Never Once Have You Left Us On Our Own

Summer is here and as a teacher that brings the blessing of a little slower, more relaxed pace, time to catch up with tasks around the house, projects and most importantly  a little more free time to spend with friends and family.  We love it means face to face visits, but for those of near and dear to our hearts who are across the country or the world it means time for updating you and keeping you current on the Dillon girls via our blog and or email.  

It’s hard to believe my first year as a full-time fifth grade teacher is complete.  What  a busy, but great first year!   I love fifth grade and my students were wonderful.  This, my first group of fifth graders, will always hold a special place in my heart.  I am blessed to be a part of a wonderful district and truly  enjoy my colleagues.   It was a busy school year both at home and at school.   As anticipated the first year teaching was time consuming with lesson planning,  and working with the curriculum to develop meaningful lessons for my students.   On the home front things moved at a steady pace too with both Kate and Maggie graduating this year.  Their senior year was filled with many events and activities.   With the hectic pace of the past year, I have decided not to do any grad courses this summer.   I am thankful for a chance to catch my breath, and enjoy some time with both girls and work on getting Maggie ready to head off to college.    I am still working a few days a week at the flower shop this summer to help with weddings.  

Kate graduated the end of April from Malone University with her degree in Social Work.  We are so proud of her accomplishment and stand amazed at God’s faithfulness and provision for every need in the four years of her journey at Malone.  It’s nothing less than a miracle that with the challenges she faced along the way… residual effects from treatment the first year, processing/short term memory issues, hip fracture, and pneumonia that she was able to complete her course work on time.   Her professors approached me at graduation and wanted me to know that Malone’s Social Work program is a rigorous one, and not an easy feat for any students.   Kate will always be my hero, as I have watched that sweet spirit persevere with grace, never complaining every step of the way.   Kate’s  life and story is truly one of God’s amazing grace!   With graduation behind her,  the next hurdle for Kate is to be able to walk unassisted again.   Since her fall last April, Kate has been dependent on a walker to get around.  Kate cannot take a step independent of the walker.  The combination of nerve damage from chemo, muscle weakness and balance issues make walking independently a huge challenge.  She has made small strides with PT, but our desire is to get her some inpatient rehab.  She desires to walk, drive, get a job and enjoy the independence being 22 years old.  Please pray with us in this process. 

Miss Maggie had a fantastic senior year.  She can hardly wait for August and going to Eastern University near Philadelphia where she will major in Elementary and Special Education.   Maggie has been very intent on doing her part to contribute toward the finances of her college education.  During the course of the year she worked hard at completing many applications for scholarships both for the university and others in our local community.   We feel very blessed that she earned several of these and are thankful for the help they will be towards her tuition.   Maggie too works at the flower shop.

We celebrated Maggie’s graduation with a trip to New York City with Maggie’s best friend, Molly, her mother Renee and the girls’ friend Roland from Costa Rica.  It was a fantastic trip filled with lots of walking, seeing the sites, bargaining for purses in China TownJ, and seeing Lion King on Broadway - what a fabulous show!!

We trust your summer is off to a good start.   We would love to hear from you.  As always, we wish we could keep in touch on a more regular basis.  Please know that if you have plans to be in our area of the country there is always a warm welcome for you at the Dillon Girls’!

Reflecting over the past year,  looking at where we have been and where God has brought us we rejoice at God’s faithfulness in our lives.   Last year was one of challenge that kept us totally dependent on God, constantly looking to Him for strength and guidance.    During that year I went to back to grad school to complete my certification, in April Kate fell and broke her hip, in May my Dad was diagnosed with cancer and we lost him in June, in the midst of all that I was in the interview process for my teaching position.    There were times when I wondered how I was going to make it, but we were never alone.  God is faithful!!  We recently sang the song “Never Once” by Matt Redman.  The words of this song perfectly reflect my testimony of praise.   I would like to leave you with the words of that song, praying that in your lives, regardless of what challenges you may be facing,  where you have been or where you may be going, that you too will marvel at God’s faithfulness in your lives!

