Panther Nation,
The picture above probably doesn’t really mean much without explanation. That was sent to me late Wednesday afternoon as I was driving back home from Omaha. You see I had to drop Mrs. Eaton off for her heart transplant and was not allowed to go into the hospital because of the pandemic. I get it, rules are rules but that was tough. I digress, they did let me carry all of her luggage with the machines Mrs. E had at home for all her medical stuff. Anyway, I didn’t get to emotional through the whole process until I saw that photo. Mound City is a special place. The photo is of around thirty people at Ceglenski field praying for Mrs. Eaton and our family! I seriously don’t have words for the appreciation we have. The majority of people in this country or world for that matter, can NOT say they have been associated with a town for thirty years that shows this kind of support. Truly amazing is not satisfactory enough to assess my feelings for this community, our school, and our friend’s sense of “coming together” for others in need. I have seen it over and over and over again.
Turns out the surgery was pushed off until Thursday. I was actually allowed to go into the hospital to sit with Mrs. E until she went to surgery. A great friend (Jeff Holstine) showed up yesterday to Omaha, knowing that he couldn’t go into the hospital. I told him not to come, because he couldn’t see her and I was just going to be sitting in the parking lot. I even told our own kids (Prent, Kendey, and Joeigh) that there was no need for them to come, but should just stay together at home, so they did (there will be no food left, man they can sure eat!). I am so glad they are physically together through this. We love it when they are home together. Carrying on -- Jeff showed up anyway. I got kicked out of the hospital when she went to surgery (I am grateful for the time I did get with her). Jeff waited in the parking lot…… I guess that’s what we do for our friends. I know he had a ton of things to do being a farmer and in the absolute middle of planting. Again no words to describe my appreciation…. Well, I did buy him a high quality Domino’s pizza! My kids, however; are having to fend for themselves! No dad of the year award for me……….
Speaking of appreciation, I can’t believe how our staff at school quickly adjusted to this new way of educating and servicing our students. I appreciate our maintenance crew for moving forward to work on projects, the Kitchen Ladies feeding our kids and sincere appreciation for our parents/guardians working proactively to help us help our students. ALL of you are certainly appreciated!
Stay healthy!