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"So, Calla. You can see that life turns out for the best when we can focus on what we're building. Every experience puts a new tool in your belt and it's up to you whether you use that tool to build your future or knock yourself down."
Shit. My mom is a fucking guru.
I shook my head. "You're right, Mom. You're so right. I've been using the divorce experience to focus on all the hurt, instead of focusing on the good lives you both have and what you've gotten out of it. I need to reclaim my power in my life and not be afraid of having a relationship or what might happen. That just brings that potential into view. I need to put my all into my relationships so it can grow and flourish. And if it doesn't, that's my new tool."
"Exactly," Mom said, smiling widely at me.
I looked at my parents. "Thanks, parentals. I really appreciate you coming here to support me and talk me through this."
Dad laughed. "I may have screwed up royally years ago, and I can't guarantee I'm not going to screw up again in the future, but I'm looking forward to having a little more fun. With everyone. No regrets, live for today, because tomorrow is never promised." He raised his glass to toast his proclamation.
"Hear, hear," Mom said, clinking his glass with hers.
I raised mine and clinked both of theirs. "Hear, hear."
The rest of the afternoon was a beautiful time with two people who loved me. And I loved them back just the same. It felt like a new beginning.
Now, if I could only create that new beginning with Dom. Just thinking of him made my stomach flip in the most gorgeous of ways, and I knew that I wanted to put my all into creating something beautiful with him.
Just come home to me, Dom. Just come home.
Chapter 33
Dominic
Our existence in Mogadishu was supposed to be under the radar, so Karen and I didn't get out much. It was just surgery and sleep. In between we would just eat what they brought us. It was an interesting week of foods. Camel curry, goat stew, some of the best fish I had ever tasted. There was a bowl of fruit that was always handy. Reminded me of the fruit bowl I would help fill at the clinic in Boston.
I imagined the fruit bowl sitting among all the staff as they took their breaks and their lunches. The crisp apples listening to Austin's latest jokes, Hugo's stories about Enzo, and Logan's wisdom of the day. Shit, I missed those guys. But it felt good knowing that they were 100% behind me in this, as I was when they did their mission weeks. I can't wait to get back to tell them everything that happened this week. And it's not over yet.
Karen and I plodded quietly through the day. We were tired, but we knew today was the last day and we would be getting on a flight to return home. I think that anticipation of returning was a bubbling undercurrent to the day that kept pushing us onward.
Dr. Al-Sawi came into the break room.
"How is everything here today?" he asked.
Karen and I looked at each other and smiled. "We're doing very well. Thanks for asking Dr. Al-Sawi. How are you doing?"
"Very well, very well. I just wanted to impress upon you how fortunate we all feel that you are here sharing your expertise. I have learned a lot, and the medical community here has appreciated having the insight into the surgeries that you have performed. We are taking good notes. The preparation, the pre-surgery interviews, the planning for supplies. There are a lot of issues to cover when embarking on this kind of high-intensity week. We are very grateful."
"Everything has gone very smoothly, Dr. Al-Sawi. We have you and the staff here at the General Hospital to thank for that. The staff has been excellent and respectful. I just wish there was more time for knowledge transfer. That's something to consider for future trips."
Dr. Al-Sawi brightened at those words. "On that note, we were curious when you would be able to come back. Now that we are well-versed as to what you need and expect from us, it would be a shame never to do this again."
I smiled. "Yes, agreed. The foundation would be pleased to discuss further plans with you, however, I would also emphasize that the other doctors have input to the locations as well as priority. But I agree that once you have a process down in a country, it's nice to do a repeat. And, as you know, there were many worthy candidates that we just couldn't fit in this time."
Dr. Al-Sawi nodded and slightly bowed, showing he understood what I was saying.
"What time is your flight tonight?" he asked. "I will accompany you to the airport, as I would like to know that you have arrived safely there."
"Thank you. Our flight to Dubai leaves at 9:30pm tonight."
"Alright. That should be sufficient time to finalize the surgeries today and get you packed up and ready to go. Whatever is not cleaned up, the staff here can take care of."
"Yes, we are in no hurry for that. All the leftover supplies are to be left here. You're welcome to take what you need back to Kenya."
"I am very appreciative, Dr. Harrington. The generosity of the foundation will not be forgotten in Somalia, nor in my heart. This is a project I have dreamed about ever since hearing about your foundation."
"Thank you for that. We're proud to be your partner in this. I know our donor will be proud to be part of this, too. Our foundation team will be in touch in a few weeks over the next few months to get updates on the patients. Can you manage that from Kenya?"
