Purple Hippo Overload

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeing Zachary play with Mame's purple hippo collection is certainly bittersweet. She would have been so thrilled to watch him playing. She always wanted to see him smiling, and having a good time. 

I'll admit I've been avoiding writing about the real reason for my recent visit to the QC. Mame's fight with colon cancer ended on May 17th, and we've been trying to pick up the pieces ever since. 

Mame was a constant in our lives, and things will never be the same without her.  Writing about her is so complicated. There's no capturing her personality in a few fleeting words, and I've made multiple attempts at writing this. This has resulted in lots of tears, and very few words. I can say with unwavering conviction that Mame loved her nieces and nephews more than anything, and had a very special place in her heart for her MonkeyShine, Zachary. 

I want to take away as much lightness from this too-soon ending as I can, because I think that is what Mame would have wanted. In the time we had with her, both before and after her diagnosis, she showed us how to make the most of what life has given you. For me, this means I need to take the time to appreciate my family, and recognize that they are the most important force in my life. I never want to hesitate in taking a vacation. I'm going to always try new recipes, and take the time to enjoy my garden. And if I want to fill my house with an eccentric collection that no one else understands, I'm not about to let anyone stop me!

I want to live my life to the absolute fullest, because you really never know what is going to be put in your path. Even throughout the ravages of chemotherapy and surgery she still managed to carry a sunny disposition and positive outlook with her, and we can all learn from her determination to make the most of the time we have, however long that is.

We'll drink the newly invented Purple Hippo to you, Mame. 

Love and miss you very much!