All YOUR Recommendations 💜
The shows, books, podcasts, and things you shared for my mom
A couple weeks ago, I shared some of what my mom has been going through and the emotional weight it’s brought to our year. I asked for your help — for ideas of how we could bring joy and delight into the long weeks of her stem cell transplant and lengthy hospital stay.
The weeks since have been really hard. You can follow Mom’s treatment and experience on her CaringBridge, which was originally set up in 2020 with her first cancer diagnosis, then reopened when the horrible scleroderma came last year [more about that], only to be followed by the return of her cancer a few months ago.
The one glimmer of hope in the cancer [dramatic irony, much?] was that the treatment for a recurrence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a stem cell transplant. A stem cell transplant is also an experimental treatment for scleroderma. The hope, however tentative, is that one treatment might cure — or at least slow — BOTH diseases.
But now we’ve hit yet another bump in the road. Or, it feels less like a bump and more like a gaping canyon with barely any way to cross. They weren’t able to get enough stem cells harvested to do the treatment. She meets with her doctor tomorrow to find out what happens next. The nurses have assured us there is something. That this can happen, and they’ll have Plans B, C, D, and E. But you can imagine what an emotional setback it feels right now.
So, that’s where we’re at right now.
The only thing getting us through? All the people around us. My mom’s sisters visited her and gave her a little spa day in the Airbnb bathroom where they were staying in Dallas. A cousin brought over ice cream. A woman who used to be in dad’s youth group over 30 years ago [and who 5-year-old me was so obsessed with that I would write her name in those “who is your hero” prompts at school instead of the normal things like “mom,” “dad,” “grandpa,” “Spider-Man,” etc.] brought them dinner and sat to chat.
For me, on here, the wave of support, the encouragements, the “I’ve been there”s, the shared stories and tips and generosity — they overwhelmed me. We’ve received texts, calls, DMs, and even actual mail. So many different expressions of care. I can’t put into words how it feels; all I can say is thank you.
Thank you SO MUCH. We are reminded we don’t have to do it alone.
This week, I figured I’d document and share all the different things that Y’ALL recommended to help us get through the tough, dark days. TV, movies, books, podcasts, little things to distract and brighten and give hope.
Without further ado, here they are.
Shows/Series
Abbot Elementary — SO many people recommended this. Comfort TV at its most accessible and sweet.
Julia on HBO — One of the coziest, most comforting, most sweet, most life-affirming shows I’ve watched in a while.
The Good Place — Love this show. Ted Danson, national treasure.
Schitt’s Creek — Another fave of mine.
When Calls the Heart — On Hallmark. “It’s easy to watch and definitely wholesome lol. It is not at all good television but good for times when you don’t have the physical or mental energy for anything heavy.”
Hacks — 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Chuck — I watched this show when it was coming out and loved it so much. Fun, witty, energetic, lighthearted, sweet, safe for family.
Psych — I’ve only ever watched a couple of episodes but always wanted MORE. Another fun, entertaining, lighthearted, sweet, witty one.
Only Murders in the Building — Absolutely!
Babysitters Club on Netflix — Also 100% critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
Victoria — Been on my list for a while.
Taskmaster on YouTube — “I can never stop laughing when watching anything from Task Master. They have some full seasons up and also a lot of best of, an they're just the best. I think she'd enjoy them.”
Madam Secretary — My friend suggested this for my parents a month or so ago, and they’re ALREADY ON SEASON 3. I can attest after watching a few episodes with them that this show SLAPS.
Sherlock — A family fave that would be worth rewatching!
Midsomer Murders — OMG I think we used to get these DVDs at the Davidson, Michigan, library! We loved!!
Frasier — Katie recommended this as if she knows my parents are obsessed. Excellent rec.
Books
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune — a beautiful coming-of-age fantasy story! I plan to read aloud in the hospital.
A Swiftly Tilting Planet — “Whenever world events are a bit too much, Like to read A Swiftly Tilting Planet (Madeleine L’Engle)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — This was such a good suggestion because Mom used to read this to me when I had the stomach bug as a little girl.
James Herriot’s Dog Stories - We used to read this in the car on roadtrips from Michigan to Texas and laugh till we cried! This was such a great reminder.
The Midnight Library — Kelsea says [and I agree, because I read it last year! It was simple but beautiful] “might not be a fun read for her since it somewhat revolves around an attempted suicide, but she may love it...the main character tries to end her life and ends up in a library where all the books are options based on different choices she could've made. Despite the slightly dark foundation, I found it to be delightful.
Gulf — “This is a commitment. But it's an incredible journey for us southerners raised along the Gulf. I loved it.”
American Dirt — “OMG. What a journey. I was riveted. All about immigration across the southern border from the perspective of a mom whose family was murdered by the cartel. A little fantastical, but full of empathy and small moments that wreck you with their simplicity.”
Jesus and Women — [sounds salacious! JK JK! I’m kidding!] “Haven't read this *yet* but it came highly recommended to me and is about his interactions with women in the first century and why they were radical for that time.”
Circe — “I'm sure she's read this, but if not it's worth it! Alternative take on this much derided Greek figure. Easy read.”
The Agony and the Ecstasy — “Michelangelo biography that I slowly made my way through and savoured.”
Books by Jasmine Guilroy and Emily Henry — “Jesmyn Ward said she reads romance novels when she’s working on her tough novels- which gave me the permission to as well! Beach reads, chic lit, romcoms- I love them when life is tough. Jasmine Guilroy has wonderful ones, and so does Emily Henry. Wonderful escapism, like brain candy!”
“Anything by Rainbow Rowell” — “Especially Attachments and Landline foe those who don’t read fantasy and/or YA. Fun, smart, and funny; great banter.”
A Court of Thorns and Roses — aka the ✨ Faerie Smut ✨ that has taken over the world. My understanding is you don’t have to be into fairies OR smut to be into this, but you should be ready for some sex scenes!
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey — “inspiring, enlightening, and fun. Greenlights is great on Audible. Matthew narrates it.”
Podcasts
Kelly Corrigan Wonders — For people who like to laugh AND think? Yes, please!
This is Criminal — Episode 15, Episode 51, Episode 52, Episode 125 (the last three are all connected, according to Rebecca!)
Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown — Didn’t know about this, VERY excited to try out myself lol.
Disappearing Spoon — Fun science!
Kind World — About acts of kindness
The History Chicks — “I feel like your mom would really enjoy Susan and Beckett.” I loved this podcast a few years ago! I forgot about it when it went on a little hiatus and I changed podcast apps.
Games
One person was brilliant enough to suggest bringing some games along. She walked her dad through serious illness and knows.
Skipbo
Phase 1
Triominos
Qwirkle
Sequence
Miscellaneous Hospital Things
Eye mask for napping
Electrolyte beverages
Good headphones
Really great blanket
Microwaveable huggable thing
Lip balm
Cute throw pillows