There was no surprise party. No party at all. No giant theme cake like you see on Food Network (although there was a 
cute yummy little cake.) No over-the-top present to blow me away. No special person flown in and hidden in the closet to surprise me. No cruise to an exotic port. Not even balloons.
Just my life back.
Just a gift without a box or ribbons. A gift of words: “You don’t have cancer anymore.”
I get to live. I get to be normal. (don’t say it…) THIS is something to celebrate. This is definitely one heck of a birthday present. No more chemo or Neupogen. Hair! Eyelashes! (eventually) Things might start to taste normal. I can come home after work and not go right to bed.
Oh my goodness – I can go SHOPPING again!!!
So many people said to me, “I bet this is your best birthday ever” that I started thinking. It’s a tie, actually. There was one other birthday when I was this happy – twelve years ago, the first day of my honeymoon and new life with my best friend and other half.
This year, to commemorate the total freakin’ awesomeness of this birthday, we went to the Cancer Survivor’s Park and took some pictures. Someone driving by honked their horn and gave me a thumbs-up as we were shooting. They understood.
Next birthday wish list:
Hairbrush
Curling iron
Blow dryer
Styling mousse
RED hair dye
With all my heart I praise the LORD! I will never forget how kind he has been. The LORD forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle. Psalm 103:2-5
life, cancer, and other passing thoughts 
Hey, you, Praise God for your wonderful family. and i can’t believe courtney is going to graduate. what are her plans??? Wow did that time go fast. wow! I am glad you are able to come home, but i hope it doesnt’ wear you out, my dear. I will be praying. how old are the grand kids now?
Love and prayers,
jeannie
Hey you too! Courtney graduated TOP OF HER CLASS!!! She hopes to go to MIAD (Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design) pending financial aid etc. Lake Geneva is doing an artistic sailboat thing (like the cows in Chicago) and Courtney’s school was given one to create – she was honored by being one of the two people who painted it. I’m so proud of her!!!
The boys are 7 (twins) and 5. Way too big too fast. So cool though. Love them to death.
Well, Kim, I couldn’t hear anything better than that what you got for your birthday. Thank you Jesus!! ‘what a wonder and what a blessing. Prayers out to you for getting your strength back and all those other things on next years birthday list. I’m so happy and i’m so glad this is all over. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
love ya
jeannie
i miss you and love you jeannie! sing on!
Hey, Kimmy, now you have a new reason to sing. I, too,miss our singing time together. what a time, what a time. Please gain your strenght back soon and may your other health issues blow away with the wind.
love you, kimmy.
jeannie
Two best birthdays ever! And for two very special different reasons. A new beginning for each one. Can’t get any better then that. God is Good…