Laughter Is the Best Medicine

It is fair to say that I have done plenty of crying over the last few weeks. My strong support system and my strong faith do not mean that I don't feel great sorrow over the disease, the treatment, or what may come in the future. I am grieving.

So it was a delightful treat last night to discover a gift that my friend Karen had left on my front porch! Karen and I met in 2006, the first year I taught at my current preschool. She was teaching 3-year-olds at the time, and her twin sons were in Goliath's class. Now, four years later, Karen and I AND our boys are still good pals. She has moved on to get a full-time teaching job--but we make up for lost time during Girls' Night Out with Mexican food and margaritas!

I enjoyed Karen's gift, and I thought you might like to enjoy it with me. The card attached to the bag said, "The Official I Love Allyson So Much That I Bought Her a Bunch Of Stuff From the Dollar Store Bag."

Here's the loot:

Want to get a closer look? OK. Each item has written below it the note that Karen attached to it:

"Made in China." Hmmmm...probably contains high levels of lead and cadmium. Enjoy!

This is a Coach knock-off. Can you believe how realistic it is?!?!?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Celebrity Good Life, eh? You can now hit the red carpet like a superstar! WOW! Well, at least you now have some oversized sunglasses to wear.

I got this for the message. Who knew that was all that love was? I have been doing it wrong all these years! (And don't look too close at the picture. I think more than surfing is going on.)

This says "collector's series." I sure hope this completes your "Ye Old Crappy Painted Churches of England" collection.

What every cool beverage will be wearing this spring!

Trouble eating? You just needed some "Eazee Squeeze!"

The only useful item in this bag.

You too can smell like Britney Spears! Then you can go catch butterflies.

Wow! Contains 2 packs of trading cards! You can now trade with yourself, and yourself!

Nothing says "class" and "style" like nail art!
Oh...this is for you, not the boys--just to make that clear.

You will need these for the "Celebrity Good Life"...

So many jokes...so little time.

One word: purple!!

In the middle of my sadness, I am SO thankful for friends who "get" me. Sick or not, I am still me. The same things still make me sad, the same things still make me laugh. This care package--and many other gifts, cards, and letters I have received this past week--have put a smile on my face. Cancer can't take that from me!