It was the best of years; it was the worst of years…I figured it would be appropriate to finally write again. For those of you not in the know, November 4th was the one-year mark of my diagnosis of a brain tumor. I can’t help to reflect on how much has changed and happened in the past twelve months and ponder the potential events and benchmarks of the year to come. After all it was just 6 months ago that I went to sleep in an OR at NYU and woke up with my life in front of me. Friends…Loving life.

As I’ve mentioned before, I did wake up a changed gal. Not necessarily different, but definitely changed. What Dayna and I like to call Technicolor. For those of you who haven’t spoken to me about this aspect, I can best liken it to a trip to the ophthalmologist. You know when you put your eyes to that funky looking gadget and the Doc asks. Lenses 1 or 2, is 3 or 4 clearer, 4 or 5 and so on. Well, for me it’s as if it all came in to crystal clear focus and the colors are brilliant. Surreal. I see what is important to me and quite honestly; I don’t really bother worrying about what isn’t. I’m more concerned with living the next part of my life and experiencing it then worrying what others might think or how I am going to accomplish what I want to. As one of my dearest friends Deb says, Lee you just Do!

Don’t get me wrong, I realize there are consequences to every action we take and I am not living a wild and dangerous life, I am not irresponsible (too much)…. but I am living, I am most definitely feeling and experiencing again. Sometimes it takes events like mine to gain perspective. I didn’t realize how far I had moved away from living my life versus just being awake for it. Again, I urge you to go out and live.

OK so an update. Hmmmm. Well I feel awesome. The kids and I most definitely had the summer of fun. We went camping together (one of my all time favorite weekends), we went to the beach, we went swimming, we spent time with Max my new nephew, we spent time on Long Island, we spent time in Connecticut, we saw our cousins from Florida. It was spectacular. Additionally, I got to attend my 20-year reunion. Now I have to admit, I was reticent about going, but I did promise Dayna and Nicole that if I had survived the surgery and I had hair I was going. I am so grateful that I kept my promise. One of my favorite weekends ever. I saw so many wonderful friends, rekindled friendships and enjoyed the experience for what it was. Heck I even stayed out till 6 am with some of you. More importantly, I was present and accounted for. Something a year ago neither I, nor my doctor’s thought would be possible. For those of you reading this who were also there and spoke with me…thank you. A huge heartfelt thank you.

So what have I been up to? Gosh where to start. Most importantly, my six-month checkup went really well. Tumor free and doing well. I am back on Chemo starting three weeks ago, and will continue on it indefinitely. One night a week of feeling yucky is hardly a price to pay for my life with all of you and my beautiful kids (Yes – I ditched the 3 moth check-up frankly because I was so freaking tired of doctors, seriously can ya blame me?).

As most of you already know my business is really taking off. The candle line was featured on Martha Stewart Radio and then subsequently sold out, I will be interviewed on TV this Sunday and it appears that skies the limit and we are poised to take off on a national level. So I have buckled my seat belt, put my tray in the upright position and can’t wait for the ride of my life.
It would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that this did not happen by my own doing. Behind every successful business is a team of amazing people. I happen to have some of the best around. One of my recent blogs states, “it takes a village, and I have the most incredible community”. The truth is that I do. The success is completely team earned. Dayna, Deb, Mar, Joelle, Jamie and Matt – I am and will be eternally grateful. I am quite sure that The Botanical Collection is here to stay and Only Good Things Are To Come.

Oh yeah – you know, no Lisa email would be complete without the sap. Hmm, who should I zing? Nah no need for sap, it’s all smiles and champagne in the Lisa Camp but ya know I have to acknowledge a few key people who have kept me going even when I was having a hard day and reminded me of what I have gone through and what perspective I need to keep.
Dayna- Like ya didn’t know I was going here first (don’t worry Deb you are next). My god, what to say. Life is so much brighter and more colorful with you in it. Each day is started with a morning sunshine text and with that I know how utterly fantastic the day will be, and if it starts to swing the other way…I know that you are only a text away. I love you. Now what all of you need to know is that the other end of this morning text is another gal who walked into my life so unexpectedly and yet it feels like my life is complete now that she is in it. Debbie – WOW. One of the greatest things that came out of the reunion and from David is you. You are the perfect compliment to the team. It is rare to meet someone so late in your life and yet form a bond that you know will weather any storm. You are the real deal and I feel privileged to call you my friend, my colleague and a part of my life. Every day I revel in how close we have become and how much a part of my life you are. I am blessed. Mar – my BFF, my go to man, my I need a little love call. I am so excited for the future and I only see bright lights ahead. I look forward to the journey. JoJo – Thank Goodness we continue to grow closer together. I know the best is yet to come for us. While I may not be perfect, I know that the bonds of sisterhood keep us together and closing any gaps that the years in between have created. I am proud of you and love you. Mom and Dad – yeah, you are OK too. The daily check ins even when I don’t answer, the always welcomed arms when I visit and the constant praise are all a little girl could ever want…and I realize now I will always be your little girl. David – My goodness – you are a complete pain, but I doubt anyone knows me better then you do and makes me smile and laugh at myself (and you) as much as you do. You’re one of the few that can call it with me in an instant and stop me in my tracks. You, my friend, are still one of the greatest gifts this illness gave me a year ago – hell you brought Deb into the fold. I know years of friendship (and me banging my head against the wall with your sarcasm) are still to come. Yes, I love you too. Susan, El, El, Donna, Marilyn and Nic– LOVE You! Stateline – Thank you for keeping music in our house. Helen – I can’t wait to hear more of my song. A bigger honor has never been made. Ken, You rock in so many ways. A – if ever there were a rollercoaster made of my life, you would be in the front car. I am glad our friendship has endeavored so many storms. Ahhh yes –and another newcomer to the scene…Rich – Baby Blues. I am eternally grateful to your great energy, warm friendship and fantastic vibes. Thank you so much for walking into my life I truly plan on this friendship lasting for the long haul.

So with that I say good night. I am sure there are tons that I didn’t mention, but hey there are more blogs and notes to be written. As always I beg you all to be present to your lives. Not to get mired in the small stuff and remind you that is usually is small stuff. Revel in watching your children grow, hold their hand when they let you, say thank you and show acts of gratitude when warranted because it does make a difference, and play. My God Play. Life is too short, what are you all waiting for. I’ve always said tomorrow isn’t promised and as most of you know I am not waiting for tomorrow to live my life, neither should any of you.
Love to you all!
Lee