Day 229: The Search for Serenity

                                          The best hotel I've ever stayed at: The Grand Bohemian in Asheville, North Carolina

When I first started to get really sick, I did a lot of searching. I searched for comfort.  I searched for change. I searched for ANYTHING that would give me some understanding of or relief from what was happening to my body, spirit, and life.  One search led to creating this blog. If I could alter enough, I thought, THIS -- whatever this was -- would resolve or disappear. Another led to discovering one of my favorite cities: Asheville, North Carolina.

The Grand Bohemian Hotel wasn't our first choice of hotels in Asheville. Based on spa amenities, we picked a larger, WAY MORE expensive place in the mountains. But (gratefully), after seeing our lackluster room, and having NO LUCK trying to book a foot rub, we checked out quickly.  That same night, we were whisked away to another world; this one filled with folk art, whimsy, and charm.

Over the course of five or six days, I relaxed in hot springs, enjoyed massages, and experienced more organic, farm to table restaurants than I'd ever seen.  Still, it wasn't all roses.  At one dinner, I ended up face down at the table begging the manager to bring me pears and nuts (the only thing I could stomach). Another day, I slept all afternoon, while my husband explored the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The trip itself, while amazing, also represented the beginning of divide in my marriage. In the past, my husband and I did everything together. With illness, we began to forge separate lives.

In some ways, it's good.  Angel's happier. He has more friends. He's enjoying life. 

In other ways, it's tough. I can't keep up in Target. We no longer have wrestling matches. I don't actively participate in life, his or mine.

As we get closer to our 8th anniversary, I'm hoping to reconnect with my husband and spend a few days celebrating (sans face plants and days in bed).  Where we'll go, I'm not sure.  But, if it's together, I'll be happy.

Altered Today: Dreams for the Future, Searching for Paradise a Little Closer to Home

Comments

[Laina]

You two deserve the best anniversary ever! Here's to living out your dreams! My thoughts are with you both, always. Love y'all!