Marilyn Claire Murphy

I’ve been intending to document – on a daily basis – all the fabulously wonderful things that have happened to me since this diagnosis. I’ve captured a few of them, but I’m way behind schedule. I’ll attempt to catch up by back-dating some things!

Because I was scheduled to be in Europe, I was going to miss the celebration that was planned by my cousin, Karen, in Scottsdale for my beloved Aunt Lil who was turning 100 on July 16. Now that I had ovarian cancer, I wasn’t going to Europe and could attend her party after all!

My cousin had called shortly after the news broke, suggesting that, “you and Scott could jump on an airplane and come out for the party.”

Ever the sneaky one, I said, “Oh, Karen, the thought of going to an airport and subjecting myself to the crowds and the hassle … I just can’t bear it.”

I could tell she was disappointed, but empathetic. I was thrilled! There are few things in life that I love more than springing a surprise. And there was nothing – nothing – that would keep me from being part of her special day. And I knew my Aunt was hearty enough that this wasn’t gonna kill her – but rather thrill her and make her smile.

If you know me, you also know that I’m always one to “kick things up a notch.” I had always thought it would be fun to jump out of a birthday cake. That would not be appropriate in this instance – but why not jump out of the next-best-thing: a birthday cake costume!

The wheels started turning. My capable assistant, Ellen, and I started searching the internet for DIY birthday cake costumes. Nothing in adult sizes available to purchase from any costume shops. Lots of adorable ones for little girls about 3 feet tall – but I was probably going to need about 5 layers or else the proportions were going to be wonky and weird. I found no step-by-step instructions, but screen-shotted lots of pictures for inspiration. I’d have to make this one myself. But, heck, I was a Home Ec major! I could do this!

Did I mention that this was late afternoon on Wednesday? And that we were leaving at 8:30 am on Friday morning to drive to Scottsdale? And that my poor, suffering husband had rolled his eyes when I shared this creative insight?

I got to the 99-Cent Store just before closing. Immediately, I spotted hula hoops. Perfect! Support forms for one layer: done. Then I grabbed some of those foam pool noodles, two of which could be formed into a giant hoop with a bit of duct tape. The smallest layer would be fashioned around some wire wreath forms I found. I scooped up pink crepe paper, solid-color wrapping paper, butterfly ornaments, fake flowers and LED candles. I even remembered to buy AAA batteries.

As I unpacked all this crap in the middle of my living room at about 10:30 p.m., I had a vision of what I wanted to create. But these rag-tag craft supplies did not support my vision. I was tired, so I sat with Scott watching TV for awhile and then we went to bed.

Tomorrow was a new day. after a good night’s rest, My creative confidence would kick in on Thursday!

But the strangest thing happened when I awoke on Thursday morning. I realized that I had already had the most possible fun with my idea. I’d envisioned it all – had enjoyed the most delightful memories in my imagination, and there was nothing more I needed to do! This was shocking. To have an idea and not see it through to fruition – despite the consequences, frustrations and time expended? This was so unlike me!

Maybe this tumor had spread to my brain??

I crept downstairs and looked at the mountain of crap I had purchased. No – this was never going to work. And I was okay with it!

I could hardly wait for Scott to get up so I could share my news. He stumbled down about 20 minutes later, and poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Come here and sit down, honey. I have something to tell you that’s gonna blow your mind.”

And as I shared my earth-shattering insight, all he could say was, “You mean I was right?”

The party was a blast! Lots of cousins had converged from all over the country. Karen was gob-smacked when she saw me and Aunt Lil was thrilled. She’s my hero – still going strong at 100. Her memory is better than mine, she walks without assistance and lives in her own little apartment in an independent living facility. Here are some photos from this special day: