Monday 1 December 2014

Day 452: The Post-treatment party - finally

The day started bright and sunny - perfect for a party of over 100 kids and adults to celebrate the end of my treatment and return to a life free of appointments and trips to Medicare to submit claims.

As with any party, the prep work took time. Remie, Nick and I (Alex was cranky and stayed at home, where he made his own scrambled egg brekkie) went down to Little Manly at 7.30a to put up our marquee so we. Would have some space set aside if the beach got really busy. There were some other guys setting up as well and they came over to make sure it was going to work for all. Lovely.  Nick then did all the beverage and ice shopping (Rosalie had done the other stuff on Thursday) while Rosalie and I cut watermelon and prepped supplies.  From 2.30p Nick loaded and unloaded the car multiple times, ferrying everything the block and a half down the hill. The 2 fabulous girls we'd been recommended by one of our sitters showed up and took over all the prying and serving. 

Guests arrived throughout the afternoon. The kids played down on the beach while we were up on the grass. There was drink and food, and then about 5p the wonderful folks at the Little Manly Kiosk brought out the serious food. People who had been so actively involved in supporting us were there again, but this time to celebrate the fact the it's in the past. I gave a little "thank you" speech and Daryl took pictures. It was like having a big hug all afternoon. 

We did fall victim to our tropical weather as the lightening started and the rain came down about 6.20p. It cleared the beach so we had it to ourselves. We ended up wrapping up right when we wanted around 7p, which was probably good for everyone's heads. 

It's hard to believe that the party I first dreamed up at the start has finally happened.  It provided great closure and another opportunity to connect with our wonderful community. 

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