SEA OF PINK - May 27

On May 27th, at 9:00 a.m., my school had a "Karen Britton Day" for our family. It was amazing. How many people can say that they've had their own day declared for them? There have been a few at the school before me because the people there are wonderfull. I've never had so much attention in one day my life. I walked into the auditorium to a "sea of pink" and it took my breath away. Students and faculty were dressed in pink waving streamers and cheering. It was incredible. I even had my name up on the marquee. I hope if anyone of you reading this ever get sick that you have the at least an ounce of what they've given us. I am feeling the love.

The dance team performed a Michael Jackson tribute. Precious! Snapps to Debbie who trains her team and steals the competition every year. The dance team performed salsa and ballroom numbers. They were adorable. They presented me with donations from students who paid a dollar to get out of dress code and wear pink. Regina told us how she made flower pens and sold them to raise more money for me. Diana talked about the journey she went through with breast cancer last year and gave me many words of wisdom. She said, "first you learn, then you teach". My students presented me with roses and said "thank you for helping me" (doesn't get any better than a child saying thank you). Susette played a slide show to "I Will Survive". I was presented with another generous donation from the faculty and staff. I wanted to say thank you but knew I wouldn't be able to mutter a word so thanks for reading it for me Hazel. Trish and Debbie's little people gave handed me roses and hugs as they filed out. I was holding about 50 long stemmed roses- Miss America eat your heart out!

SMU allowed my co-workers from Project Maximize to attend. 2 drove as much as an hour to be there. I really needed to see your faces when I was up on that stage. I was so shocked and overwhelmed by so many kind words and generosity. I didn't think I wanted to let the school do this when Martha approached me several weeks ago. It's hard to be the center of attention. But I knew this would help me get through the tough time. I've had those days and I'm sure there will be more to come that I needed to know people care. VLW has very special people making that school one of my finest to have been associated with. It's meant so much to feel their support and love. My family is touched and speechless by the kindness of so many.

The students at VLW have been taught to care about others through this by their good teachers every year that I have worked there. They wanted to hug me. I think it's valuable that kids see that adults need hugs too and that they can help.

Wish I had more pictures but my camera went dead. It was just the most amazing day ever. Thank you!