..and so, the sun sets earlier. the mornings are cooler, but the sun shines bright and warm midday.. not for long though. the tops of the trees turn magnificent colors, and soon, will dry, fall to the ground, and add a crunch underfoot.

..and so, i’m delighted to share i’ve accepted a travel contract at White Plains Hospital, in White Plains, NY, in a mixed SICU/MICU. it’s “just north of the city, near Greenwich, CT.” i have secured housing. i leave vermont on saturday. my first day there is monday. i will be there til mid january.

..and so, like always, everything is changing. in the last few weeks, since i’ve last updated you, i’ve celebrated and been celebrated, and simply enjoyed my final days (for now) in this beautiful place i call home with people i love.

my last day at the university of vermont medical center was an overnight shift on september 26. it’s funny.. i moved to vermont on september 26 in 2020. serendipitous..

during my night shifts, sometime between 2a and 3a, i like to go for walks outside around the hospital and university. it’s so quiet and calm and still at that time. and, for those who don’t know, there are families of skunks and bunnies that live on the grounds between the hospital and university. i always say hi to them on my walks (the skunks are my friends and never spray me). and on that last night, i said goodbye to all the ones that i could see. i wonder if they’ll miss me as much as I’ll miss them..

and on that last night, my darling work friends brought treats and sweet sentiments to share. how loved i do feel. how missed i know i will be.

it really came up so fast.. my last day of work.. i didn’t have a chance to see my manager in person a last time before leaving. she’s really the best.. she left me a sweet message, telling me of a surprise in her office.. and i was delighted to find a daisy award addressed to me from a thankful family member of a patient i took care of earlier this year. how honored and appreciated i do feel. we do hard work. we do good work. and to get recognized for it.. feels really good.

a few days before my last shift, our unit educator hosted a little lunch party for some work friends. when i arrived.. i learned the party was for me, complete with a cocktail called “the katie” .. vodka, ginger beer, ginger syrup, and hibiscus tea. it was pink, served in pink cups. it was a delightful afternoon, of good food and good company. again.. how loved i do feel.

a few days before that, my mom came to visit me one last time. we went apple picking, and enjoyed maple creemees on the waterfront. she will always be my favorite person in the world.

and the weekend before that, my cousins came to town. it was still summer then. we went swimming in huntington and bolton, and played like little kids.

and just last week, i went home to mass. i left my worries at the bottom of my favorite bowl in the world.. at lynch skatepark. and i spent sweet moments with my friends and family, visiting some of my favorite people and places around my hometown. i’m not sure the next time i’ll be back there..

and now this week.. my last week here..

monday was the first skate night at talent skatepark for the season.. but also my last skate night here for the season. my heart is so full of love from my skate friends.. a beautiful, blended, supportive community of people who share joy in rolling around together. this little community has ebbed, flowed, and grown in the four years i’ve been here. it’s been a delight and an honor to admin the chapter for the last few years. and i know for certain it’s being left in excellent and capable hands..

and the rest of my days this week have been and will be filled with self care, self love, tying up my loose ends, and savoring last minute joys with those i love.

it’s all so bittersweet.

i’m so so excited – i’ve dreamt of being a travel nurse since nursing school. to see new places. to meet new people. and there are moments that i still can’t believe that it’s here.. well, almost here.. that i’ve made it to this point.. that i’m capable and able to take this very exciting step in my career.

i’m a little sad – to leave this beautiful and comfortable place i feel blessed to call home. to leave such wonderful people i feel so lucky to call my friends.

it’s not forever though.. it’s not forever.

“all i know.. is when i move away.. my heart will stay in this [green mountain] state.”

til next time, with love,
– kt irl

♡ ♡ ♡

post script:
1. at some moments in the past few weeks, i was too busy being present to take photos.. if this speaks to you.. please know i will always cherish the moments spent with you, and i see you clearly in my memories.
2. similarly, i’ve been blessed to see so many beautiful people in the past few weeks to tag everyone.. and if this speaks is you.. please know i will always cherish your presence in my life. and i appreciate your kind sentiments and well wishes more than you know.