Had an overwhelming need to accompany Mom to her second chemo appointment. Back to Massey, not much has changed in seven years. While Dad waited in the lobby, I was able to sit with her during the first part of her treatment. This was my first time in the treatment room, and I taken back by the number of chairs and IV stands there were... waiting for patients... waiting for healing...
What was most impressive was the warm, not the temperature as that was quite chilly, but the glow from the patients and staffers alike. I could not believe how openly positive and practically chipper most folks were acting. From the man behind me cracking jokes with his nurse to the older gentleman across the room who got at least four hugs from cute staffers- and most beautifully, the quiet calm Mom radiated. We chatted about apps, organizing screens, the grand kids... everything but the moment at hand, which was perfectly fine. It wasn't out of avoidance or fear; I think we were enjoying the time together.
The gem of the morning came when Dad let it slip that they would probably be vacuuming Mom's head soon. What?!? As in running the attachment over her scalp, you ask. Yep. I had wondered if she was going to shave her head, as a preemptive strike. Nope. Apparently, Dysons tackle human hair (from the source) as good as pet hair. I love the fact that Mom and Dad do this wacky activity together. I love that it makes me laugh, to envision my father vacuuming my mother's head. That in a moment pregnant with potential tragedy, my family remains united in its weirdness and goofballery.
Mom has been worried that her loss of hair with upset my kids. I wish she wouldn't devote energy to thoughts like that. My munchkins will continue to love their Mimi, mane or not. In fact, she may now look like one of the favorite cartoon characters, a little bald Canadian boy named Calliou. In their eyes, she ma now have some extra cool points. Additionally, knowing Crabcake's (son) and Poptart's (daughter) affinity for art, they may try to decorate her head with paints and glitter. And knowing Mimi's penchant for creative whimsy, she might let them do it.
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