45th Birthday Surprise

Nothing says happy birthday like driving 360 miles road trip for an MRI but it was better than waiting until July 30 for the test. Funny story...when I was going through cancer as a child, I also ended up at the clinic the day of the my birthday party, somethings never change!

Mom and I got on the round at 9:30 AM. When we arrived, the parking lot was strangely half empty! My MRI, which was supposed to take 45 minutes took almost two hours. I was in the machine for an hour, which at first I thought great, I can take a nap. Then he explained I had to take a deep breath, blow it out, then hold it for 15 seconds. If you have never held your breath out, try it - it is an interesting approach. I am used to taking a deep breath and holding it, not holding the breath out. Then we got on the road to come home. Having had to fast for my test, we had to stop and get some food but not too much food because I was planning to have a BBQ when we got home for my birthday. On the way home, we hit a wall of rain for almost 30 minutes. Meanwhile, I could not figure out why my mom was so intent on getting home. I have not seen her drive like that before.

At 4:45 pm, on the way home, I got a call from a 904 number. Not knowing who it was, I did not answer. It was my surgeon. He left a detailed message letting me know that unfortunately the MRI showed suspicious activity so I would have to meet with the cardiothoracic surgeon to have a biopsy of my heart done. I finished listening to the message and was deflated. I feel like I just cannot catch a break. My body clearly does not like me. I looked at my mom and told her I wish I could just be normal. Being in this very rare club is not as much fun as it seems. I started calling my family on the way back. Mom suggested I just wait until later. I started calling. 

We got home about an hour later than we thought. I suggested we stop and pick up the food but mom was very intent on getting to the house. I complied. We got home to having my house decorated with birthday signs:

Neighbors honked throughout the evening and into the next day!

It put a smile on my face to see all of this. We went inside and then got ready to go pick up dinner. All of a sudden, mom said put on a mask and let's take more pictures. We went outside only to find a parade of cars coming down the street honking! My mom, with the help of my friends, organized a birthday parade for me. There were at least 25 cars and many cars had several people and dogs! By my estimate, there were approximately 60-70 people. I was overwhelmed with emotions. The robot was teary eyed! I always tell people that I am truly blessed with my support network of family and friends. I felt so loved!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will keep adding pictures if people send them to me. 

In addition to the parade, there was a banner for people to sign. This is going to be made into a quilt. 

People also brought books, which will be donated to the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Word Garden in my name. 

After everyone left, we did get dinner and dessert. My mom made me my Nana's chocolate cream pie and also ordered me a Wonder Woman cake. In fairness, I did not know about the cake when I "requested" (or according to my mom maybe demanded) the homemade chocolate cream pie.

 

While we were eating dinner, my power went out. For three hours, we sat in the dark eating and laughing.

This will definitely go down as a very memorable birthday. Normally, I am in Tampa with a group of friends at a conference for my birthday. 17 years of great memories so it was strange not being with them but I loved being with my mom, family, and friends.


For tonight . . . I'm just sayin' XOXO