Hello, friends.
In January 2019, I had the opportunity to fly from Oklahoma to Wisconsin to help my friend Lindsey try on wedding dresses. Here's a snippet of what I wrote in my journal on my way home:
"I just don't want to go back. I'm driving back because I have to, because Tammy's there in Enid and because I have responsibilities that I have to do but good Lord, if I could just stay in Milwaukee, my life would be so much better than it is now. ... I want to move to Milwaukee. I do. I desperately want that. I said it while I was there in July and I'll say it again: I am more comfortable sleeping in Bryan and Lindsey's guest room than I have ever been in Oklahoma."
It took nine more months, but that dream came true.
It was a birthday present, in fact. On my birthday last year, I arrived in Milwaukee and got an apartment (after paying a lot of money). I saw my best friends, and I could watch them leave that night without wondering how many months it would be until I saw them again. I received the best gift of all: a fresh start in the place that feels most like home to me.
Needless to say, the last year hasn't gone exactly according to plan. But when has my life ever gone according to plan?
All day, I've fielded texts from my friends with their plans for me for my birthday tomorrow. I'm genuinely excited and I feel so loved. Those are two emotions I rarely felt in Oklahoma, and despite everything, I know I'm better off here, and I'm going to be okay.
