The Amazing Mrs. Mitton

Anyone who knows me well knows that Joe Mitton is my best friend and former work husband. We have since divorced because I helped him get another job. It's the last time I do that for a friend who I want to stay at WGAL. No nice recommendations anywhere for you, Andy Manifold!

I was also Joe's Best Man at his wedding. Yes, his Best Man. I liked to refer to myself as his Best Person, but let's not get all PC about it. He threatened at first that he was going to make me wear a tuxedo, but I did get to wear a Best Man dress. Right before we stepped out to the altar for Joe's wedding, I started to lose it. Choking back tears, I said, "Joe, seriously, I don't think you picked the right person." He said, "Um, no. You're wrong. I think Juliet and I are perfect together." Which of course, in true Joe fashion, made me laugh and stop crying. I said exasperated, "No, I mean for your Best Man. Juliet is wonderful. I'm a Best Man mess!"

That's just one of a gazillion funny Joe and Mer stories. It's no wonder Joe is so funny and wonderful though when you meet his mother, Maria. As the mother of nine (yes, NINE!! Joe is #3, I think. Don't make me name them all in age order. I'll definitely leave someone out.) Mrs. Mitton has obviously done something right. Her caring and kindness has be evident throughout my entire illness.

From funny cards, to inspirational gifts, even a Happy Hamster Hallmark book that talks ... Mrs. Mitton has helped keep my spirits up the whole time. This week she helped mark the end of my chemo treatments with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I got sunflowers from my mom and Bruce and roses and daisies from Mrs. Mitton. When you walk in my house you can tell something special has happened. It's not everyday you get a "Congrats on the end of chemo" flower delivery. That's something special.

But my favorite Mrs. Mitton gift has got to be this one:

My very own Bald Beauty!! How hysterical is this?!?! Meet Sophina, the True Hope Moxie Girl! She comes with two outfits, a knit hat and a cue ball head!!! What will they think of next??

I don't know who came up with this idea and how the conversation went around the corporate board room table. "Let's corner the market for little girls who have cancer and are going bald. I bet we'll be able to sell hundreds of these at St. Jude Children's Hospital!" Well, even if their target audience was small children affected by cancer, this 32-year old child is LOVING this doll.

You know how Suri Cruise doesn't go anywhere without a stuffed animal (and high heels? No wonder why they are always carrying her!) I am not going anywhere without my Bald and Beautiful dolly Sophina.

Thank you so much Mrs. Mitton. You've made this cancer journey fun! That's not easy to do. My hat (and my hair) are off to you!! xoxox