We usually try to spend Labor Day week-end at the beach where we sometimes meet up with many of our other friends and catch-up on lost time together once again. This year, after the past ten or so years of congregating at the beach, we are relaxing at home in Vale. Not by choice, but by the imposition of present circumstances.
We have discovered that sometimes when the planned or normal is removed from our calendar of events, time allows for discoveries and communions of a different order. For example, some of our family members ( Greg, Cathy, Will, Julia & Lillie) came by for an impromptu birthday party for me and granddaughter, Lillie. It was easy, (they brought pizza) and the usual birthday cake was replaced by a dozen beautiful, delicious, cupcakes that were presented in a lovely pink box tied with multi-colored ribbons.
It was a relaxing evening for Lee and me, after having been confined to both the hospital and the hotel for a period of eight days, then a full day of travel to follow. Lillie and I were both showered with surprises in the form of well-thought presents. It was a special day for Lillie, who is turning 16 on September 4. I was rewarded with multiple calls from family, friends, and neighbors.
Many years ago, my Mother began a birthday tradition that my siblings and I have continued throughout the years. Our children also follow this tradition. We believe, as she did, that if you do nothing else for your birthday special person, the least you can do is give them something to laugh about on their birthday. Consequently, this has not only become THE thing to do, there is now a RACE to see who gets to be the FIRST caller! When either of my brothers call, it is followed by, "has my brother or sister called, yet?" Same with my son and daughter, a birthday song has been sung, followed by, "was I first?"
The song has become creative to include duets, quartets, a hint of Broadway, hymns, and even the husky voice of Marilyn Monroe! My sister usually follows with "for she is a jolly good fellow". I heard another new one this year from sister-in-law, Mary Nell, as she sang, "um, um good, birthday cake is, um, um, good!
As you can see, we are doing well! Lee had his sutures on his head and face removed by his local doctor on Friday, and since it was a morning appointment, he treated me to a birthday breakfast! Each day shows more and more healing and improvement on his part. We have become accustomed to our schedule of when to bathe, change dressings, etc. As he recovers his strength, he is becoming more and more independent. Maybe next week, he will drive.
We will return to Duke on Thursday for the doctors to have a look at all the incision sites and grafts. We are thinking that will be when they discuss the future radiation.
Happy Labor Day
More Later......................................................Brenda
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