'I love you'

I used to say I love you with my hands. ‘I love you,’ I filled the syringe with medicine, the bedside pitcher with water.

I remember the exact moment. It was a visceral feeling. I was in the elevator at the office of the non-profit I worked for as a volunteer coordinator. It was 2019, over six years from the night I walked out of the hospital where I worked as an ICU nurse for the last time. That was the beginning of the year of travel that changed my life forever.

The first day of my adventure around the world! An overpacked, mustard-colored backpack, loose plans, and a whole lot of excitement, 2013.