Our journey, Chapter 22: A change of heart

Our journey began last year with our anniversary. This year’s celebration was a bit more rustic, but no less special. We “glamped” for two nights in the Smokies in TN next to a beautiful rushing river. Having packed special treats to share, we were set for a romantic getaway. Nevertheless, we also wanted to have dinner out that first night. A search turned up the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro nearby. To say the food and service were incredible would be a disservice. The chef, who was previously at Blackberry Farms, leads a team that offers a dining experience that I suggest rivals a three-star Michelin restaurant.

From there, we went to Asheville and then on to Greenville, where Natalie was finally able to see the postponed Chris Stapleton concert. In both cities, we stayed at Marriott’s Grand Bohemian properties. Natalie loved them so much that she quickly did a search to find their sister hotels and suggested we book rooms in each.

Several times over the past year, Natalie has said that even if we never found our Caribbean home, she would not have changed a thing of our journey. Perhaps prophetic.

As some of you know, when we returned home, the minor pains I had felt while we were last in St. Kitts led to a series of tests and ultimately culminated in a meeting with a surgeon, who after listening to my symptoms and looking at my test results, immediately admitted me to the hospital and told me I would have surgery the next morning.

Now, four weeks later, I’m recovering nicely. Natalie has mixed emotions when some minor thing sets me off. I’m certain she wants to put a pillow over my face when I start behaving like a grumpy old man, but she also says it is a sign I’m improving.

I had an incredible surgical team and fantastic nurses. Still, the fact I am writing this post is thanks to God’s intervention, Natalie’s constant loving care and the wonderful prayers and support of dear friends and family. There are not enough words to express my gratitude.

We had increasing concerns about healthcare in the islands as we searched for that perfect spot. But it wasn’t until I had to confront open-heart surgery that we fully understood God’s plan for us was slightly different than ours.

Last week, Natalie took charge. She announced it was time for us to find a place here. Within a few days, she found a beautiful condo a couple of blocks from several restaurants and pubs and a short drive from much, much more. She told me that as soon as I have recovered enough to do so, we can continue to look for a place in FL and consider an interval ownership of a property in the islands so we can spend several weeks there each year. Who am I to argue? Right now, I have to sit in the back seat of the car with a pillow under the shoulder harness of my seatbelt and my docs said I can’t lift more than ten pounds for another two months, which means Natalie can kick my backside.

So, our journey goes on differently than we planned, but it does go on.

Enjoy every day of your journey.