Author Archives: mclements43

December 2, 2021

Posted on by under cancer

It’s been a month since my radiation treatments ended, and I had a follow up with my radiation oncologist today. He says my skin is making a great recovery although the pink/tanned color may last a year. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but let’s be honest, a triangular shaped tan across my chest isn’t what ruining my sexy look. Ha.

Frankly, I’m just thrilled that it’s healing well and the pain is gone. I was talking to my mom today about how quickly time seems to be going now. While in the middle of my treatments, the days seemed SO LONG. Now that I’m feeling better, time flies. I know that’s typical. And it’s a great reminder that things don’t last forever. Sometimes good things end, but more importantly, so does the bad. I’m thankful every day I made it through the long days.

December 1, 2021

Posted on by under Uncategorized

Here we are at the last month of the year. It doesn’t seem possible, does it? But the change in daylight and the impending cold tells me it’s true. If I have to go out somewhere after dinner now, I feel like this:

Speaking of going out in my car, I got new brakes today. I’ve been going to the dealership for oil changes, and last time they said my back brakes were dangerously worn thin. Brakes are expensive! It seemed like a good time to find a new place that might be less pricey. So I went to a shop recommended by friends, and the owner called to tell me that in his opinion, I could probably go a while longer on them—about as long as the next oil change. What?! Who suggests NOT doing work on a car? I opted to go ahead since I didn’t want to gamble during crappy winter weather. Plus as I suspected, the cost was less than at the dealership. However, I appreciated his honesty. He was also extremely nice and upbeat. I’m thankful for the recommendation and that I gave the new shop a chance. Fingers crossed his work is as good as his attitude.

November 30, 2021

Posted on by under Uncategorized

I’m thankful today that work slowed down a bit this afternoon so that I could get caught up just a tad.

I’m also thankful for the afternoon sunshine and the warmup that improved my mood.

Plus I’m thankful for these silly butts tonight in their holiday pajamas. How can this not make you smile?

November 29, 2021

Posted on by under Uncategorized

Today is my my oldest sister’s birthday. Tammy. The family jokester. The one who is fun to sit next to in the movie theater because she laughs loudly and screams loudly at all the right spots. The one who goes the distance to carry out a prank. She’s also the one who will get in the car and drive across the country because someone in the family needs support. She works extra hard for her business and her family and brushes off her generosity as no big deal. But it is. She’s been a great role model for all of us and I’m grateful for her.

November 28, 2021

Posted on by under Uncategorized

I’ve decided we have too much stuff, and it’s stressing me out. So today we went through a few things in the basement and made a pile for donation. I also went through the house and finished putting away some of the transitional decorations that were contributing the feeling of clutter. I’m going to continue editing over the next few weeks. I think it will be great to start next year feeling like we’ve gotten rid of the things that are taking up too much space.

So I’m grateful today that I feel like I’ve accomplished something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I’m also grateful that my daughter made it back home safely from her visit here.

November 27, 2021

Posted on by under Uncategorized

Every time I’m able to see my kids, even briefly, I end up with a sense of loss again when they leave. Today was that day for me. I got Christmas decorating done but now the excitement was a bit diminished knowing that we won’t be seeing anyone else now before the holidays. And I don’t know when I’ll see either of my kids again. Sigh. Good thing we have the pups.

This page from the book Emma sent me for my birthday resonated with me today.

It’s a good book—I recommend it heartily. There are many good pages. The mole is me. He’s all about the cake. I’m thankful how reminders pop up unexpectedly showing me that balance returns. Things will be fine.

November 25, 2021

Posted on by under Uncategorized

It was a good Thanksgiving. Bri and Noah left to join her dad for the holiday, but our friend Ann came over as they were leaving. Patrick made a wonderful dinner, as usual, and we spent the afternoon chatting while drinking wine. There is much we are thankful for—friends, family, renewed health, and hope. Oh, and mashed potatoes.

Patrick didn’t get his bookshelf cleaned off before dinner. Look at Barley waiting.

November 24, 2021

Posted on by under cancer

It’s my birthday! It’s also one year since I had the biopsy that revealed my cancer. We hear all the time how life can change in an instant but it’s hard to grasp it until it actually happens to you. But here I am, less than a month after my last radiation treatment, celebrating my birthday again post cancer. Everything went sideways for a while, but now it’s back on track. A lot of people celebrate a second birthday when they’re cancer-free. Lucky for me I can celebrate it on the same day.

And today I got to celebrate by first having Christmas morning with Brianna and Noah. They opened the presents we got them and I opened birthday presents. Then we went to the apple orchard and an antique store and lunch before hanging out at home. Bri and Noah even decorated my outside chalkboard for me. It was a good day. I’m lucky and grateful.

November 23, 2021

Posted on by under Uncategorized

Brianna and Noah made it here! I’m so thankful they made the drive safely. We spent the afternoon just catching up, playing games, and looking through old photos. Then they went to a movie with Bri’s dad while I ran a couple errands.

I’m also thankful for this awesome early birthday gift a friend dropped off today. Those socks make me laugh. And I love that the name of the wine is Grateful. Because I am. It’s been a good day.