Let's Party!

My best friend, Julie passed away from Cystic Fibrosis in 2015. I have the privilege of keeping in touch with the family especially her twin, Natalie. I consider her one of my closest friends and I love her dearly.

In early November, her dad texted me and told me that we were throwing a surprise party for Natalie. No other woman in the world deserves a surprise party more than her. She’s been through so much that she deserves all the joy in the world.

I arrived at the party very early because I didn’t want to interfere with the surprise. Well, I got there way too early! The staff was still setting up 500+ balloons and the acrobat was getting her things out as

Why not have the birthday girl on my lap?

 

well. Her dad went all out. About an hour after I arrived (yeah, I was really early), the guests started to come into the rectangular room. It was at Stereo Club in downtown Chicago. They had a slideshow of pictures of Natalie and Julie because we know that Julie is with us in spirit.

When we knew Natalie was coming, everyone went quiet. I stood behind her family with her best friend from college. I was so excited to see her register that everyone from her life was there. That’s the magic of a surprise party. Everyone comes purely for you.

The look on her face was a combination of shock and utter disbelief.

“Hannah Thompson. Hi, you’re here!” Natalie said. 

 

 

She barely had time to process my presence when she saw that the whole club was full of people that loved her and her family. If you know that family, you’re blessed!

The whole night was crazy fun!

I’m glad I had that type of night because I tested positive for Covid five days later. I did not announce it on social media; I was busy sleeping and taking Dayquil. My disabilities DID NOT affect symptoms which I don’t take for granted. It has been 12 days after the first positive test; my symptoms are gone. I’m very safe to be around. I’m beyond sick of talking about Covid so please don’t e-mail me with concerns. I’m your happy, healthy Hannah and that is all that matters! I’ve been home for a long time…let’s party! Text me with an excuse to get out of the house!

Till Then,

Hannah!

Phi Mu at 32

During my college days, I joined a sorority. Phi Mu has served me in so many ways, but something came from it that I never imagined. 

We have a Facebook group that is private, and Robin Benoit posted that she published a book about sorority sisters in their eighties. I requested the book through Elmhurst Public Library (best way to get your hands on a book in my opinion especially since my bookshelves fill up quickly) and I loved it!

    

I highly recommend it. Anyway, I posted a picture in the Facebook group and Robin responded within minutes. She and I did not know each other whatsoever but the sisterly bond connected us. How amazing is that! 

We were on Zoom a week later. It was such a blessing to meet with not only a published author but a fellow sister with a similar passion. It has made my entire month! I look forward to getting to know Robin Benoit and seeing where our relationship takes us. Feel free to check out her website at: https://www.robinbenoit.com/.

I know this is a short update, but it has been a quiet few weeks. I'm not complaining and especially when the holidays around the corner, I know things will get busy in the best way possible. Have a fun, safe Halloween!

Happy Trick or Treating,

Hannah! 

 

Pieces of my Heart

Kevin, my longtime mentor had texted me about homecoming. He said that a long-time acquaintance of mine was going to be playing on Friday night. Gina Venier was going to be playing. Sounded like a great time!

                “Everyone knows me so I will be back when I am back,” I said to Julia, my caregiver who was settling into study on my couch.

                “Have fun!” Julia said.

                I took the well-worn path from my condo to my university. Elmhurst University. Being funny, Kevin asked me if I was taking the stairs or ramp to the quad. Obviously, the ramp would be my choice. Meeting me by the ramp, Kevin hugged me.

                “How are you, HT?” Kevin asked.

                “Good! Working on the book,” I replied.

                He then filled me in on his life highlighting the fact that his kids never came home.

                “You sound like my parents,” I replied.

                The night was great, and I saw some familiar faces which are the pieces of my heart. I love that I went to Elmhurst and truly made it my home. The next morning was the epitome of bittersweet. It was Dr. Deatra Sullivan-Morgan’s bench memorial. Deatra was my mentor throughout college who unfortunately passed before Covid. Many of you remember reading about her in my November 2019 post. She was quite special to me.

                The memorial service was in one of the classrooms that she taught in. Her daughter, Jessica spoke as well as Deatra’s husband and son-in-law. They had beautiful, funny stories to share. My heart embraced every word. We walked out with the sun streaming on our faces to a beautiful, new bench right next to the spot she parked in for 19 years. Jessica placed nineteen purple roses on the bench and the service wrapped up.

                It’s funny because people don’t realize that I live minutes from the University and literally can come and go in five minutes. About two hours after, I had changed outfits, and everyone was a little confused. On those types of days, my condo is simply a dressing room.

                That was homecoming 2022.

                I’m doing really well. I’ll be working on the outline of my book this week. If you know someone who is in the industry, now is the time to connect me to that person. I’ve been writing since February. I have thirteen chapters. If you have offered to help in some way with the book, e-mail me. I want to get the ball rolling! 

Hannah!