~ Kelsey May ~

We stopped yesterday afternoon to visit with my cousin and her new family before leaving the city. We'd attended the wedding of Scott's nephew the night before and stayed over at the hotel where the reception and dance took place. It was a nice time and although we were dancing fools by the end, we didn't drink too much or eat too much so there were no regrets the next day.

I got to hold the little sweetheart above (my second cousin? cousin-once-removed?) for two hours while my cousin and I caught up on news and gossip. As long as the baby was snuggled right next to my body, she slept soundly. Several times I laid her on my legs and she'd squirm and complain until she was gathered up in my arms again. Just a few days old and already she knows what she likes and what she does not.

It was the first time I'd seen my cousin since we heard about Mom's cancer, and she too is upset. She too loves Auntie Grace, who babysat her and her sisters since they were babies and who has remained close to them all. She has been putting off phoning Mom, for fear of crying when she does. I encouraged her to call anyway, but Mom beat her to it. By the time I phoned out to BC last night, she'd already given my cousin a ring.

Today Mom starts a five-day treatment of daily radiation on the five-centimetre-deep lump in/on her breastbone. The radiation may or may not eradicate the pain; the radiologist said there is a 50/50 chance of success.

I think I am starting to miss my children. Well, okay, not actually miss them so much as look forward to seeing them again. Scott and I have been enjoying having time to ourselves — boy have we ever, say no more say no more — and will make good use of the next two weeks with no one to look after but each other. But I'll still be glad to see my two little tootsies again.