"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher."
- Oprah Winfrey -
February 14, 2024
I spent a large portion of today thinking about L.O.V.E. - What love is, how it shows up in my life, how I spread love, share love and be love for others.
In past years I would have made an elaborate meal and a sweet chocolate dessert for David, decorated the house in hearts of pink and red, and made up a playlist of cheesy love songs. Instead, it was a quiet and low key day - I did make David a watercolour Valentine (I've been on a watercolour Valentine kick lately - you can check them out HERE) and we ordered in. I even had a wee sip of champagne (I'm been off alcohol since January 2023 but as my oncologist explained, benders are off-limits LOL but don't deny myself a celebratory drink once in a while if I was so inclined. So we had champagne and celebrated... cheers to being cancer-free and here's to LOVE.
LOVE.
I am so thankful for all the love I have in my life. I cherish the love and incredible support from my partner David and my family. And then there are all my Love-Humans - they are so special to me! I am one lucky girl and I have surrounded myself with the most incredible people.
Oh gosh, I can barely see the screen as I type... tears, so many joyous happy loving tears of gratitude for all the Love Humans in my life. ❤️
It's been three weeks since my surgery and three weeks since experiencing one of the most incredible acts of kindness and so much joy... A LOVE TUNNEL!
A week before my surgery David unveiled a plan that was in the works - a plan he had pretty much squashed. You see, my darling sweet friend Danielle had contacted David to get the details (timing and location of my surgery) so that she could orchestrate a gathering of friends to greet me at the hospital entrance before my going in.
David thought it wasn't a good idea because he knew my pre-op ritual of putting on my boa and getting in the zone and he thought this surprise gathering would throw me off. Well, my heart burst with joy at the idea. If you're an Oocher and you're reading this, you know what I am talking about. For the rest of you, let me explain...
Danielle and I volunteered at a cancer camp for kids (that is how we met), now called Campfire Circle (previously known as Camp Oochigeas, lovingly called Ooch for short). Part of welcoming the kids to camp, counsellors and staff would get dressed up in costumes and form a pool-noodle tunnel which the kids would go through when they exited the bus... the Tunnel of Love.
Well, just the thought of my own tunnel of love had me balling and I immediately contacted Danielle to say... if you guys are up for it, so am I!!! I would just add it to my pre-op prep. No prob!
And so... at 6:15 am on Wednesday, January 24, I was greeted by 12 friends and the most incredible act of love. Want to check it out? Click HERE. IT WAS THE BEST!! The joyous energy and love had me on such a high going into surgery that it lasted for a couple of days. MAGIC. Pure magic! THE. BEST!
And a cute side-bar story... when I was being checked in, my pre-op nurse said, "there is something pink near your eye." I wiped my face to find some boa fluff and laughed, "oh that's just part of my boa. Doesn't everyone come to surgery wearing one?" And then she asked me whether I was part of the group gathered at the front entrance. She thought it was a running group - nope just a group of amazing humans who I call friends.
I shared the story of the love tunnel with the nurse. She started to cry and expressed how lovely that was and how she couldn't wait to share it with the other staff members.... ahhh the ripple effect. SO SO GOOD!
And there you have it... a little story about LOVE.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.
If you're still reading this post, then I would like to say... I LOVE YOU and Thank You! 💕
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