My apologies for another delay in posting, which can only be excused by the multitude of life changing events that have occurred in the past several months! First and foremost, I will be leaving my current place of employment at the end of this month to return to the South and a new position. This was a decision filled with emotion, prayer, and months of careful consideration. Ultimately, I owe it to myself to take more than adequate care of my body physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I can say with certainty that my current position, while one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my short professional career, can not uphold that standard. Six months ago, I might never have needed to ensure that my workplace could help me to maintain physical and emotional strength. However, after a dramatic change in health status, I have come to learn that making life adjustments is part of the territory, something that I am still learning how to effectively do, but getting lots of practice! While I am very confident in my decision to take a new professional journey, I will certainly leave a part of myself behind at an institution that exceeded any and all of my expectations of the path that pediatric healthcare should take. When I walk through those doors for the last time in several weeks, I will consider myself blessed for being given the opportunity to make an impact, however small, on patients and families. I will take with me every experience, from the heart-warming to the devastating, as I move forward. While I never anticipated needing to journey away from this place, I am sure that it will continue to have larger-than-life impacts on children for years to come.
As it turns out, I will have a partner on this new journey to the South. Several months ago, I reunited with someone who has been in my life and in my heart, in one form or another, for many years. After some much needed time to explore adulthood a little bit on our own, we have decided to continue this journey together. Despite a quite colorful history, beginning my sophomore year of college, and plenty of mistakes made along the way, I couldn't be more in love and confident that God has more perfect timing than we can imagine for ourselves. I have never been more at peace in knowing that he was right for me all along, and that we had other tasks in life to fulfill before we finally got it right. Our decision to relocate together certainly hasn't been the most popular or supported decision. It wasn't always met with congratulatory remarks, hugs, and cheers. For some time, our road to here seemed to be more definitive than the place we are standing today. However, we are grounded by faith and humbled by grace. I trust that God has given me a man who upholds me to more value than I often give myself. I trust that my mistakes are forgiven, and that I am given a fresh start every day I choose to take it. So, we consider ourselves blessed to be given another opportunity!
In the midst of exciting (and at times terrifying) changes, I'll admit to continuing to have the occasional pity-party for myself, complete with ice-cream and Grey's Anatomy reruns. Physical and health limitations are perhaps no more apparent than during a heat-wave in a large city full of summer activities. Thankfully, my wonderful boyfriend is happy to give up an outdoor concert or a week at the beach for board games, movie theaters, and air-conditioned buildings. While I am a bit nervous to leave the amazing medical team that has been with me for the past six months, I am sure that I am much more well-equipped to advocate for myself and my healthcare needs. I continue to be thankful for the healing process that has already taken place and for the unconditional support I have received from family and friends. Speaking of family, one of my greatest blessings will perhaps be that I will be within a short driving distance of several of my sweet family members. Life just tastes a little bit sweeter when you can hop in the car to celebrate a birthday, be home for a holiday, or simply for no reason at all.
To my fellow blog readers, wishing you peace in times of transition, faith in moments of doubt, and the courage to be a little bit selfish and prioritize the care of yourself. I pray that you find confidence and peace in your decisions, even when unpopular, and that you allow yourself a fresh start. Thank you to those of you who continue to support me on this journey, with all of it's twists and turns and unexpected bumps in the road. Perhaps the Beatles said it best: "There are places I remember all my life, though some have changed. Some forever, not for better, some have gone and some remain." Blessings to all you love in this world!
