24

The last twelve hour shift of the week felt like an eternity of charting, dealing with noncompliant patients with extensive psycho-social history, and juggling two incredibly helpful nursing students. I felt like I could fly on the knowledge that at 0645 the next morning I would be flying home. Sasha dropped me at the airport and security made sure everyone knew it was my birthday. I had to laugh, because they were so joyful at 4:30am. I made it through security in record timing, by now I’ve got it down to a science. After a quick stop in Atlanta, I landed in Charlotte. Mom wasn’t there yet, so I headed to baggage claim. I got a phone call and practically ran to meet her as she walked into the airport. It was the best hug ever. Mom mentioned she brought a surprise with her, and I turned to see the lovely HannahB walk out of the bathroom. There were squeals of excitement and another best hug ever, collecting of bags, and then an everlasting trip to Ikea. That place is a brilliant marketing strategy: let’s trap our customers in a maze so they can’t leave! Hannah crashed somewhere between Rock Hill and Columbia, so Mom and I got some good time talking and catching up. I love that woman. Moe and Bella greeted us in the driveway and immediately rolled over for their tummy rubs. That night we baked scones and feasted on veggies and hummus for dinner (well, the guys had pizza). My birthday morning was spent with a cup of green tea and time spent on the porch with my parents. The boys eventually woke up, Hannah and I went for a walk, and then we all piled in the car on a hunt for sunglasses. Mom made lasagna for dinner, the grandparents came over, we feasted. Hannah made a brilliant cheesecake for me. It was a solid birthday – mainly because I wasn’t the center of attention. Can I just brag on my brother Patton for a second? He drove up to Clemson, got an extra kayak, shot me a text that said, “Kayaking at 11 tomorrow” and totally swept me up for a day on the river with my best friend?? He’s so thoughtful and gentle at heart, I loved it. Pat’s not one to really talk – like when he came out onto the porch and I said, “So how’s life” his response was, “I came out to rest!”  So the fact that he took initiative, was super patient with us, and used his own gas money, etc. was just impressive. Such a good time with him and his friends, and even O’pa tagged along! Dad grilled out, we feasted even more. My family keeps me laughing when I’m home. Each one has such a unique personality, sense of humor, and joyful element that they bring to the table. Hannah and I giggled like little girls before falling asleep.  It was such a blessing to get to see her for an entire weekend. I got to catch up with Merid and Bryson on Sunday, which was so sweet to see them. Mom and Dad dropped me off at the airport in Charlotte before Mom convinced him to go to Ikea again with her. I made the first flight with no problem, but a delay had me literally running through Atlanta in my beaded sandals and yellow skirt. I feel like I'm always running in airports. Adrien picked me up in Nashville and we stopped in for some Thai takeout on the way home… such a great end to such a lovely birthday weekend. I’m one happy and extremely blessed 24 year old. <3 a