Hello! I've been hearing from several of my loyal readers that I need to get back to posting on the blog. I have been in a technological nightmare and hope to get everything straight soon so that I might blog with ease. I have some great pictures of Minnesota that I need to show you. I also have to perform my auntly duties and post a picture of my new niece, Eowyn. I am unable to do so at the moment, but in the meantime am happy to at least provide you with one photo, thanks to Amber who is pictured with me above. This is us at the Minnesota State Fair, which you should all put on your bucket list. It was a great time and I will have more pictures and tales from the fair once modern technology allows. Hope to accomplish all this and more soon.
In the meantime, I will mention, for those of you who might not know, that I am headed back to the Islands, mon!! I have heard from several friends in St. Thomas, including some of the ladies from the hospital, that they are anxiously awaiting my return, and that has filled me with much joy. To hear and begin to believe that there are people who will be excited to see me does unspeakably good things for my heart. Pearl will be joining me on this adventure (which, no doubt, will make it much more of an adventure, ha ha) and we hope to see you - yes you! - in St. Thomas!
Although this may not make for the most exciting reading, I really would like to take a moment to extend thanks to the lovely folks in Minnesota who helped make my stay pleasant. St. Paul is a great area and if they could fix that pesky weather issue it could be a candidate for a permanent Trish settlement.
Thanks to (in order of appearance):
- Jeremy and Patricia, my brother and sister (in law). I feel so blessed to have a job that allowed me to spend some time with them and to be around for the birth of my niece. Jeremy and Patricia are always so supportive. I appreciate how generously they take time to listen and I respect their feedback and points of view. Thanks for the companionship, hospitality, and good food! Miss you much! Watch my little niece for me until I return...
- All the folks of St. Joseph's Hospital. They were always super-friendly (seriously!), welcomed me heartily, and greatly eased my transition to the new job. I am impressed by their work ethic and attitudes, especially the nurse aides who I believe have never heard of the phrase "That's not in my job description." The 4C aides were the best and it was reassuring to know that my patients were in their very capable hands. So many thanks to the ladies and gentleman on 4C. I can't imagine a warmer welcome. They even put together a farewell dinner for me complete with a sweet card and gifts. Their kindness will always be remembered.
- Carina, who oriented me to 4C. She was so patient with my many questions and quick to lend a helping hand. I felt at ease under her leadership on the unit. Carina exemplified the kindness I found at St. Joe's and she is a fine example of genuine hospitality. I loved hearing her stories of home and oh my gosh she has such a cute daughter! Thanks for taking the time to organize the farewell dinner and I so hope to see you again soon.
- Amber, fellow nurse on 4C and my new friend. :) It's a joy to make a new friend. Amber is such a warm person that I felt comfortable with her very quickly. She is fun and genuine and it was a great pleasure to get to know her. Thanks especially for helping me move, I don't know how I would have done it without you (and that cart!). I hope that you will come visit St. Thomas...
- Greg, a friend from the islands who is also now a friend from St. Paul, so I ended up with two for the price of one, lol! It was so comforting to head to St. Paul knowing that there would be another friendly face around. Thanks for all the fun and companionship, and oh my goodness the Boston's chicken!
- Troy, a friendly Minnesotan recommended to me by my mother. :) Troy was my source for all things Minnesota. Thanks for keeping me from looking too much like a tourist. Your consistent kindness is so much appreciated. Thanks for the many laughs and for representing your state so well. Plus you are the best Minnesota State Fair guide ever! Good luck with the texting and I hope to see you for A Prairie Home Companion next year.
I am humbled by the kindness of my friends and will give a special mention to Frank and Cheryl who treated Pearl and I to a few days of fun in Chicago. I had never explored Chicago before and am happy to have had the opportunity to do so with Frank and Cheryl. They are so special to me and I believe their kindness has no limits.
My long car trip back home to the great Commonwealth of Virginia was also highlighted by a stop in Charleston, WV to visit the Roses, one of my favorite families. Again, such kind hospitality overwhelms me. They make me feel so special, but they deserve that title so much more than I.
I thank everyone who continues to support me. Traveling with Pearl has its own set of enormous challenges and frustrations and so I sincerely thank the Roses, Dave, Peter, and Bob for their generous offers of assistance. All of my parental units have been great and my heart thanks them continuously. I especially want to thank my mother for her recent help with those pesky administrative-type tasks that I don't seem to have the patience for or means to accomplish due to my traveling lifestyle.
As I continue to get more travel adventures under my belt, I am amazed at how my perspective broadens and how all of these "little" influences and experiences shape who I am. I truly do take a piece of everyone with me and am so happy to do so. I hope that you are all well and beg you to post a comment with an update. I am flying out to St. Thomas on Tuesday, but hope to get settled quickly and start sharing tales (and photos!) of my past couple months. Love you, Peace be with you.
