Night out

Hadn't had a night out for ages so a potluck dinner at Js was very welcome.

I was a bit nervous cos I'd already told the friends who were going about my illness and it would be the first time I'd seen them since.  I was nervous about how I would feel and how it would be for them too.  It's difficult to know how to react to bad news whether the giver or the receiver and it can make you unnatural.  I needn't have worried.

We talked about everything and about cancer and everyone checked that I was ok talking about it and I was in fact, it helped to de-demonise it, perhaps for all of us.  I don't think we have had ever had such a frank discussion about self examination (how do you know that it's a different kind of lump?), getting older and all sorts of related and unrelated stuff.  It was positive thing and it helped me get my mind straight about certain work-related issues that had been bothering me.  It was good to get some input and honesty from a very diverse, intelligent group of women.

I don't think the cancer dominated the discussion, at least I hope not.  Our friend Z has just done a round the world trip so it was also a welcome home for her.  Photos and stories next time please Z!  We celebrated her homecoming with a glass of bubbly (pink).

I got lots of hugs last night, which was lovely.  I also, very touchingly received some cancer pressies.  A beautiful silver sparkly pink and purple gemstone necklace from everyone, it's so pretty, just perfect and the pink is the breast cancer colour, so it's really special and looks great on.  I shall think of my friends' kindness when I wear it every time.  Thanks to the one who has 'access to shops' for choosing so well!

Miss Texas brought a genuiiiiiine chilli kit complete with homemade chilli, sour cream, cheese and straight from Texas chilli powder right down to a packet of Uncle Ben's rice.  dh is really looking forward to this meal, he is really genuinely excited and it was so touching that she had gone to the trouble to make it.  I was also spoilt with my very first Jo Malone jasmine and mint candle in a magnificent box and ribbon and bag (which I cannot throw away) with its own special Jo Malone matches.  Boy, that was too kind and a massive treat. totally unexpected.     I love jasmine and mint.  And there were chocolates too and magazines to read in the boring moments - Vanity Fair is always good to dig into.

Touching hugs and shoulder rubs and offers to go to appointments with me, visit me in hospital, sharing success stories, call me any time you want, I can look after the kids for you, would you like to do some extra teaching and help getting home all went to make an incredible night that left me on a real high feeling like my friends had just wrapped a warm (pink) blanket round my shoulders that I could snuggle into and feel safe.

Ironic to think that less than a year ago these were the same friends who threw me a little surprise 50th Birthday party.   Through thick and thin.....

Thank you all of you.  You made me laugh out loud a lot, let me talk openly and I needed that.