“The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.”
― C. JoyBell C.
In late October 2017 I became very ill. I thought it would pass and that in a few days I would be fine. I still drug myself to work everyday but when I got home I could not force myself off the couch. I woke up one morning with palsy on one side of my face. I finally had to see a doctor. Weeks of a headache and now this, it was time. They had me wear a patch, gave me some medication for the pain. I returned to work. I was at work when I just could no longer continue. I called Chuck (my partner at the time, my best friend now) and he took me to the ER from work. Many tests were run and the ER doctor returned to my bedside and said “your platelets are extremely low, I think you should call your family in, just in case.” Panic sunk in…I called my Mom. I told her no need to come, of course I wanted her to come but I was 4 hours away. She did not need to disrupt her life or my Dad’s. Well, needless to say they were already loading the car and on their way, my sister was not far behind.
This was the beginning of nearly 2 months of being in and out of hospitals. You see, the normal platelet count is 150,000+ and mine on that day in the ER was 23. Yes, 23! I was given nearly every test known to man and left with a diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). This basically means, “we have no idea what is wrong with you but here is what we are going to do.” I was put on a very strong and aggressive steroid regimen. I began to recover and returned to work.
My first day back on the job I was informed that I would no longer be employed in my previous capacity. This was definitely heart wrenching after all I had been through in the last couple months. Luckily, I had Chuck, family and friends supporting me every step of the way. I was able to spend some weeks recovering and resting. Then beginning my search for a new job path.
I landed at a luxury apartment/condo high rise in downtown Nashville, TN. Here I began my new path as a concierge, very quickly becoming the Lead Concierge. For almost two years this has been my role. The last couple of years have not been easy. My relationship ended and we began the hard work of turning it into a positive friendship. I have had many health setbacks due to a weakened immune system from the steroids. Several other personal demons tried to slow me down.
Through all of this I have had a great support system. I have learned so much in my current work situation and made so many valuable connections. Yet, something was missing. There was more that I wanted out of life. In July I took a 2 week trip to Ireland and it clicked. I want to see the World!
I am throwing myself into this new journey on January 4th, 2020. I hope you follow along as I travel the World.
First stop: Chiang Mai, Thailand.