So I did it. I made it to Key West, honestly I didn’t know if I would. It didn’t seem like it would ever be reality, it would just always be this far away dream that I could never really grasp. Leading up to the trip, even just writing a pre Key West blog, I did not allow myself to be excited. I didn’t want to jinx anything. But we landed safely in Florida and thanks to my sister and four of my best friends we completed Joey and my Key West bucket list trip!
We did everything I wanted and needed to do. Stopped on every island, snorkeled, eat new and exciting foods, paddle boarded and just sat back and soaked in the sun.
I would stop often and laugh only imagining what Joey would have been doing in some of these moments. Or reminisce with everyone on different stories of Joey. He was very much a part of this trip. And it was very heartwarming to be with people who loved and missed him. It’s always refreshing to be around people who want to talk about your loved ones who have passed on. It’s not uncomfortable or weird for them. It brings smiles and tears to them as it does you.
Only once did I have to walk away from everyone because the emotions just became too high. I’m not overly sure what it was. But I’m also not sure there has to be something to trigger it. I could not hold the tears back though, and I went and sat on the pier and just watched the water and the sky. It’s one of the moments that you need them more than anyone could understand. It’s that moment when it all hits you again and the reality is too much to bear.
I’m very thankful I got to take this trip. Obviously I wish it would have been with him and on different terms. But the reality is we don’t get to pick our reality we must just make the best of it. Key West will always be a very special place to me and I am honored to of left a piece of my heart there.