Many who watched Libby during her five-year battle against breast cancer may have followed a few of the decisions that we were asked to make nearly every time we went to an oncology appointment whether it was trying a new experimental drug, agreeing to be a part of study or the eventual decision to stop all treatments. However, the most difficult decision that Libby faced in those five years was not a medical decision, it involved teaching.
Libby’s teaching career actually began at age fourteen when she was asked to teach a young girl’s Sunday School class at her dad’s church, Flintstone Baptist, that is, unless you count the times when she “taught” or more accurately “preached to” her younger sisters in a makeshift schoolroom in the family basement.
Whether in public schools, at the kitchen table or in our church, teaching was a lifetime calling to Libby and not just a job; which is why Dr. Schlabach’s advice early in 2013 broke her heart. Libby’s doctor explained that her white blood cell count was staying dangerously low making her more susceptible to infection and because of that, he wanted her to quit teaching. When Libby objected, Dr. Schlabach said that if she could teach while wearing gloves, surgical gown, a sterile mask and refrain from touching or hugging the children, then she could continue teaching a little longer. Libby reluctantly agreed to suspend her role as teacher at our church because she could not imagine teaching without hugging her kids.
Later Libby explained why it was so hard to give up her role as teacher when she said, “Teaching children is my gift, its what God designed me to do; without teaching I feel useless…”
Thankfully, Libby did realize later that as children’s ministry director she could manage and inspire the other teachers in the kid’s program and continue to influence young lives indirectly. In fact, all of the programs and fund raisers that Libby created in our church are still being carried out, in part, because of Libby’s commitment, influence and love of children.
The following comments were posted in Caring Bridge on January 11, 2013.
On the advice of her oncologist, Libby has stopped teaching the children at church (although she is still running the program behind the scenes) he does not want her to have direct contact with children and risk infection. It may have been the hardest decision that she has had to make in the 5 years she has been dealing with breast cancer. She knew it was the best thing for her health but teaching children is her passion.
Libby has been dealt several physical blows lately but having to give up teaching, having to wear a surgical mask when she is around kids and not being able to hug them is counter intuitive to everything Libby has done her whole life and in addition it is a constant reminder to her that she is sick.
barry.
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Libbys Living Legacy 
She was a fun Sunday School teacher. I remember one day in particular…she had a paper on front of her face just below her eyes, and was trying to show different expressions or emotions with only her eyes. I remember thinking all of her expressions were cheerful looking. Even her frown! Haha
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Thank you Kerry. I really enjoy hearing stories about Libby.
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That’s so sad! Thanks for sharing, Barry!
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I know this was one of the hardest decisions she had to make. This was a big part of her life. Thanks for sharing these things.
Ramona Durham
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