Tankinis & Tunics

This morning I woke up at 3:23 am with my heart racing. I can't believe we're going to Abu Dhabi!

We're starting to pack, and my suitcase is full of my mother's tankini's and tunics. No bikini this trip. No tank tops. Just perfectly respectable billowy fabrics. Nothing sexy. Nothing revealing. It's wild to be headed to a country where Danny and I shouldn't kiss, or even hold hands in public. I hope I don't accidentally forget and pat his bum or something. Viewed by the wrong eyes I could probably get in trouble. It's slightly stressful since I'm such an affectionate person.

I'm really excited to see such a contrasting culture. I'm going to learn a lot, I can just feel it. Every time I see something new, something out of my bubble, I learn so much, and grow immensely. I know that after this trip I'll never be the same. Some trips are like that. It's practically a field trip, not a vacation. Jess is a little scholar too so I'm sure I'll be soaking up her knowledge.

This is going to be an intense therapy session, and I feel like I'm completely prepared for the challenge! It's so wonderful to have this opportunity. We will be flying out of the country, exploring Paris for 24 hours, on the nine month anniversary of the second brain surgery. What a miracle! It has been a crazy nine months, and it just keeps getting crazier, and more wonderful every minute.

Who would have thought I would get diagnosed with a brain tumor, come back from the brink of death, wade through so many obstacles, challenge myself to no end, and come out stronger and more prepared to tackle my life. I'm less fearful of this tumor than I've ever been. I have my friends and family to thank for that. This diagnosis doesn't mean that I have to live in fear. I don't have to give up on all of my dreams. I may need to adjust a few, but in turn, I'm making new ones.