Santa's Elves are Definitely Real!

You hear me talk a lot in my blog about my friends, and about angels among us. What I haven't mentioned are Santa's Elves. I had the most amazing gift the other night. About 15 +/- of the cutest elves you have ever seen showed up at my doorstep. They were all donned in their Santa hats, some with Mickey Ears, some with Goofy Ears and I think there may have been a tiara thrown in there somewhere. The elves proceeded to sing christmas carols in the very cold weather while we fords looked on in awe. I must say here that Santa must keep his elves very busy because they were having a hard time remembering the words!! Everyone came in and we ate delicious homemade christmas cookies and had eggnog and I was just savoring every moment. I can't tell you how much I miss all of you. I haven't ever felt as loved and adored as I did in that moment. It was definitely a moment in time. I cry when I think about it. And I was feeling this before you guys gave me your gift. I won't mention here what that gift was, but I will say that it was the most amazing and generous gift. It has already taken some stress off of our shoulders. So, thank you. But, mostly, thank you for not forgetting me while I sit in my home day after day. I can't wait to be healed and to come back to work. You girls are my inspiration. You love me for me and that helps me stay strong. So, to all of you singing elves, thank you for that night. It was one of the most special moments of my life. I love you.

Waiting for Santa

Santa was cruising the neighborhood tonight. He had so many children to see that he didn't make to the our street until 9pm, which is almost 2 hours past bedtime! Anyway, we had so much fun. We baked cookies and watched Polar Express (with Teletubbies on the other tv of course) and we waited and waited. Finally, we heard the chirping of the sirens so we bundled up and headed outside. Rick and I could tell that Santa was still several streets away, so we opened the back of the car and sat in the trunk with our coats, beanies and blankies. As Santa got closer, you could hear the siren get louder and with each chirp Carra became more and more excited. It was amazing to see their faces when he finally came down our street. And then he stopped to say HO HO HO and to hand out candy canes. It was a short moment out in the street, but it is a memory that I will keep forever. I just love to see the look of wonder on Carra's face (and the look of fear on Carina's). These are the moments that make me strong and keep me going. This is truly going to be a great Christmas.

My Work Angels

I want to thank all of you who have donated hours. Human resources is unable to tell me who has made the donations, so I want to take this time to thank you. I would love to thank you personally, so if you would like to let me know who you are that would be great. I just don't want anyone to think that we are ungrateful. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!! It is appreciated more than you know. Everyone at work has been so great and supportive. I really miss everyone and I hope to see you over the holidays. Thanks again! I will write more later. I am going to be late for Carina's hair appointment!!

ReJoining the World

I am finally feeling well enough to come out of hiding. These treatments knock me down for a good week, and here it is exactly a week from my last treatment and I still have a headache and a little nausea. You would think that I would lose weight, but of course it feels better to eat! So, I eat. I have had to give up control over some things in my life and my obsession with my diet is one of them. Now, I just need to find the energy to take a walk and get out of the house. My first adventure out this week was to Target. I decided to do some Christmas shopping. Talk about headaches! I got a little done, but I am a little stressed about getting it all done. Unlike the rest of you, I need to be done by my next chemo treatment on the 20th. Of course, I do have a couple of girlfriends that would love to help me shop and I have had offers to help me wrap. So I am sure it will all come together. Oh, let me tell you about the perfect stranger that decided to befriend me in Target. I was minding my own business and printing a baby registry and she walks up and asks me how I was doing. I said fine. She proceeded to ask, Chemo? Breast cancer? Lumpectomy or Mastectomy? Doctor? And then she shared her own story of breast cancer followed by MS. So, what the hell? Do I look like an open book? Why do people think they can start their own support group in the middle of Target? I thought she was going to ask to see my boob! She was nice enough, but quite frankly she wasn't screaming success story! Anyway, I wished her a Merry Xmas and went to the hat aisle! Have you ever tried hats on in a store when you are bald! People stare. They really do. I think next week I will paint sores on my head and do it again. That would be funny! Love to all.