Well things here at Bridgepoint are winding down. The date that I leave this place is less than two weeks away. I have to say, I feel bittersweet about it. They’ve been good to me here.
But, as they sort of say, many good things must come to an end. (They actually say ‘all’ good things must come to an end but I’ve revised it a tad…)
In fact, there are three things in my life that I feel sad on one level are ending or have already ended, but on another level I am excited that they are leading to new chapters in this journey of mine.
First off, as I mentioned, is this hospital. I’ll miss the beautiful views of the city, the bright spaces, the newness of the building, the labyrinth which I’ve used quite a bit lately, the mindfulness group I’ve been a part of, the nurses who’ve been so kind and (mostly) patient with me, and the spectacular rooftop garden. (I’m thrilled that my 2 sisters and their spouses are coming from Newfoundland this weekend for a visit so they can see where I’ve been all this time.)
But most of all, without question, I’ll miss my 3 therapists who I’ve come to refer to as ‘The Trinity’.
They’ve been so good to me.
And they’ve kicked my ass in ways it needed to be kicked. I feel so much stronger because of the tools they’ve given me over these months. I’m really sad that my time working with them is coming to a close and hope that our paths will cross again down the road somewhere. The line between ‘professional and patient’ as opposed to ‘friends’ has become blurred for me after all this time, so it’ll be sad to say farewell.
But it’s time.
I’m really looking forward to the next stage of this crazy ride I’m on. I’m moving into a transitional, supportive apartment while my house gets renovated. It looks like I’ll be there for the summer. It’s meant to act as a bit of a rehearsal for moving home. There’ll still be nurses on staff but they’ll only come when scheduled. I’ll pay rent, buy my own groceries, prepare my own meals (that won’t be too pretty but I’m up for giving it a shot), and have a little more independence. It’s in a part of town I’m unfamiliar with but everyone tells me it’s an awesome place to be. There’s a big park right on the corner (Trinity-Bellwoods…there’s that trinity again:), great restaurants, a grocery store, and it’s very close to where Erinn works. I feel ready for the gift and challenge of it all.
I’ll have some privacy there too. This introvert needs it badly. I’ve been sharing a room for over 3 months now, and even though each of my roommates have been good, to have an apartment to myself that people can’t keep barging into without knocking first will be very welcome. My girls will even be able to stay with me on the weekends that work for them. And having some just plain uninterrupted alone time with my wife is much longed for (that’s not too much to ask I don’t think)
Plus, Bridgepoint has an outpatient aftercare therapy program that I can come to once I move out. They’ll be different therapists, but I’ll be able to pop upstairs (well, the elevator) and say hello once in a while to the folks I’ve gotten to know here. I’m thankful for that.
It’s clear I’ve already gone on too long to talk about the other 2 things so I’ll be back later to share those.
In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the no-pants weather finally:)