Mother's Day

Day 12

Mother’s Day

I have to admit that this has been a wonderful week. For the majority of the week, if someone had told me that I was ill, I would have vehemently disagreed. I almost felt strangely good. Perhaps it was the rebound from the horrible chemo week before, or perhaps, I am simply more cognizant of my life. Whatever the reason, I have been delighted to be able to report that over the last week, I have felt fine, better than usual even.

Saturday evening, Carlee and Donnie invited us to their home to celebrate Mother’s Day. The best part of the night was when old neighbors from our Wesley Drive days showed up. We have all been friends since before most of our children were born, so we have history. It left me wishing that we still lived at 2722.

Sunday was Mother’s Day, which had special significance this year. I was lucky enough to have all of the kids here. Marybeth was sick and remained back in Harlan with her own mother, but everyone else was able to be here with us. Will and Sam struggled to make advancements in the garden project between rainstorms, much to their frustration. The solution to the rain problem was reached when Will took me to see Johnny Depp in Dark Shadows. The movie was very funny and reminded me of my school days when Barnabas Collins was a regular part of our afternoon. It was campy, and funny, and just what I needed…  laughter.

Sunday evening, after Carlee, and Will had gone back home, and things were winding down for the night, I noticed that just on schedule, my hair was starting to fall out. After brushing, I ran my hand through, and for the first time since starting chemo, I came away with a handful. Momentarily, I was very weepy. This, my hair, is something that I am very attached to, but obviously, it is becoming unattached to me.  I lay in bed, now unable to settle, imagining what this new look would resemble. I will be honest, I don’t think I have the shape face that will wear bald well, and I have never been one to rock a hat, but the upside is that it is also strangely reassuring. If I were having no side effects, I would be wondering if the treatment was working. With this realization, I decided to look for a positive tact, and began to search the internet for head cover ideas. Hours later, and now sufficiently tired to sleep, I had watched untold scarf tying videos, and had an order of scarves on their way. They are shipped and on the way. Tomorrow, maybe I’ll shop for hair. Could be fun.