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Our rescue, Athena
Morning read
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My love, Renata.
Wedding day
How many hours do you have left with your favorite people?
In 2010, after five arduous years of battling endometrial cancer, it was confirmed my mom’s life was nearing its end. It was for real this time. As life likes to hand out challenges, medical bills was stacking up and our family home was being foreclosed. The relentless pursuit of stability led me to juggle two full-time jobs and transform a dilapidated apartment into a haven amidst adversity. It was in that very apartment that I held my mother's hand as she passed away on June 18, 2010.
Her passing reshaped my life. Instead of pursuing medical school, I fulfilled one of her last wishes and headed to the Grand Canyon. From there, I ventured to Oregon, where I explored yoga and meditation. This path eventually took me back to Florida, where I learned the art of sushi and Japanese cuisine, started an eco-tour business centered around stand-up paddleboarding, became a massage therapist, and ventured to Colorado to open a mobility clinic. I delved into sleep science and launched a coffee alternative business to aid sleep.
In 2018, a conversation over tacos with my close friend Timmy sparked a profound realization. He asked, “I wonder how much time do I have left with nana and popup?” We realized we tend to overestimate the time we have left with our loved ones. It brought back memories of my mom's passing and the regrets I carried for prioritizing work over her presence. But it was my way of saying “I love you, ma”. You see, my upbringing was marked by a sense of scarcity, where every resource was deemed "too expensive”. My parents, though, showed their love through hard work and provided for us, even if it meant limited time together.
I was now granted a second chance to choose between presence and work. The idea of splitting my time between the US and Brazil began to take shape. My grandmother was in good health, but I sensed an opportunity to be there for her in a more meaningful way, flip my shame into courage, and to heal my own regrets.
Taking the leap to Brazil turned out to be a transformative decision. My bond with my grandmother deepened, I found love, started therapy, adopted my first dog, overcame my fear of trying jiu-jitsu, and embarked on an exciting new career path.
As I stand at the juncture of new beginnings, I carry forward the invaluable lessons I’ve learned. This story underscores the significance of embracing life's opportunities, nurturing authentic connections, and summoning courage amid uncertainty. As you consider new hires, remember that the richness of life springs not only from skills but from the connections we cultivate and nurture.