Never Once By:  Matt Redman

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Maggie Spring Dance and RHS Homecoming2011

Blessings on the mountain tops and valleys

Blessings on the mountain tops and in the valleys…

Much has happened since our last blog update in May. Our journey over the course of the past months has been one that has found us rejoicing on the mountain tops and being carried by God’s grace and strength in the valleys.

May 18^th my Dad began a journey with cancer, which by God’s grace, he only had to endure one month. Dad’s illness caught us totally off guard with little to no warning. Dad was always the picture of health, active on the golf course and around the yard, vibrant and full of life. It began with some stomach pain, initially thought to be gallbladder, but tests revealed otherwise. The disease progressed so quickly, that surgery and treatment were not options. The best the doctors could determine was that it was likely stomach cancer. On June 18^th, the day before Father’s Day, Dad walked into heaven healed and whole. While we miss him terribly, we are thankful that he only suffered a short time. As many close friends and family know, I’ve been a Daddy’s girl all my life. How thankful I am that I had such a loving Dad who by his actions, and words, pointed me towards God, my heavenly Father.

In the midst of Dad’s diagnosis and Kate’s recovery from her hip fracture and surgery, I was finishing my teaching placement in 6^th grade, as well as, my graduate courses necessary to complete my teaching certificate. I know without a doubt that it was God’s strength that carried me through those challenging weeks as I finished up my coursework. In June I began the interview process with our school district. At the first interview I learned that they were interviewing 30 candidates for the two teaching positions that I was qualified for. When I was invited back for a second interview, I knew it was absolutely a God gift. The second interview, at which there were ten candidates, was just two days after my Dad died. It was truly God’s grace that carried me through and got me invited back for the third and final interview. There were five of us who interviewed at the last interview for the two positions. Knowing the high caliber of the other candidates going into the interview, my hopes were wavering. When the administration offered me the job, I burst into tears. God had worked still another miracle in my life! I am teaching fifth grade math, science and social studies, as well as, one class of 6^th grade social studies. I feel incredibly blessed… I love my job and have wonderful students.

I can’t believe I am the mother of two seniors. Kate returned to Malone the end of August to begin her senior year. She is still walking with a walker due to weak muscles in her legs, as well as, balance issues. Mid-September respiratory stuff was running rampant everywhere. Maggie and I had it at home and Kate came down with it at school. Kate’s was more intense and her symptoms became more acute, to the point that on a Sunday afternoon I drove to Ohio to get her and take her to the ER to be checked. CT scan showed pneumonia. Given her history, the doctors decided it was best to treat her at Children’s. Because she was dehydrated her blood pressured dropped very low so the ER doctors determined they would be more comfortable transferring her there by helicopter. After four days in the hospital, Kate came home for another week until she was finally strong enough to return to school. We are thankful that she is healthy again and working to catch up from her two week absence and looking for a placement for her Social Work internship.

Maggie danced in her last dance recital in June. She did a beautiful job. With her AP classes and many extra-curricular activities we determined dance would have to be put on the back burner for this school year. Maggie hopes, however, to find a college where she can continue dancing as a minor or extra-curricular activity. Maggie spent a month in Costa Rica this summer. God worked in her and through her as she taught kindergarten, first and second grade students. Her senior year is flying by all too quickly. She is busy and on the go all the time. Maggie was surprised and honored to be voted on Homecoming court. She was teary at the reality that Pappy was no longer here to escort her, as he did Kate, but was thrilled when our family friend, Gary traveled from Kentucky to escort her at the football game. Cross country season recently ended and Maggie is excited to begin practicing her part as Hodel in this year’s musical, “Fiddler on the Roof”. We’ve made several road trips to visit colleges and will visit one more this week as Maggie seeks the best fit for her to study elementary and special education.

