Yesterday, Nicole and I sat in a waiting room. I love her flowery head wrap. She’s got this beautiful boho vibe going. She looked at me and said, “You want to take a walk after this appointment?” I quickly said, “Yes.” Then I realized I felt excitement for a walk. Excitement for a boring walk, like I’m a dog or something. It was already our third walk of the week and it was only Tuesday… Walks, especially with someone you love, are boring and mundane, yet they somehow grow in

A couple of my former college professors have recently reached out. It’s humbling. My goal in undergrad was to be the least memorable student; these professors have become very memorable and successful in their fields. I lamented to one that I miss normal. I didn’t go into detail with her. But I miss so much of what was mundane normal—from making catcalls out the window at Nicole as she did her post-run stretches to the smell of her hair when I came home from the office. The

Hospital rooms are drab. I understand that their rightful commitment to cleanliness and efficiency doesn’t allow much room for comfort, and I know hospitals are not meant to be spaces for creative inspiration. But sitting in a white-walled room with cold white lights gets old rather quickly. I don’t need to back it up with the research, I’m sure you’d agree: the vibe of a room can greatly affect the moods of those who share its space. Given that there’s very little I can do f

I love adventure, but I hate going in blind. So much so that before any trip, I will get on Google Earth and look at where I’m staying and what’s around it. Before a long drive, I will map out where I’m headed and what’s on the way. I love the ability to partially envision what’s next and where we’ll be. We’re not able to do that right now. Nicole’s last round of chemo starts next week. We don’t know what’s next. To be candid, there’s some fear that comes with that. When Nico

I’ve preached that title—using pain as a passport to influence places you’d never voluntarily go to. To be fair I’m sure I heard it elsewhere, fit something I was working on so I used it. Though I knew what it meant—watching it firsthand it is altogether different. Nicole was admitted Tuesday for round 5 of chemo. When she arrived to her room a nurse said to her, “Apparently you’re a celebrity up here because all the nurses want you.” Knowing Nicole, I’m sure she dismissed it