Hello dear family and friends:
It’s McHappy Day today. As I went through the drive-thru at McDonalds today (just to get a coffee…..no burger, or breakfast sandwich or fries….) they were collecting donations for McHappy Day. Upon which you were able to put your name on a paper shoe that was promptly posted on the window. Of course I donated, but put “Keri” on the boot – since we were chatting on the phone and she LOVES drive thru coffee and McD’s.
Aside from McHappy Day – – today, April 19th is the one year anniversary of my “slash” surgery. And, I have to admit, that I felt like I was on edge today (actually started last night). A little crack in the chink of my usually steadfast armour. I couldn’t help it. I relived the night before and the day of. I had a little tear. It was a pretty traumatic day and sometimes it takes time for one to really look back and consider in a thoughtful way what exactly happened. I know that you cannot change the course of what has happened in the past. That you have to let go to move forward. But I think that in this case, that once in a while, you have to remember to fully move forward. To remember the struggles sometimes, can help you move ahead. To remember and ponder helps you realize how far you’ve come and that in itself gives you a boost and strength to continue to drive on. To keep the nagging bad thoughts aside and at bay. This year, 2012 will have a few anniversaries for me. Chemo, surgery x 2, and radiation. I better buy some extra tissue!
To commemorate the day, I thought it would be appropriate to do some “retail therapy”. So I did what any gal in my position would do, and I bought a new bra! A “push-up” – – since I figured I needed a little “lift” today….LOL.
My brother and Naomi sent me a cookie-gram today. Very thoughtful and sweet. I guess all the years of spoiling him was not wasted after all…… 😛
It was a beautiful day today. Sunny and warm. Even drove my car with the top down. I had some client meetings and went out to dinner with friends. Sported the ‘au natural’ hair today. No wig. It was liberating. Quite cool I thought.
This past weekend I was at a little “hen-fest” with a few gals (of which 2 others in the group had been struck with the same situation). You realize that there are so many different types and severity of breast cancer and the methods and treatments that people go through – some by choice and others just because it is protocol. But at the end of the day, it’s the same. It’s cancer. And we all need to accept and deal with it. No matter what kind we have or what treatments we have gone through. I share and tell my stories with my usual candor and slight humor. What has hit me the most in the last little while is how ‘inspired’ people around me are. It’s amazing. Truly. I am so humbled by the entire experience.
I close with a note given to me lately: “Winnie, Thanks for being such a great friend and inspiration. You make a difference in every life you touch with your spirit and kindness. Lots of good times ahead!”
Reading it makes me smile inside.
So, here’s to “lots of good times ahead”…..that I know we have had, and hope and know that we will share many more together.
Tanti Baci.
Winnie xo