Monday, March 8, 2010

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!

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

love this and love you, woman.

praying and now laughing,

Christina, brett, ellia and olive

Anonymous said...

Allyson:

We are so glad that you were able to laugh and cry! You know that God loves you and is cradling you. We are praying for you.

The DeSimone's

Gran said...

This is one of the reasons I love you so much--you can ALWAYS laugh. You have such wonderful and loving friends as well as a LOVING GOD.

Anonymous said...

What a great way to smile! After indoor recess AND it being "Monday" I thought this was super!! Keep resting, even though you may want to get up and GO...

With Great Care,
Gail W.

Michelle Burleson said...

HA! As much as I enjoyed your post and the pictures with commentary, the last photo of you, Allyson, is priceless!!! LOVE IT! :)

3 Girl Mommy said...

I am so glad that you are out of the hospital and I think the boys are happy too. LOVE:Kendal

Ditto Kendal :)
The commentary with the pics are great. The pic of you at the end is totally YOU!!! Love ya!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Allyson - I am one of the many Sugar Creek people who know and love your parents...

OK - I have resisted adding comments - but have been reading along and praying in accordance... Well - I just about fell over out of my chair laughing! Your precious friend Karen - what a blessing to you! To know you and know that you need to laugh and still be yourself in spite of what all is going on - what an answer to prayer! Not only am I thanking God that you are home, that your family is surrounding you, that your mom is there to love on you and take care of you and your family (although we love her and miss her - we would much rather her be a mom right now!), but I am thanking God for your dear friend who brought obviously great laughs to you today! Still praying Allyson!!

Angela Mowery

Caroline said...

That is all awesome..the only thing missing..Peeps!!!! Hope you are resting and enjoying being at home..love you very much!!!
kandice :)

Anonymous said...

Hey Allyson,

Thanks so much for posting this series of pix and what the notes said. I laughed at them!! To end it with your pix...was indeed priceless and sweet!
You are a jewel straight from Heaven! I am very sorry that you have to go thru this yucky stuff called cancer.
Still praying, Rene'
PS. I work with your mom and the other ladies on the Children's team at SCBC!!

Betty H said...

Well, I too have hesitated to comment but just can't pass this one up. The picture is priceless & it is so good to see that big smile. I'm pulling for you and pray for you every time you come to mind. So sorry you have to go through this, but glad you seem to be feeling better.
Betty H
SCBC

Anonymous said...

Hey Minnie Pearl, at least take the price tag off the hat! Where is your dignity! Love you and I love seeing the JOY!
Karen:)

Anonymous said...

Can't remember where I found your link - but you are amazing :-) My son had brain cancer at age 4 and I just despise that evil word "cancer"... He is now 6 years out from a virtual death sentence.

We are praying for you!! Your attitude is amazing and contagious :-)

mlfont said...

Allyson - I am a Sugar Creek Mom who has been praying for you and your family. Your Mom is a true blessing to our family. My daughter prays for you at school as well and finding your blog gives me strength. To laugh inspite of tears is an inspiration to us all! One of my favorite scriptures is "do not worry about tomorrow as today has enough trouble of its own." Know you are covered in prayer as are you are traveling this journey. As another SCBC Mom told me we Anticipate God's best! In Christ! Lara Font

mlfont said...

Allyson - I am a Sugar Creek Mom who has been praying for you and your family. Your Mom is a true blessing to our family. My daughter prays for you at school as well and finding your blog gives me strength. To laugh inspite of tears is an inspiration to us all! One of my favorite scriptures is "do not worry about tomorrow as today has enough trouble of its own." Know you are covered in prayer as are you are traveling this journey. As another SCBC Mom told me we Anticipate God's best! In Christ! Lara Font

Momma Wolg said...

Too Funny! Great Job to Karen!
It all made me laugh, although, the Eazze Squeeze grossed me out to think about it.

Love you my friend and your sense of humor, one of the many reasons why I love you.

Kelly

Karen said...

I'm SO glad you're home!! And that you have another awesome friend named Karen!!! :) I miss you and am constantly sending up prayers for you! I love you bunches!!!

The Horton Family said...

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! That is hilarious. I knew I loved that girl for a reason! Glad she made you happy H. And really - those glasses are SO YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Liz said...

I LOVE silly gifts like this!!