We ended the summer with a trip to Annapolis to visit our friends Jim and Sue. A trip to the D.C. Holocaust museum was a highlight of the trip for Kate. We also enjoyed a good visit with my brother Kurt and his family in Mechanicsburg.

We are anticipating a family trip to Costa Rica this summer. Our church will take a team and there will be opportunities for each of us to serve there. I am looking forward to doing some training with the teachers who work at the Christian school there. The year is flying and before we know it 2012 will be here and we will soon be celebrating two graduations. The coming months will be busy, fun and full. Reflecting back and looking forward, we can only stand amazed at God’s hand at work in our lives. We are grateful for grace and the blessing and promise of His faithfulness on the mountain tops and in the valleys both in the past and in the months to come.

Maggies Jr. Prom 2011

Maggie’s junior prom was May 13th. True to form, Maggie embraced the whole experience from start to finish with enthusiasm and excitement. Dress shopping was so much fun and as you can see by the pictures Maggie chose a dress that so fits her personality… vibrant, fun and colorful. It’s always fun to watch our sweats and T-shirt loving Maggie get dressed up and look so beautiful. When Bryson, her date, arrived to pick her up in his Dad’s 1976 Maverick, Maggie was thrilled! They enjoyed a wonderful evening together.

Forever God is with Us

Once again it’s been a while since I’ve updated the blog. The last couple of months have been extremely busy sprinting to the finish line to complete the work for my teaching certificate. Tuesday I officially completed my 12 week teaching placement in sixth grade. I completed my graduate courses a few weeks ago and last week was my final observation by my mentor. I’m thrilled and thankful to have finished this process. I know without a doubt it was only by God’s grace and strength that I was able to pass the intense entrance exams into the program and juggle the work load of the graduate courses and classroom placement.

In the midst of finals the last week of April, Kate fell and injured her leg.
Following an x-ray in the ER in Ohio, the radiologist determined the femoral neck was fractured and she would need surgery. He felt the pain was too severe for a car ride and had Kate transferred by ambulance to Children’s Hospital in Pgh., where they did a CT scan to assure there was no tumor cause for the bone break. Both the OH and the Pgh. docs indicated this is the type of injury you see in elderly ladies with osteoporosis. Due to Kate's high doses of steroids, chemo and radiation her bones are very soft. Surgery went well and three screws were used to repair the hip fracture. Kate has neuropathy in both legs (nerve damage from cancer treatment) so her right leg is not strong either. She is using a walker to get around and a wheel chair for distance at this point. She was not to put weight on her leg for a month. It has been a bit of a challenge in that Kate's upper body and right leg are not strong, but they will be by the time she is recovered as she uses them to compensate for the left leg. As always Kate handles all with out complaint. Monday we saw the surgeon for a follow up visit. He was pleased with the healing thus far. She will continue using the walker for the next six weeks and is now allowed to put 15-20 pounds of weight on her leg. She is doing 3 on-line courses this summer, so that will be perfect for her recovery time. She still has one final to make up, but Malone has said just to contact them when she is ready. We are incredibly thankful for answered prayer and God’s care all along the way. Kate had the head of the department as her surgeon and an excellent anesthesiologist and a smooth surgery. We would be grateful for your continued prayers for a full recovery, and that the blood flow to the site would not become occluded (20-25%) chance which would manifest itself after about three months. Maggie has been an incredible help during Kate’s recovery. She has had such a servant heart and has cared for and assisted Kate so lovingly and patiently. We are thankful for the prayers, meals, phone calls, gifts and cards sent to bless us during this little bend in the road. It’s both the little and big challenges in life that grow our dependence on God, and claim the song words: “Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong, forever God is with us, forever!”

Fabulous at Fifty

What a wonderful birthday celebration I enjoyed. Fifty is Fabulous!! As one of my former high school teachers wrote in my card…“It’s only a number”. I could not have felt more loved with all the expressions of love and special wishes sent my way.

