This is me. I’ve been missing from here for a long time. But here is the story:
Last year I swam a 4.5mile race across the straits of Mackinac. I didn’t reach shore. My body shut down and I was pulled out a half mile from the finish. I could see it. It was there! And I was so close.
This was not a failure. It was the beginning of the hardest year of my life. I know right now, in this strange time, many of us are only interested in positive affirmations and comedy. I get it! Same!! But life isn’t always sunny.
In the last year I’ve slowly been losing the ability to move, work, and play. Swimming is off the table. I’m barely upright. I have no energy. It’s not the COVID pandemic. But a disease taking me over. I’m working hard to stall it for a while. So that was how my year went.
I’m a nurse, a mom, a wife, a friend who has had their whole world turned upside down. But this photo represents a lot. She looks good! Healthy, happy, content. And I am. Except healthy. The disease is invisible. But this photo is something symbolic. Something extraordinary. It’s the me I’ve always wanted to be. I have a limited time to live my best life. And friends I am living my best life. Good day or bad, I’m a pink haired, soon to be tattooed, bucket list living nurse! I’m badass. I’m 40. I’m here!
I’m here… those are the best words ever.
So if you wish to follow my journey, or stop by and stay a while, I’m happy to see you! If I’m too dark, too extra? Then I get it. These are strange times. You do you, boo.
“The question is not about how to get cured, but how to live”. – Joseph Conrad
A Girl Named Bee 