hacer memoria...

Today I celebrate the birthdays of Nereida and Tuladai, and

I consider the gifts that these friends have been in my own life...

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Nereida and I have known each other for quite awhile now, as we met my very first summer in Tijuana. I am so thankful for the friend that she has been to me throughout the years, and I am very much looking forward to the ways in which our friendship will continue to grow once I'm living in Tijuana!

above: Nere & I in 2003 / below: Nere & I in 2008 (foto courtesty of her 4 year-old son!)

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Tuladai is a friend and fellow nurse at HCMC. She has taught me so much since I first started as a new nurse on the CaRe unit - especially to have confidence as a nurse and to advocate for my patients. She was a great support during the diagnosis and treatment of my thyroid cancer, and has been an encouragement throughout this process of deciding to go to Mexico. Oh yes, and she also was the one who introduced me to guava juice during one of our many post-night shift breakfasts! For all of this and simply for her friendship, I am thankful.

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I am so incredibly thankful for the lives of both of these friends...

¡Feliz cumple Nereida! Happy birthday Tuladai!