It was such a nice day out today—just warm enough and sunny. And it got even better when a friend stopped by and hung out on the deck with me for a while after work. We haven’t been able to chat for more than a few minutes at a time in months, so it was great to spend some extended time together. She also brought a gift which was super sweet on its own, but it also included this plaque. I’m thankful for a friend who gets me!
Ever have those days when nothing happens? That was today. Work was uneventful. We didn’t do much after work but take our typical walk around the block and make a quick trip to the store. This evening the tv shows were blah and I’ve not had enough energy for much else. But that’s ok. These are also good days that I’m thankful for. Typical life days.
For whatever reason, my chemo effects seem to be lingering longer now. In fact, my face rash came back and spread to my forehead today. Just when I think I know what to expect, it changes on me. At least it’s not anything new, and it’s almost over! Since I was tired most of the weekend, I decided to take today off work while I felt ok and the weather was decent.
After a busy morning of bloodwork and doctor appointments and answering work texts and phone calls (so much for a day off!), Patrick and I went to an antique shop I’ve been wanting to go to for a while. Then we had lunch outside at one of our favorite restaurants. We’ve gotten carry out in the 6 months, but we haven’t sat and dined at a restaurant since last Fall. It felt GOOD! I even (with my doctor’s permission) had a small beer with lunch. It tasted GOOD! We were the only ones sitting outside, but it really was a big deal to be doing something that was previously so normal for us. I’m thankful for a little respite before tomorrow’s treatment and the effects to follow.
I’m thankful for these today! My sister-in-law sent me this funny coloring book and pencils and my sister sent me an encouraging postcard. Love them both!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms of all kinds out there! Since my kids weren’t around, I celebrated with the pups, meaning I went about my business all day and they followed me around or ignored me as they liked.
Today I’m extra thankful for my mom. She’s always there for me and especially so right now. She has been a champion for my recovery and has made sure I know I’m being thought of often. She’s always been supportive, but she’s also fun, creative, generous and loving. And she has a crazy sense of humor. I can’t wait for my hug.
Patrick and I got out of town for a while today. We kind of wandered some back roads and stopped by some stores. It was good to do something different even if it means tomorrow is all laundry and cleaning.
I also got my Mother’s Day gift from my kids. I’m not sure what it says about me that they send me bugs and skeletons, but it tells me that they know me well. Haha! I’m grateful for them, and I can’t wait to see them this summer.
I’m thankful that Patrick made me stick to our walking schedule tonight even though I’m extra tired today. It always feel better to get some movement in after a day at the desk. Plus it’s a bonus to see all the new blooming trees and plants throughout the neighborhood. I was excited to see my irises looking so nice this Spring and the peonies are coming in too!
I’ve been having chemo side effects the last few days, which isn’t typical. My back pain has been present and I’ve been extra tired. Today my face rash came back, and it even kind of hurt. Weird.
I’m thankful today that Chance is a wonderful sidekick. I can tell he worries about me when things don’t seem normal. He follows me everywhere and waits patiently for me while I do whatever I’m doing. He’s also an excellent listener.
My oldest daughter Brianna turned 27 today. I don’t know how I got so old. I still think of my kids as teenagers, and yet she is getting married in a couple of months. For someone who started out life so tiny and fragile, she’s become a strong, independent woman. I wrote about this years ago, but Brianna was born three months early and spend two and a half months in the NICU. She was only 3 pounds at birth.
The first time I held her was about a week after she was born, on Mother’s Day. And I spent every day of the months before she came home sitting next to her incubator and worrying. Like a mother does, I still worry about her. I worry about her happiness, her future, and her safety. The one thing I don’t worry about is the person she’s become, someone who is kind, intelligent, creative and beautiful.
It’s also my youngest sister’s birthday today. I remember as Brianna was born, it struck me that it was Jenny’s birthday. At the time, I wasn’t sure how I felt about them sharing the day. However, I can’t imagine a better person to link to my daughter. Jenny is also intelligent, funny, beautiful and giving.
So I’m thankful today for both of these women on their birthday. They have added joy to my life.
I tend to go through spurts where I feel like I need more spiritual guidance than other times. The last couple of Sundays I’ve watched church service online again and both times it’s been really good.
Last week was about not living in a place of powerlessness. We need to charge our own batteries and not stay plugged in to someone else’s faith. While the message was centered on the spiritual life, it definitely spoke to me in other areas too. Ultimately, we determine how far we go—both in our faith and in our life.
Today was about work life balance. While we should have a good work ethic and take our work seriously, we should also have a good play/rest ethic. The thing about that which stood out the most to me is that when you take a break to rest, you should be present. Really present. I know I’m not always completely “off” because I’m always thinking about what I should or could be doing next or instead of what I’m doing. Or I’m trying to do more than one thing at once. I’m not a workaholic but I’m going to try to be better about being fully present in my moments of rest.
I’m grateful for these messages that are good reminders to be purposely in charge of my life and the moments in it.
melissagratitude 