The New Normal

You know, the problem with reality is there is no background music to set the tone. At this moment in time, It's Time by Imagine Dragons would be playing... 

There comes a time in everyone's life where you learn to dance to a new tune. You're forced to leave the nest to discover a life of endless possibilities. I imagine this tends to happen early in life, probably about the age of 18. However, at the age of 25 years young, I have finally decided to spread my wings and fly west.

That's right folks, I'm moving to the beautiful state of Washington near the Seattle area... I've decided to test the waters or should I say ice for a bit in a place that's almost the complete opposite of Louisiana--a new climate, a new political view, a whole new normal! I'll have to learn to adapt, and I'll have to learn very soon. Ready or not, it's happening and it's happening fast. Friday was my last day working on 3 West [Renal/Transplant] at Willis Knighton Medical. It was quite an emotional day for me. I have met some truly amazing people while working on 3 West, and I have learned so much about nursing as well as life. However, the most valuable lesson I have learned thus far was revealed to me on this very last day of work. Upon walking into my patient's room, an older, lovely couple was cuddle up in the hospital bed. Ignoring the fact that these are small, uncomfortable twin size beds, I continue doing my morning assessment. The tiny, fragile lady asked if she should get up while I did my job. Though, it would have made it much easier, I told her, "of course not!" She simply states, "Good. We have been married for a long 48 years, but I still love being next to him." 

The soft spoken words sent goosebumps across my entire body. I want that, I thought; I want someone to say this about me. "What is the secret?" I asked... "What is the secret to staying together for so long?" She answers with the following [in a nutshell]:

There is not a secret. You just have to understand that nothing is perfect; nothing in life is free. You always have to work for it. Relationships--they don't come easy; you must give a little and take a little. Have patience and don't give up at the first sign of failure or uncertainty. Love a lot, and love even more when you are angry. Talk. Talk about what's bothering you. Listen. Listen to what's bothering her or him [she really said her or him, which made me smile]. You see, there is no secret; you just have to remember what makes you happy, and work to make it last.

I'm not sure what this means to anyone, but I'm know what it means to me. And, that's all I have to go on. To me, it was a relief to hear that a couple so happy and so in love say that they had to work to keep their relationship going. 

Nothing is perfect!

I'm not perfect, but I'm me... And, I'm never changing who I am.

A valuable lesson was learn that day. I don't know why it happened on that particular last day of work, but it did... And, it really couldn't have come at a better time.

As this chapter comes to a close, I feel nervous and scared; yet, I'm excited to see what the future holds. I can't wait to implement what I've learned.

It's time to fly solo.

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Update:

I applied and was granted a nursing license to practice in the state of Washington. I sent my resume in for an Oncology job at Overlake hospital in Bellevue, Washington. I had a phone interview with a really nice supervisor, and was asked to join the 4 West team the following day. I brought a one-way ticket, and I'm in the process of packing my life and moving--I leave on October 28th. This update may seems short and fast, but that's exactly how all of this happen. Very rapidly. A wise person once told me, if something is meant to be, it happens very fast without you realizing it... I hope she is right.

Until next time...

Rankin out!