Punchy Mommy Believes in Life

We left the Bayou a mere two months ago. We were only here for one year for DH’s fellowship, which was always the plan. I had never been to the Bayou before we moved here and I was really surprised to find a such a colorful and vibrant life there. I quickly made friends and it seemed like there was an endless number of things to do with Little Man. We grew to love going to the zoo,  the children’s museum, the insectarium, story time at the library, and Daneel Park.  All of my friendships and fun withered just four months after our arrival when our world turned from fun and games to tests and hospitals. Although we didn’t have a chance to really partake in life there, it ironically turned out to be a nice place to be sick.

I liked the Bayou, but I hated being sick.  As we drove to the airport, our rental car packed to the gills with luggage, I started to feel a little verklempt. Are you sad were leaving? I asked DH. We were leaving a place that was never going to be a our permanent residence but it nevertheless felt like home. No, it’s time for us to move on and close this chapter, he said. DH was right, it was time for us to move on in good health. Not a day has gone by since diagnosis that I hadn’t wished away so that I could be closer to better health and further away from cancer. But, it all happened so quickly. Diagnosis and treatment have come and gone all so fast I have barely had a time to breathe, to download, and to digest all that has happened. I certainly don’t feel like I had the chance to partake in the colorful life that is happening in the Bayou.

Not many survivors have the chance to leave forever the place where they were diagnosed and treated. Few people in our new home know about what I went through this year and I get to choose whether to keep it that way.

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu
Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu

So long, farewell, au revoir, auf wiedersehen
I’d like to stay and taste my first champagne

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
I leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye — Goodbye!
I’m glad to go, I cannot tell a lie
I flit, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly
The sun has gone to bed and so must I

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye