Wrapping it up.

Now the reality sets in.  It's Friday afternoon and I'm leaving for San Antonio on Monday morning.  How the time flies. 

I've had 2 excellent goodbye parties; one from my friends at St. Joseph's Hospital and one with all of my other friends I've met in Wisconsin. 

I've worked at St Joseph's Hospital, in the Intensive Care Unit, for nearly 11 years.  I've learned how to be an ICU nurse at St. Joe's.  I've become comfortable with a myriad of patient populations, with high-tech equipment, and with the various personalities inherent in the Intensive Care Unit.  Since I started at St. Joe's fresh out of Nursing School, you could say I've grown-up with these people.  Besides the excellent Mexican food (my fave) and tasty margaritas, I received a beautiful necklace that will always remind me of my friends, a book on tape for the 1200 mile journey to San Antonio, and a book about dogs.  We closed the place down and shared a lot of laughs.  It was a great evening!








A hug for Jill-thank you for the gifts.





The second party was hosted by my friend Peggy.  Almost all of my close friends were able to come and celebrate.  Again, a great time was had.  I received beautiful, thoughtful gifts.  Most importantly, I received the gift of their time and friendship.  I have never lived in one place for as long as I've lived in Wisconsin.  These friends have been there for me through parenting difficulties, job difficulties, the death of my father, the death of my ferret, and all of the happy times in between.  They have become an extended family for me and I will greatly miss them.

Can you believe we're all in pink?  Susan would be cracking up.

 

My hubby, buddy, and son.

Yesterday, I spent 4 hours at Firestone, getting my car ready for the trip: new tires, oil change, transmission flush, alignment, coolant flush, etc.  Bring on the road!

As I say good-bye to the people I've met in Wisconsin, I become acutely aware of the fact that so many people have come into my life.  The butcher where we buy our steaks promised a care package (I don't know if the blue cheese butter will make it to San Antonio or not).  My vet hugged me and wished me the best.  She'll be calling to check in with my husband to see how our dog, Shadow, is doing.  Even my friends at WineStyles have promised to keep in touch.  I'm so blessed to have all of these people in my life. 

I still have a little bit of time to spend with friends and family before I leave.  I plan to make the absolute most of my time with them.  They will all be missed.