The Circle Of Strength
318 Words
There are days when the weight of the past feels like a physical burden, making it hard to even reach for the candles on the nightstand. On those hard days, I am reminded that I didn't just find a husband when I moved here—I found a tribe.
A Husband Who Stands Guard
Antonio is my anchor. When the pain from my PCOS flares up, he doesn't just offer sympathy; he offers a presence that says, "We are in this together." Whether he is helping me navigate a difficult morning after the 17th or just making sure I have what I need while I study for Nursing school, his goodness is the quiet force that keeps me moving. He is the first person to remind me that I am more than my medical history.
Friends Who Carry the Light
Beyond our home, I have good friends who have redefined what "family" means to me. These are the people who show up without being asked.
They are the ones who text just to check in when they know a hard anniversary is approaching.
They are the voices in the stands at the Johnstown Millrats games, cheering not just for the players, but for the life we've all built together.
They are the fellow healthcare workers who understand the emotional drain of Hospice care and offer a shoulder when a shift has been particularly heavy.
Getting Through the Hard Days
We get through the hard days by leaning on one another. We share meals, we watch Yankees games, and we talk through the grief until it feels manageable again. These friendships are the "palliative care" for my daily life. They remind me that while I may have felt alone on that Amtrak train years ago, I will never have to be alone again. My devotion to them is as deep as my devotion to my career and my husband.
- Writer
