Reflecting on the many years of travel and dealing with the complexity of immigration, I am reminded of the journey I have traversed. The friendships along the way were a beacon of light, a reassuring whisper in the depths of uncertainty. The support from these friendships was a testament to collective strength, even when the road seemed endless.
Now, I ponder, did fate deem me worthy of excellent friends as remarkable as the ones I had? Each day, I offer my gratitude to a higher power for my friends for seeing beyond my shortcomings and gifting me with their presence in these many-years battle against the turbulent tides of immigration.
In this arduous struggle, the ledger of losses grows longer:
- Priceless, meaningful friendships snatched away: These were not just casual acquaintances but bonds forged in the fires of shared experiences and heartfelt conversations. Each company, a tapestry woven with laughter, trust, and shared dreams, was a source of strength and solace. The abrupt severance of these connections left a void, an ache that echoes in the hollow spaces of our hearts.
- Opportunities for fulfilling, enriching work deprived of: These were not just jobs; they were the promise of purpose, of contributing to something greater than myself. They held the potential to ignite passion and channel creativity. The work that could have been a canvas for growth and self-discovery was cruelly withheld, leaving untapped reservoirs of potential.
- Tranquility and stability, the anchors of a peaceful mind, are disrupted: In the calm seas of serenity, the mind finds its refuge. It is where creativity flourishes, and dreams take root. The disruption of this tranquility sent ripples of chaos through the once serene waters, leaving an unsettling turbulence in its wake. The foundation of peace and clarity was shaken, leaving a sense of unease and uncertainty.
- Promising avenues for career advancement, disrupted: These were not just doors but gateways to a future brimming with potential. They held the keys to unlocking new horizons and scaling the heights of professional achievement. Yet, they now stand firmly shut, forever denying the ascent to the pinnacles of one’s chosen field.
- Financial hardships, a cruel toll exacted: In the realm of stability and security, financial well-being is the cornerstone. The exacted toll was not merely monetary; it was a toll on aspirations and the freedom to pursue dreams without the shackles of economic strain. It was a heavy burden, casting shadows on the path forward.
- Family, torn asunder by miles and borders: My family is the anchor that grounds me, providing a sense of belonging and unconditional love. Yet, the miles and borders interposed, stretching the bonds thin and straining the binding ties. The ache of separation, the yearning for reunification, lingers as a constant companion.
- Milestones, celebrations, moments of familial joy, stolen: Life is punctuated by these cherished moments, the tapestry of our existence woven with threads of shared triumphs and joyous occasions. Each stolen moment represents a page torn from the story of a life, leaving gaps in the narrative and a sense of incompleteness.
- Closure, elusive as ever, in the absence of my beloved: Closure is the balm that soothes the wounds of loss, providing a sense of resolution and finality. Yet, in the absence of my dearly departed loved one, it remains an elusive specter haunting the corners of my heart. The yearning for that final piece of the puzzle, for the missing chapter to be written, persists as a poignant ache.
The list stretches on, a litany of pain and sacrifice, deep into days, months, and years. It’s a good idea to pause here, for there are countless wounds from this enduring battle. I recall the day I acknowledged it as a new nursing diagnosis, “Risk for Complicated Transition,” being a U.S. nurse, a diagnosis born of real, palpable strife. Friends and family may have thought it an overreaction, but I saw it as the acknowledgment of a battle hard-fought. My goal now is to be vulnerable enough to open up in the hope that I could help create a care plan for migrants who are in silent suffering.
Now, I wonder how many others are still grappling with these immigration upheavals. It is a lingering question, a specter of potential shared experiences. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if anyone can relate to this. I would cherish the opportunity to hear from you.