The celebration began at school on Friday. My sixth graders were so much fun. One of my students with the help of her mom and sister baked cupcakes to celebrate with the class. The kids secretly sent a card around the classroom to sign for me while I was teaching and delighted in the fact that Mrs. Dillon didn’t even know. The class’s gift to me was a “no homework” coupon – which I was happy to put to use for the weekend! I gave the students an opportunity to guess my age and one sweet little girl guessed “21” – she got an A for the day, while one of my fun-loving boys said “64 ½” – he got a zero for the day. Lunch that day came as a big surprise when my co-teacher prepared a wonderful lunch for all of the 6^th grade teachers to enjoy together.

The birthday festivities continued through the weekend with my brother, Kurt and his daughter Megan arriving. Kurt was born on my sixth birthday. It is always special when we can celebrate together. Kate and Maggie began Saturday by taking me out for breakfast. The day continued with a fun family birthday dinner at Ichiban. Much to my surprise the girls had schemed and invited two of my dear heart friends and their husbands to join us. Then it was back to our house for cake and a wonderful evening visiting with friends and family.

The biggest surprise was yet to come when everyone had left. The girls said Mom, now we want to give you the gift you are going to like the most…but it’s going to make you cry. It was then that they presented me with a shopping bag full of cards and birthday wishes. My heart was touched and truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and birthday wishes expressed by dear friends and family from around the world. The girls were right, the card shower did make me cry as we sat together for over an hour with me reading and enjoying the cards, notes, emails and wishes so many of you sent my way. Thank you to each of you for making my 50^th truly fabulous!

The celebration did not end that weekend. The next week the girls from the flower shop arrived with pizza for dinner and we celebrated together. Last weekend two of my childhood friends took me to Pittsburgh to Phipps Conservatory to the spring flower show. We enjoyed breakfast out and glorious day of sunshine and gorgeous flowers at their peak. The three of us celebrated our total of 150 years and a lifetime of friendship!

As I reflect over my 50 years God has shown me so many things. I continue to be amazed by His grace and overwhelmed by his faithfulness in our lives. How grateful I am that His plan included choosing each friend and family member in my life. You each are a gift to me and I thank God daily for the countless people He has placed in my life, whether for a season or a lifetime. You have journeyed beside us through life’s joys, as well as, the trials. I am blessed beyond belief by your “presence” in my life!

GUYS and DOLLS

Maggie and John ~ Havana Dancers
Maggie and Billy (Nathan Detroit ) Streets of New York City
I Love you a "BUSHEL and a PECK" ~ HOT BOX DANCER
Maggie as "Agatha" ~ Save A Soul Missionary

The high school musical, Guys and Dolls was fabulous! Maggie was certainly in her element and loved every moment as she sang and danced her way across the stage. Unfortunately she caught a virus that had been working its way through the cast, so she was sick the entire show. You know the saying... "The show must go on." She would not hear of staying at home and gave it everything she had, despite the fact that the only thing she was able to keep down for four days was Gatorade. She performed beautifully and to the observing eye no one knew how badly she felt. Maggie was delighted and felt so special when family and friends traveled from Maryland, Kentucky and Ohio to see her perform. Now that the musical is over, it's time to focus on finishing her hours behind the wheel and the classroom portion of driver's ed so she can take her test. Then it will be May and time for the prom!

The week of the musical Kate was at home for spring break. It's always a joy to have her at home. She spoiled me by taking over the kitchen for the week and trying out some new recipes on us. Kate's load is very heavy this semester and she and I are trying to cheer each other on through this intense time in our class work. Yes, I too am back in school and working on two graduate courses, as well as, a twelve week teaching placement in sixth grade. Crazy, busy days, but by June I hope to have my teaching certificate.

We continue to be amazed by God's grace and are incredibly thankful for His goodness and faithfulness in our lives.