Mocktail Chemo Party - June 11, 2008

What a party! The day began with an MRI brain scan @ 7:00 am. The rain was pouring and it was the day of my party. I prayed for good weather and it arrived early afternoon. Yeah! Thanks to good friends and neighbors, we got the yard weeded, mowed, edged and shaped up on the Monday before the party. Thank you so much! Following the brain scan, Andrea and I started cleaning up the house and blending drinks to create the right mixture.

Mocktails started being served around 6:00 and continued through the night. Friends and family arrived all night, but the largest crowd arrived close to 7:30. We had incredible appetizers, awesome mocktails, nummy strawberry lemonade, and U of U Sparkler. Shorty after 7:30 pm all of us were asked to go outside in the backyard. Someone said make sure you have a drink so I thought we would have a toast. Travis and I went down by the garden and Mike Astill was holding an envelope and magazine. He talked a few minutes about how he and Amy had wanted to do something for us but didn't know what. He then mentioned that they had come up with a great gift from everyone there. I opened the envelope and found a cheesecake of the month club. It's price was on it and it was $ 567.00. Wow! Everyone must know I'm not getting near enough treats. Anyways, Mike said with the money they had left they were able to get me a two year subscription to Reader's Digest. He mentioned that his parents loved that magazine. I felt so lucky! I mean it! Just then, Mike grabbed the cheesecake subscription and the magazines and said he was just kidding. He then briefly mentioned that he had began a mission to raise funds to meet our out of pocket maximum and co-payments. He set a lofty goal of between $ 4,000- $5,000. Well he was happy, almost giddy to report that he and a few others had raised over $ 12,000.00 Wow! I didn't believe it. I was in shock that this could have gone on without my knowledge. Travis and I were filled with so much love and gratitude for everyone there and many who weren't there. We were mostly speechless. Mike mentioned that I had been clear on the Mocktail invitation that you were welcome to bring an appetizer but nothing else. Never in my wildest dreams had I imaged this. I looked across the yard and up the stairs on the deck and in the house and saw everyone I loved. I love you all! You are my dearest friends. Our family is strengthened by your prayers and concern. Travis and I were on such a high that night that it was tough to get to sleep. Thanks to everyone! Especially, my party planners, Andrea,Tracie and Nanc. You are the best.