what really matters

I had another full day of teaching, I was anticipating the two o'clock meeting with the parent and tutor.  The parent is my kids' backup doctor, actually.  When our doctor is not there - she is the one that sees them.  The tutor, I had in mind to make wait outdoors.

I had prepared a detailed analysis of his work, and pinpointed some areas as to why he is struggling - and I had pulled in a few other teachers to look at his work and give their opinion.  I had talked with the boy about the "accusing of cheating" incident as soon as I had been back in school.  I apologized for upsetting him, explained it was never my intention, told him I liked him no matter what and that he could talk to me, even if it was about being mad at me.

I thought it was resolved.  I was hoping it was - but suspected it wasn't, not because of the boy, but because of the tutor's email.  So the meeting today was to talk about academic support, with my 5th grade lead, and the counselor.

But, while eating lunch I checked in with Tolga.  He had come home from work early the day before sick.  He had stomach pain, nausea, and terrible breath.  He has only been nauseous once since I've known him - and that was this year with the swine flu.  He also had stomach bleeding when he was fifteen, and so we both suspected it.  Because the symptoms weren't so severe and he just wanted to rest - he had waited to go to the doctor today.  When I messaged him - we told me he was going under anesthesia in an hour for an endoscopy.

I was shocked - I figured they may do that, I just didn't think immediately.  My classes were done for the day, and I just had the horrible meeting coming up - but I decided to leave anyhow.  I left my analysis with the counselor, passed the tutor and the mother in the parking lot and excused myself.  The mother smiled.  She looked okay - I took this as a good sign.

Tolga had surgery a few years ago to remove a cyst in his hand and in his head.  I went to work and did not go with him - we decided it wasn't so serious, it wasn't necessary.  After the surgery we both, separately, had a realization - we won't do that again.  It wasn't serious - but neither is work.  There is no reason not to be at each other's side - especially when it has to do with health.  And it is ridiculous to wait for something serious.  I'd rather be there for something simple 100 times.

The endoscopy showed he did have an ulcer that was bleeding some, and severe gastritis - it explained all his symptoms and is treatable with medicines.  He will be fine, but it was enough excitement for both of us for the day.