Ideally, my life would have less hospitals, and more days spent by the beach, and less PICC lines, and more hikes in the woods, and less hospital food, and more Bueno y Sano… 

But this is what I’ve been given.  And I have two choices.  One, focus on the negative, or two, embrace the positives. 

I’m grateful for my family, I’ve got beautiful friends that are always there with a smile or an adventure or a friendly voice on the other end of the phone.  I’m able to fly to Massachusetts on a whim, when homesickness strikes, and just as easily, walk down the street and be on the beach.  I’ve carved pumpkins, ran from bears, and walked through woods surrounded by yellow, red, orange leaves. I’ve raised a sweet pup since she was a babe, and am lucky to still have her in my life.  I’ve explored ruins on islands, and buried my toes in black volcanic sand.  I’ve sat on driftwood near the Pacific, and am finally, finally learning to play the guitar.  I’ve built snowmen and danced around bonfires.  I’ve stargazed, laughed, loved, and enjoyed every year of my life. 

It’s not the easiest journey.  But it’s been a beautiful experience.  And isn’t that what it’s all about?