CIMPLE – A Curious Introvert's Musings & Photos about Life and Enjoyment

A few things I’ve learned over the last eight months since my lymphoma diagnosis is that I need as much laughter as possible in my life, tears of joy and not sadness, and plenty of horror movies/shows (maybe due to the horror show going on in Washington or because it’s so much fun sharing horror movies/shows with my niece). Thankfully my two wonderful nieces gave me a big dose of laughter and tears over the weekend.

My cake master niece arrived for a visit and the tears quickly started flowing when she presented me with my birthday cake that included a lifetime of favorites and love. After the hugs and tears, I was able to quietly sob as I looked at the wonderful items with so many happy memories that she remembered. The books, dogs, camera, compass, bike, my first official GOAT medal for all my sports and the funny reminder right on top that “We’re All Mad Here.” It’s always wonderful seeing my nieces together and they have no idea how much they have kept the memory of my sister alive all these years every time I’m with them. One example of this is how my sister had a knack of telling me some fashion choice or hairstyle definitely did not work with just a look or simple no.

While my new wig was happily approved by my niece’s and might look better on Harper than me, our little outing to pick out a new pair of eyeglasses felt very familiar. I received so many noes and looks that my sister had to be laughing hard in heaven. When I originally began losing portions of my hair while I was turning maroon after chemo I told my niece I looked like a character in one of her horror movies and although I quickly adjusted to the new look after all the hair was gone, she was very excited to order me a wig last week and would really like me to try one in purple. My mother’s no did not sound as amusing as my niece’s no.

It was fun to be out on the town with both of them walking, shopping and visiting a favorite coffee and bakery shop and trying my first Dubai Chocolate Matcha Latte. Unfortunately, I have no idea what eyeglasses I’m going to get after my appointment in a few weeks, since they never agreed on any I chose and they think I might have gone off the deep end in my funky and fun mood.

It was almost impossible for me to cut a piece of that delicious cake and disturb all the wonderful mementos, but I finally was able to share it with everyone the next day. It’s amazing how good a dose of laughter and tears of joy feels as I continue on in my Summerween bubble…with my new hair if Harper gives me back my wig.