13 September 2023 , 21:01
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Six red buds have appeared on the rose in Denise’s garden, one for each Nolan girl. It’s called Dublin Bay, which is perfect for us. I bought it for her a while ago – I was looking for a rose called Linda, obviously, but couldn’t find one at the time (outrageous).
The buds have grown because I mustered the energy and went out and deadheaded. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me, the sense of achievement. I used to love gardening, before I got ill. Since I found out the cancer had spread to my brain, I’ve been going out for lunches as often as possible with friends and family, making the most of every minute, creating special time. They’ll put up a blue plaque for me at my favourite spot in the local park.
But I’m starting to realise it’s the absolutely normal things – the regular life stuff – which is most special. Like deadheading a rose. I also get a buzz when I clear up the plates after we’ve all sat down on the sofas in front of the telly for dinner (OK, bear with me…). I can’t stand for long but I do what I can. Clearing the plates is life. All right, not all of it, you’ve got to hope. It’s just good to be living it.
I felt poorly again on Friday. Day five after chemo brought the usual stomach cramps and I was up every half-hour in the darkest hours. On Saturday, I managed to shower then slept a lot. But by 7pm I was able to join Denise, Anne and some friends downstairs to play board games.
Linda has been enjoying the simple things this week (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)Denise got the cheese and crackers out – of course, everyone says “No thanks” and then descends like a swarm of locusts – and we played quiz bingo and a game called Linkee. Someone says “Amber Heard”, you scream “Johnny Depp” like a lunatic. You get the idea.
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I even had a little Malibu, my first drink in ages. It’s not exactly glamorous stuff but what a lovely night. There was no special fuss. Again, just normal. Just life. Just to live life is all I want. It’s been a pretty boring week, I guess, which isn’t helpful when you write a column. But sometimes, it’s the mundane I crave most. And today? Oh, I’m heading to the park for lunch. What? A girl’s got to eat.