Updates
A lot has happened since my last post.
Summer of 2015 was rough. Daniel had to complete a 12 week clinical rotation in South Florida while I worked and studied alone in Orlando. We wrote love letters to each other every week. My heart ached daily as I worked a full time job at the hospital and completed graduate coursework online. In December 2015, I earned my Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Florida International University. Dan joined my family as we went on a vacation to a cabin at Lake Jeffords. We found solace in the serenity of the beautiful, still water. We breathed in the crisp air, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
In May 2016, Daniel graduated with his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Central Florida. I can only attempt to describe the pride I felt the day I watched as he received his Doctoral degree. Three long years of nonstop classes, clinical rotations, labs, and studying - finally over. I cried tears of relief and pride with Dan's mom at his graduation. We took short vacations to Treasure Island and New Jersey with Dan's family.
At the end of the Summer of 2016, Daniel and I returned to South Florida to be closer to both of our families. Our little cottage is smaller than our apartment was in Orlando, but it is perfect for the two of us (plus Mack/Macarena the turtle). We adopted a kitten from our friend Seiji and named her Tophee-cat. I worked at a job where I felt wholly unfulfilled and Dan found a wonderful job at a local PT clinic. I suffered through the year during the work weeks, but I was blessed enough to have Daniel, Mack, and Tophee as my safe haven.
Finally, in the Summer of 2017, my wonderful friend Patricia told me about a job opening at Memorial Health - the same hospital where the brilliant and capable physicians saved my life and the wonderful staff healed me. I applied and was selected along with Patricia to join the department. I instantly felt a great sense of burden being lifted off of myself once I received the offering call. Patricia and I worked together in the department until November 2017, when she felt the same homesickness I had felt when I was in Orlando. She returned to her home at the beginning of December. I miss her terribly, but she was my angel that saved me from my despair. I only wish that her return to Orlando has healed her of the loneliness and homesickness of being away from family and friends.
Earlier this month, after seven beautiful years of love together, Daniel and I married. We spent the overcast day lounging around our house before heading out to our low-budget wedding on the beach, followed by refreshments at my mama's house. Everyone had a good time and we do not even know how many people showed up, but we were glad that they did! We danced, talked, laughed, and ate some Publix subs and cake. I hope everyone felt as happy and had as much fun as we did at our party.
In spite of all the other craziness happening in the world now, at least there is peace at home in our little "cottage". Cottage cheese.