Day 26: Silver petals

Sometimes life randomly offers up the most wonderful gift. For us, one of these was buying our house in Alexandria almost 10 years ago - which we've named 'Beryl' after Rob's dear Aunt. We live in what the real estate spruikers call 'the Golden triangle'. I see it as a continuation of the golden web stretching across my life.

The first new thread in the web started when we landed next door to the best neighbours imaginable - the Clancy-Mann family. Katie, Bern and their girls Ella and Lauren instantly welcomed us to the 'hood, and over the decade have become an important part of our world.  Katie and I are very close friends, meeting as regularly as we can for a cup of tea to share the joys and challenges of our busy lives. Katie's perceptive insights, wisdom, and humour have brightened many a challenging day. We've also benefitted from the music collection of the wonderful 'DJ' Bern, enjoying the strains of his selection when our houses are open in summer, while their lovely girls provide important role models for our boys.

James and Angus walking to school, 2012

When we moved in, Katie and Bern gave us recommendations for all things local. They helped us us settle on 'Erko' as the best school option for the boys, and through Katie's and the school network, I've been threaded into the lives of many other wonderful people. Bec Macken is one of these - a compassionate, intelligent and caring person and an amazing Mum, who is always great company. Of course there is only ever a few degrees of separation, with me already knowing Bec's Mum, Jane, through Deb Brennan because of Jane's important work in the area of feminist public policy. Katie, Bec and I make sure we put aside time for regular dinners, always returning home with aching cheeks from laughing so much.

Bec, Lou and Katie with my new earrings

The Erko network has led me to many talented, energetic, generous and thoughtful women including Helen, Angel Ali, Cath, Sophie, Jodie, Kathryn and many others who make this such a fabulous place to live.





Today I'm wearing a gorgeous pair of earrings given to me by Katie, Bec, Helen and Angel for my 50th Birthday. They are made by a Sydney Jeweller, Brigid Kennedy who has close links to others in the Erko community.
At the end of the triangular hooks are a matte silver petals. They are really special and unique. They will be getting lots of wear in the years to come!

I'm still a bit fragile on Day 26. Last night and early this morning everything ached - including all my lymph nodes - because of the combination of the chemo and the white blood cell production. The nausea has been consistent, though the medication has helped. It's worse when I get hungry, but I don't know what I feel like eating - a very unusual dilemma for me - probably because it all tastes the same.

An outing with Katie and Bec this morning to a cafe across the road really bucked up my spirits, but I've got little stamina and came back home and fell asleep! I started the exercise regime again this morning and hope this might give me a boost longer term. A lovely afternoon storm eased the heat, and a walk with James and Molly after the storm cleared my head. Robbie continues to manage me, the house, and the boys magnificently. As Mum always used to say, never underestimate the hard work of carers. So true!