The Road Less Travelled

I watch the sunlight of early morning turn the clouds soft pink. Next to me is my tail-wagging, wet-nosed, furry best friend Kahlúa. Steam begins to billow from my stove, and I scream at the top of my lungs, “YES!”

had been unfolding in my mind. It blossomed and multiplied, like an explosion of dandelion seeds set free by an exhalation. The questions stemmed from my decision to leave my comfortable, secure, and unsatisfying job in pursuit of a more meaningful way of life.

I was diagnosed with kidney disease. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I saw my disease as a burden that kept me from a normal life. I wanted normalcy, and I thought that a steady job and a good pension plan was my path to happiness. Then, Kahlúa came into my life and changed my perspective.

to venture away from my warm cubicle and constant supply of hot coffee. Together, we spent more and more time outside - paddleboarding, longboarding, and hiking.

our outdoor adventures with my camera and discovered my passion for photography. In 2017, I quit my job and spent 8 months on the road with Kahlúa, exploring the outdoors and photographing our experiences.

of our road trip, we settled in California. I went back to work full-time, but I learned that, for me, a fulfilling life is not waiting at the top of the corporate ladder. It is outdoors with Kahlúa.

that my kidney disease was never a burden. It is a gift. She taught me that normalcy is not my life’s path. I was always meant for the road less travelled.

my kidney function has dropped from 42% to 16%. I’m now eligible for a kidney transplant and am currently looking for a live donor. While I wait for a transplant, Kahlúa and I go on road trips. We go paddleboarding and backpacking.

she navigated us to The Road Less Travelled and we haven’t looked back. I used to tell myself that “someday,” I would follow my passions. I know now that “someday,” I won’t be able to do all of the things we love to do. That’s why I appreciate what we can do together right now.