This is the end of day 9 with NO NAUSEA. Halleluia and praise to God! Donnie even had chemo today, with NO side effects. He is eating more meals, and he is eating more at each meal. He has more energy (even though he tires easily), and he is singing, whistling and cutting up . . . being his normal fun self!!
Today was my birthday. I was really expecting to have a quiet day with him.
Donnie and I went to breakfast at IHOP (where 2 people wanted to pay for our breakfast . . . HOW NICE), and then came home. After about 2 minutes, there was a knock on the front door. Donnie answered it, and a very professionally dressed man asked if I was Tina McFarland. I said, “Yes,” and that is when he held up the keys to a car and said, “These are the keys to your new car!” There she was, my sweet little white BMW, parked in the driveway with a giant red bow on the hood. Of course, I was overwhelmed!!
There were so many people “in on” this operation I can’t even begin to tell you. Apparently, they are all quite proud of themselves!!! All I know is that it was a 2 week stealthy ordeal, sneaking around copying vital documents, selecting the model, colors and “bells and whistles” for my stylin little ride, having her delivered by the dealership, and having a few of the special operatives in attendance!! It was an amazing surprise, and of course the event was as fun as getting the car 🙂 That’s how my Donnie Mac rolls!!!!
Of course, the best part of my celebration was that Donnie was feeling up to doing ANY OF THESE SHANANIGANS at all!!! It was an amazing birthday, just having him by my side . . . upright . . . and enjoying the day. It was such an ordeal for him to get this done when he was feeling so badly, and I will always appreciate him for trying so hard to make my day special.
Then off to get chemo we went. Beau (our oldest son) goes to the chemo clinic with us. It’s always wise to have another person with us in the car coming and going. When we got back, we got to enjoy dinner with family, plus, Beau made me an AWESOME strawberry birthday cake. YUM!
More family arriving tomorrow. Our days with Donnie feeling good are so special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We don’t take them for granted! We are so blessed by prayers being answered. It is a daily encouragement to us. May God bless all of you who selflessly pray for Donnie. Much love from us!!
22 replies on “DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!!”
I wish I had seen this post sooner so I could say Happy Birthday on your special day. I am so glad it was a great time for the two of you. God is so good! Tina, if you do Facebook go on my page and show Donnie the picture of my Mom celebrating her 84th birthday. I hope it brings a smile to his face. Her birthday was on the 23rd. Thank you so much for sharing your good days and bad. Hugs and prayers to you both
Great looking car – better looking couple. Congrats, Donnie for pulling this off! Happy Birthday Tina! PTL for no nausea and a great appetite!
So glad youvhad a wonderful birthday with yourvwonderful husband. You have been great keeping us all posted on Donnie. I’m so thankful that he is having these great days and being able to enjoy himself. Glory be to God. I continue to pray for him and of course you and the rest of the family. God bless you all!
Love
Aunt Dell
So very glad your symptoms have abated and you were able to pull off such a slick Birthday surprise Donnie! Enjoy your day and Happy Birthday to you Tina!
Donnie…you are a smooth operator! What an awesome gift to give your special wife. No doubt she will think of you as she rolls around in her new wheels. Happy Birthday Tina!
My name is Dan Martino and I used to work the day shift in the Altamonte ICU. I always looked forward to getting report from you as your night shifts ended. As I have learned from personal experience it is all too easy to become a zombie when working nights and I often wondered how y’all survived that unit when the sun went down. Despite ICU challenges you always had a smile on your face, a kind word and a concise report about the patients. Never a hair out of place…Greg, Al, and all the other guys on nights could barely keep their head up (had to get my shot in) but you…you were stylin’ always.
I’ve since moved on with my career and now work at Florida Hospital as a CRNA. While recently working at East I learned of your illness. I’d love to see you again and support you in any way possible as you fight the good fight.
Congratulations on the new car, a nausea free week and the love and support of a beautiful family. Know that there are so many people who I regularly interact with that know you…we all wish you the absolute best and speak highly of you at every chance.
Sincerely,
Dan
(I would have emailed you personally but couldn’t find an address. Sorry for the long post on a public forum).
Thank you Dan for such a beautiful post! Donnie was touched. He thinks very highly of the nurses he has worked with in the ICU, both past and present. His only regret is that his career in nursing did not start earlier in his life. Such a rewarding calling!! The nurses at East have Donnie’s phone number, and he is also on FaceBook if you would like to friend him. Thank you again for your kind words! Sincerely, Tina
What a great birthday gift, chemo with no side effectseffects! Oh, & a new car AND a strawberry cake.
Tina, we don’t know each other but I worked with Donnie years ago. I can see that I don’t need to tell you, you have the best birthday present standing next to you. I remember when Donnie was dating you. You seemed to be the light in his eyes. I check check on you guys first thing every morning & pray every night. Happy late BD.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, T! See you in a few. We’re on our way! Love, J
Where do we sign up for the “Can I take it for a quick spin?” list?
Happy birthday, Tina. And to Donnie: good one, brah! Totally 😉
It is amazing and wonderful to hear of such great news Donnie. You’re always in my thought. I prayed for you daily that God will restore good health to your body. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41: 10
Happy belated Birthday Tina and congratulation on your new BMW!! Blessings comes even in the midst of the storm…..
Happy Birthday Tina! So glad Donnie is feeling No s/s of the chemo and all n/v is staying at bay! Praising God for His mighty grace!
Beautiful! (the car and the people in front of it!) Happy birthday, Tina. xo for you and Donnie.
So awesome!!!! Happiest birthday to you Tina!
How wonderful to read blogs like this!! So thankful for Donnie feeling so well and what a guy with all his surprises for you. What a great birthday and the best is having Donnie feeling better and standing next to you!! We are so happy for you and by the way…..love your new car!!
So glad that Donnie’s subterfuge was pulled off successfully! Happy Birthday Tina!
Happy Birthday,God bless you!!!
What a day! And you know why Donnie hasn’t been nauseous? It’s because he doesn’t have to scroll on his phone any longer trying to figure out your car options!!! That was making him DIZZY!!!!!!!! (Color of car. Color of interior. Color of floor mats. Type of wheel spoke thing-ies, entertainment package, sound system, blinder warning system, helicopter landing pad, but wait…there’s more…….!) LOL! Great job, Donnie! Happy Birthday Tina!!! xoxoxo
We are so happy for you to have such a special birthday. Wish we were there to celebrate that number 59 with you! We know Donnie loved making this a special day for you. We wish you and Dnnie lots of special day ahead for you!! Love and hugs!!!
Yay! Sooo exciting! Happy Birthday Tina! 🙂 ( It’s our son’s birthday today also- good day!) Great job w the surprise Donnie. 🙂 we are so glad to hear that you are feeling better for many days! Yay God!
God is so good! You both deserve the best! God has His hand on all your loved ones.. Beau you are a special young loving man.. God will continue to bless you! Enjoy your family this weekend. God bless and Tina you have a special man to live and love forever.. Gods in control. Lots of love and hugs. Linda
I love it. Awesome gift from an awesome man to an awesome wife. Love it