It was nice to have the long holiday weekend to relax and just be with Todd.  Normally he has about 1 zillion projects to do and he never has a minute to just stop and just do nothing.  But it was all about us that weekend. 

I believe more than ever that things happen for a reason.  Maybe this happened – to show us that we need to reprioritize and see what is truly important to the both of us.  I wanted more time with Todd just – being with him- and this seemed to have happened.

I had called my mom right away the day I found out with the news, as I cannot wait to tell her anything.  We are both very close and I love her dearly.  She is there for every step I take and is there to catch me if I fall.  LOVE YOU MOM!

We called Todd’s parents to see if they’d be around on Saturday.  We showed up and sat down to talk about things going on.   Always lots to talk about with them- so thought they wouldn’t have caught on as to why the visit.  Immediately Todd’s dad asked “Okay- what’s up?”.  Apparently we weren’t as sly as we had thought.  I asked Todd to speak for me because I couldn’t get a word out.  While he explained what we had been through and what the future had in store (or what we knew of it) – I began to cry.  His parents shocked at the news- explained if we needed anything – that they’d be there for us- as they always have. 

They have to be some of the sweetest people I know and are wonderful in-laws.  They were able to raise two beautiful children- both inside and out and they hold a special place in my heart.  

Next was Todd’s sister- we called her on Sunday- as she lives out of state.  We talked with her and she was able to give us some insight.  She comes from a medical background- so is able to help us if we had any questions.  She put our 2 year old niece on speakerphone.  She was telling us how it had rained not cats and dogs but rhinoceroses and hippopotamus’.  When she says my name- my heart just melts.  They made me smile and laugh- which is most certainly what I needed!

We stopped at my mom’s house on the way up north as she had gotten me a medal to wear- it was Saint Peregrine and she had it blessed.  The only time I take it off is when I sleep.  From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed- it is on me, and she is with me.

Then it was off to my dad’s house to fill him in on the news.  We drove up to see him and wasted no time filling him in.  I wanted to get it over with because I knew it would be hardest for me.  I began and couldn’t speak- I asked Todd to explain what was going on.  The sky outside that day had been raining and dreary our whole ride up to visit him.  As Todd began to tell him- I sat by my dad’s side and held his hand.  When Todd told my dad- a ray of sunshine came through the window- I kid you not!  The sun showed through the window at that same moment.  My new theme song with my dad is The Beatles- “Here comes the sun… it’s alright”.

I think it helped that Todd and I were confident and strong- and my dad knew we’d be okay, so that assured him better.  I have a very close relationship with my father as well- and my sense of humor comes from his side.  So we were able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon- tell stories, laugh, but most of all – communicated through our hugs.  His big strong “daddy snuggle” made me feel so good!

By Monday I had started to read my “breast cancer bible”.  Some parts were VERY hard to read- but all in all it is a very good book as it goes over everything from A-Z.  I read up to the surgery and reconstruction.