Why I'm Coming Home

Since the news of my impending departure has officially been announced, I have had numerous people approach me and question what prompts my move back to the sunny state of Arizona. Initially my move to the east coast was supposed to be a five-month long stint at best. Well, five months became a year, which became another year.

I had been toying with the idea of moving back to AZ... pretty much since I moved to NY, I just didn't have a reason to pack my suitcase and go back. It was nice to experience a different part of the country (NYC is like another culture in itself), and it almost felt surreal-- like I was "living the life" that a lot of people wish they could try out. But I just couldn't shake this feeling of sadness that I had-- a feeling of loneliness that would occasionally occupy my body for weeks at a time. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me.

My perspective on things started to change once I started working at an adolescent shelter about a year ago. The kind of kids that come in here (as big a pains as they are) are some of the strongest, brightest, and best kids I have ever met. They have been through so much and they are still living. I've had kids who were abused by their parents, raped in foster care, in the midst of an eating disorder, trying to escape the gang life, or trying to escape their pimp.

I've had kids who come in with absolutely no idea what the next step in their life will be. They have no idea where they are going to go, or who will take care of them. I have sat with sick kids in the hospital. I've listened to their problems and fears and hopes and goals. I have had kids whose parents have no legal rights to them anymore. Kids without any family to love them, to talk to them, to feed them, and to keep them safe.

When I went home for my family reunion, it hit me. I had all that HERE-- in AZ, with my family. The "thing" I was waiting to find in NY to make me feel more secure was not there at all, but on the other side of the country. I realized I was practically giving up what most of the kids in the shelter are so desperately fighting for.

I have learned so much from my interactions with so many teenagers. The kids have taught me patience, understanding, and resiliency. But the most important lesson they have shared is to fight to be with the people you love. And that's what I am going to do.

Big News!

Hi Everyone,
It's been a while. For some time, I had to hide my blog because I had a stalker, but they appear to be gone and therefore this blog is now active. Now, time for the BIG NEWS: I'm relocating! The time has come for me to depart from the east coast and come back to my home state of Arizona.

Everything is in its preliminary stages, but a tentative departure date has been set for September 17th. I have a lot to do before the big move and it will be quite an adventure. Because I still have 2 years left on the lease for Albus (my car) I will be driving across the country with all my stuff. According to google maps that will take approximately 40 hours to drive from Harrison, NY to Kingman, AZ-- 2,506 miles.

Don't worry, I'll only be in Kingman for a short time and will then continue my journey down to Phoenix AKA The Surface of the Sun to find a job and housing. New York has been great but I'm so ready to start this new chapter in my life! It's gonna be great!