Python Power, Part 1

At long last, the post you've been waiting for: Team Grantham's night at Spamalot!

The backstory: A few months ago, I mentioned on Facebook that the Monty Python dialogue at the dinner table was wearing on my nerves.  I was not quite ready to blow my nose at anyone, but there is only so much "NI!  NI!  NI!" a person can take, and I knew I could count on my FB pals to commiserate.   Well, not only did they not commiserate, they applauded Sir Matthew and Sir Nathan of the Dining Room Table, and they suggested other Python lines the boys could start running into the ground. Thanks, English pig dogs.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth the Remarkable came into town just long enough to spot the "coming attractions" sign at Van Wezel - and when she saw "Spamalot," she put the Conspiracy of Those Whose Fathers Smelt of Elderberries Angels to work on procuring tickets for us.  To say that Nathan was excited about this treat is to say that I occasionally enjoy a frosty Diet Coke; he was hella psyched, as were the rest of us - and yes, even Clare gets in on the act at the end.

And now, Our Trip to Spamalot, Part 1.

The night is a win-win before we even get to the show - Clare is having a sleepover at Nana's, as she is just the tiniest bit too young to appreciate the Python boys (or so we think...) (foreshadowing!).  Everyone is happy!  I personally am giddy!  Out comes the camera to capture some moments!

"Really? Photos in the car? Really?"

OK, so Driver Dan is dealing with the massive construction on US 301 and is not giddy - YET (more foreshadowing!).  What about the boys?

"Really?  In the car?  Really"?

That's Matt in the backseat, Angry Birding on Nathan's iPod and trying to ignore me (good luck with that, Pal!). And that's Nathan in the middle, wearing his trés chic Peeps hat (thanks, KDYE - xoxo), and even though that smile looks pained, it really is a grin of epic proportions.  The facial palsy you see is temporary, caused by the vincristine, and since it was been taken out of the chemo rotation last month, his facial muscles have started to recover.  He has been pretty un-self-conscious about it, as only a 13 year-old boy can be; and even though it has brought some of our friends and family to tears, we look at it and see medicine working.  And also a possible built-in Halloween costume.

So, where's Mom?  

MA: Dan, take my picture!!

Dan: Honey, I'm driving.

MA: Oh, like you use both hands.  Hold the wheel with your knees, and take the camera...

Dan: HONEY, do you see the construction?

MA: Well, hit a red light, I'm ready to throw some gang signs.

Dan: ...?

MA: You know, for my homies in PEEP NATION, YO!

Dan: ...

MA: MY CAPS LOCK IS LOUD, AND SO IS MY CRAZY!

Dan: [sotto voce] ...no argument there...

MA: Red light!  Here!

Words fail me, y'all.
Free box of Peeps to the best caption for this face.
Good luck, and be kind.

Dan: Um...

MA: Aw, you can't see that I'm flashing a sign language P... you know, for Peeps Nation, get it?

Dan: Yeah, that's too -

MA: Here, try again!

This is my brain on drugs, just not enough of them.

Dan: You do realize we're driving through Newtown, and you could get us killed. 

MA: FINE, Mr. Party-Pooping Gang Awareness.  One more, I'll be normal this time.

Dan: [mutters darkly]

Ha! He bought the "I'll be normal" line!  SUCKAHHHH!

D: Are you pointing at the boner you keep saying you have over going to Spamalot?  'Cause that's pushing it, even for you.

MA: I am doing no such thing, sir.  This is a P for Peep Nation, and all those wonderful friends who are making this evening possible.

D: Good.  They'll like th-

MA: But maybe a crotch shot later?

*** BREAKING NEWS ***

Just received MRI results from Dr. O:

Nathan's tumor has shrunk!!  After only two months!!  It has gone from 18 x 14 cc to 14 x 13 cc!!  We were told that shrinkage was probably not in the cards, that the goal was to keep it from growing, and yet - IT SHRUNK!!

Who has two thumbs and and wishes she could hug the stuffing out of every single one of you?  Yeah, this girl.

An Embarrassment of Riches

In the mail yesterday:

* Two "thinking of you" cards from a woman I have never met and her son, a Cub Scout; she heard about us third-hand and wanted to let us know their troop is praying for Nathan.  I hope Josh receives a badge for huge-heartedness and generosity of spirit, and I hope the badge features a gorilla picking its nose, just like one of the cards.

* A Mass card and a Publix gift card from a dear man we know from church and his adult son; they lost a wonderful wife and mother to cancer last year.  They know this walk, and they are willing to take it with us.

* A Kindle from someone who knows what it's like to sit for hours in a hospital room with your son, trying to stay positive and non-panicky and productively occupied.  She actually fussed at me for adding her name to the Wall of Angels and will probably fuss at me for mentioning it here because she is not one to seek glory for herself, but I will take my chances.

* A framed poem written for me by a long-admired friend; she is who I want to be when I grow up.  I cannot do the poem or the poet justice with my own words tonight, so you will have to go read her work at her beautiful blog.

And the two wonderful men pictured below - the ones who, in my mind, will always be 17 years old?  The ones I looked up to in high school?  Who are even more look-uppable-to these days? Those dudes get their own post tomorrow.

He's covered in Awesome Sauce.

So is he.

My heart is full, my mascara is all over my face, and I may very well electrocute myself if I keep crying on my laptop.  It will be all your fault.

I hope you're proud of yourselves.  

Love you all.