This is a photo of my hot, young, blond, sexy niece "JonnaLee." Ha! Fooled you, it's really me, in my new "cranial prosthesis." (And those of you that were taken in, get some glasses, please!) I admit, I'm still getting used to it, but the reaction so far has been mostly positive. Either that, or it's like on the Sopranos, when Tony thought he was funny, and then realizes that people just laugh at his jokes because he's the boss. You all may just be telling me it looks good so as not to distress me further. If so, let me assure you...you're doing the right thing!
The cumulative effects of chemo are beginning to be apparent. While I feel quite well, I can tell that my energy level is not quite the same as it was at this point last time after chemo. It's subtle, but detectable to me, although maybe not apparent to everyone else. That is probably because, as far as I can tell, my mood has rebounded in about the same time frame as last time, maybe even a little quicker (no post-weekend meltdowns this time...Chris is relieved!), perhaps helped along by the fact that my favorite holiday is approaching (no, not my birthday, you sillies..by the second most celebrated birthday of the year - Jesus's!).
We are having our tree-trimming party today, an annual affair that involves inviting family, friends and neighbors over to hang the gazillion and one ornaments I have on our two trees (one real tree and one artificial tree that we had when we were trapped in the Residence Inn for Christmas). It is one of our family rituals, beginning with the youngest person hanging the first ornament, going on up to the oldest, and finishing with a free-for-all with all the remaining ornaments (I have almost as many ornaments as I have shoes). Did I mention that I take a picture of each person hanging their ornament as well? And a group picture at the end? And that it takes about 2 hours to get it all done? Although, it would probably go quicker if there weren't so many cocktail breaks, which by the way, I am unfortunately excluded from this year, at which revelation I hear my guests shouting, "Yay, more for us!" So, who wants to join us next year? Show of hands please!
Taryn and Ian take off work for this. Emily comes home from college for this. Friends train in and drive in from the city and beyond (sometimes they even fly in). My brother helps me pick out the perfect tree and he and Warren meticulously put the lights on it for beautiful effect. My sister and brother-in-law and uncle and stepdad never fail to participate. This is one of those rituals that will last long after I am gone, I realize. Maybe not in exactly the same way (although I am willing to leave detailed instructions if need be), but it has turned out to be an important, joyful event in all our lives.
And at the end of the day, when everyone has gone home, I turn out the house lights and gaze at the twinkling tree, branches heavy with my many memories, and I am grateful for this day, for these people, for this life.
Shouts outs this week: Glenn and Sharon (I have a nice warm head!); Trish (I'm still laughing at your stories - start a blog, please!); Stephane and Naomi (who was late to her birthday party just so she could make sure I knew she was thinking of me); Jim and Vicky (you should know we've been calling it "Vickyfruit" each time we have some with dinner); Jim S. (thanks for reaching out...and for enjoying the hockey fights with me!); Tim H. (the pecker is UP!); and finally, Chris (there is not enough space to describe all the reasons you deserve a shout out this week - just know that I am thankful you've been in my life these past 26+ years).
Deck the halls and fa la la la la!
1 comment:
Pecker UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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