a weakness in you. It is a human trait which is hitting you hard right now. I hope there's an end in sight to all of this, and I'm praying for you in the meantime to find those extra hours each day that you need! Look after yourself!!

Seriously, thank you, everyone for your amazing words of encouragement, your prayers, and simply for "being there." It's hard, but things like these keep me going.