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.

Abu Dhabi Here We Come!

Jess Protas and I made a pact a few weeks before she moved to Abu Dhabi. We tied hemp cord around our wrists and if, by chance, either person's bracelet fell off it meant they should go see the other one immediately. I know, I know, we're like thirteen year olds.

Although both bracelets were in tact, Jess flew to be at my side throughout the tumor diagnosis and surgeries. Then, by providence, they cut the bracelet while wheeling me out of surgery prep. It was fated.

After the weeks of diagnosis, doctor's meetings, surgeries, and recovery, a day before she left Seattle, I gave Jess a new bracelet made of silver chain with a petite diamond. It was important to me that I gave her a special gift. She's my little gem. She, in turn surprised me with an identical one a few weeks later (with a little help from the internet and Danny).

Recently, I woke up and felt my wrist, realizing that the bracelet was missing. Instantly, I knew what I had to do.

Today, I booked a flight to Abu Dhabi for Danny and I. We had been talking about it for almost two years, and finally, we're doing it! Next Saturday, we're heading out. We have a one night lay over in Paris, and then we're Abu Dhabi bound.

I'm a little scared, knowing it's expensive, and totally frivolous. I know that I'm crazy, spending the money on the flight, but life happens so quickly. Danny and I both love to travel, and right now, since Danny is between jobs, and I have flexibility at work, it's the perfect time.

At first, while contemplating this new adventure, I thought to myself, "You shouldn't be spending money on anything other than medical expenses." In fact, I'm still hearing that same mantra in my head. But, I'm doing it. I'm doing it for Danny and me. He has done everything humanly possible to keep me alive, physically, mentally, and spiritually. This is a thank you to him, and I'm keeping my word to Jess who has been the most amazing friend in the world.

So, lucky me! I have the most amazing man and the most wonderful friend, and now I'm getting to go on an amazing trip. I don't know how I'm so lucky to experience all of the things that I do. I'm truly blessed with an amazing life. Sometimes I feel like it's all a dream, or that it's too good to be true, but it's real and I'm so grateful!