1-year ago

Believe it or not, I joined the US Army Nurse Corps 1 year ago today.  So much has happened in the past year.  It's hard to believe how much my life has changed since I drove onto Ft. Sam Houston to start my first day of Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC).

BOLC was a great experience for me.  Each time I was there (thanks to my ankle), I made friends and memories I will keep with me for the rest of my life.  I especially feel blessed for the friendships I made with the 6-pack + 1.  I've never gotten so close to military people in such a short amount of time.  While I was truly upset when I refractured my ankle, I now know that I was meant to return to BOLC to meet these truly special people.  Who would've thought that I could've gotten so close to them in only 5 weeks?

I've settled into my routine in El Paso.  Work keeps me busy.  I'm involved in lots of things in the unit, trying to make it a better place and improve the competency in the unit.  There are plenty of times when I question why I care so much and why I allow myself to get so upset over how things are done there.  Then I remind myself that I care because the ultimate recipients of our care are US Veterans, US Soldiers, and their dependents.  I care because this was what inspired me to rejoin the military.  I care because I take pride in my work.  I care because I believe things can always get better.  So, I keep on plugging along.  Perhaps I'll make a difference.  Perhaps not.  Either way, I know I've tried.

Although my life has changed dramatically in the past 12 months, I know it is going to change even more in the next few months.  The Captain's Board meets in less than a month.  With any luck, I will be CPT Valdivieso by the end of the summer.  Another board meets in May to determine if I will be able to go to CRNA school.  That will mean heading to San Antonio in a year from now.  All very exciting things that I am truly looking forward to.

Another big change is LJ's college graduation.  After 5 years of education, he will be graduating with a BS in BioChemistry.  Wow!  All of his hard work and our worries will finally pay off.  I'm proud of him for making it through the ups and downs.  I know he's put a lot of his soul into this and I look forward to seeing what happens in the future for him.

Although I am still apart from my honey, we use technology to keep in touch.  We've had dinner "together" while Skyping.  We've watched the same movie, at the same time, through Netflix.  We talk at least 2 times/day on the phone.  We have laughed at my silliness and gotten frustrated at the B.S. together.

Shadow has recovered completely from her knee surgery.  She is back to running around with her doggy buddies whenever they come around.  I can see her on Skype and she is as fluffy as ever.  It's so good to know that she's back to her old self.  That pink cast from her surgery will always stick in my mind.

So, the ups and downs will continue as time marches on.  I am blessed that I can look back on the past year and recognize more ups than downs.  I'm grateful for the love and support of my family and friends.  I'm grateful for the new friends I've made and the old friends I've kept.

Wishing you well!

--DV