OCTOBER 2015
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
exhaustion, overflowing joy on days when I actually felt
good and extreme sadness on days when chemo brain
made it difficult to recall student names when taking roll,
or even what we were studying and discussing the day
before. On those days, I was left with no choice other
than to let the tears roll and try to explain to my precious
students the thoughts and feelings my experience had
created in me. (By the way, teenagers are much more
compassionate and empathetic than they’re frequently
given credit for being). So, when the DAP Luncheon
invitations arrived and I looked over the list of those
graduates, I was surprised to learn that I’d been invited
by 2 of those quiet, confident and cooperative students
who’d truly ‘weathered the storm’ with me. As if being
honored by two of 23 students [wasn’t] enough of a
blessing, the messages they left for me were the icing on
the cake. One of them will become a special education
teacher, the other aims to be our surgeon general by the
time he’s 50 (his Mother is currently fighting stage four
cancer, and has been for several years… I only learned
about this last week). I have no question that they will
both go on to use their gifts to help others in ways we
can’t even begin to predict. I guess the biggest lesson
I’ve learned from this honor is this… While we may not
know the true purpose of our experience, God has it all
in His hands. By living our truth, we are honoring His
purpose. And, sometimes we are beyond blessed with
the opportunity to see that purpose. Even if this was the
only purpose, it was all worth it. I truly wish these and all
of ‘my kiddos’ a lifetime of peace in your heart, the love
24
of those around you, and success in all that you do while
living your truth. Honored and humbled, Mrs. Clark-Fade.”
Stacey continues to write on her blog and may one day
write a book. She also started a secret Facebook page for
a select number of women in different stages of cancer
treatment to provide a safe place for them to share, ask
any question they want (no topic is off limits) and to write
about their experiences. Stacey has found that writing
has been therapeutic for her, and that it also has brought
comfort to her friends and family as they go through this
process with her. Sometimes, it is easier to write something
once, than to tell it to every person who cares about you,
over and over again. The writing not only provides an
outlet, but it documents her treatment, her struggles, and
most importantly, her triumphs, gratitude and love.