One Year Ago Tonight...

One year ago tonight, we said our last good-byes and our family, two dogs and two cats boarded a plane to start our new life in Belize.  This week has been one of reflection.  Belize to us started as a dream 11 years ago when be purchased land in as a place card for retirement, 1 year ago we made the move.

For the last few days I had planned to go through all the pictures we have taken, bringing us to this moment of "living the dream", but quite honestly I had a hesitation about bringing up all the memories and emotions of doing something I didn't think I was really capable of doing...saying good-bye and moving internationally.

It may sound exciting, even full of adventure, or just plain crazy to move to another country and another culture and start over.  But I can only tell you I am where I am today because of the love of my friends and family who held me together when I was falling apart; as my world was changing and there was no "stop" button.

What were the hardest part of the move?  The good-byes....

Colin hugging Opie good-bye

I said good-bye to my BFF and best smelling friend a girl could ever have...my horse Opie.  He is my ultimate secret keeper, the one who would always listen to my problems, the one whose eyes I would just gaze in and get lost in his soul.  He's enjoying the retirement life too, at a friends farm in Tennessee.  That good bye still brings tears to my eyes and an ache to my chest.  I hope to visit him someday.  He's 24 years old, and has some aging medical issues they are tending to.



Saying good-bye to my mom...we have become so close, she has been my biggest supporter and strength.  She knew if she had shed one tear in front of me or said "I don't want you to go", I would have stayed. Even in moments of my own fears when I would run to her, she stayed my strength, the one who pushed me to follow my dreams, my hero and the only reason I made it here.

My amazing friends who have taught me so much...you know who you are.  My coffee girls, and the deep talks we would have.  My gal pals who I could monkey face cry hysterically and would talk me through the roller-coaster ride of life.  My dock mates 2 slips down... you are both so close to my heart.  I cherish all the laughs and time we spent together.  My amazing friend on Desert Olive Court...I could never spend enough time with you, I hope my future holds as many friends for me as you have shoes.  Not least, is my "fun sized" neighbor and friend...the one who saw me through the whole move, let me borrow an air mattress, card table and chairs and fed us for our last two weeks and drove me to the airport, who gave me all the support a family could ever have.  It's easy to love a friend, but it is harder to "be" a friend.  You are an amazing friend. There were many more, all who have have a big part of my heart and my life and why I am who I am today.

Tomorrow will be a day of celebration for us and a day to reflect on all the awesome things we have experienced and the people who have been placed in our lives because of Belize.  Tonight I reflect on all the amazing people in my life who helped me get here.

Going to the Belize Doctor...

Our family has always been fortunate to be covered by medical insurance.  As I grew up in the U.S. I was mentally conditioned to gain and have medical insurance.  In my family, getting a good job, meant a job with medical benefits.   So when we moved to Belize, we terminated our $900 a month premium for U.S. medical insurance.  Mentally, it was the hardest thing to give up.  How could I live without medical insurance?

Dr. Sanchez's office

Well, it had to happen at some point... I needed to see a medical doctor.  This was a fear of mine as I was also mentally conditioned that the best medical care was only found in the U.S.  I recently experienced a minor auto accident.  I knew I had whiplash, but the headaches weren't going away.  Also, I had recently experienced a high fever and stomach problems which I self treated with my "medical bag-o-tricks" I brought from the States.  I'm not a doctor, I only have the knowledge of my past sicknesses and what my body responds best to.  This stomach thing wasn't going totally away after 7 days. So with constant headaches and intestinal problems, I knew I had to find a doctor.

Dr. Jose Sanchez

Here in Belize, you don't make an appointment for a doctors visit.  You just go and wait your turn.  When I heard this, I was picturing my many past experiences at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles with never ending lines.  I've also had many past experiences waiting hours for a doctor to see me when I had an "appointment".   So you can imagine the thought of just going to the doctors office and waiting until it is your turn did not sit well with me. After a few recommendations from friends, I chose to see Dr. Jose Sanchez.

Dr. Sanchez' exam room

Upon entering the door at Dr. Sanchez's office, I was greeted by the receptionist and Dr. Sanchez.  He shook my hand, and we walked right back into his office/exam room.  NO waiting!  No long lines!  Dr. Sanchez took time to learn about me and genuinely listened to me.  He examined my neck, and stated I have a pulled neck muscle and it will take a bit longer for it to heal.  But just out of precaution, he would like to order some x-rays.   For my intestinal issues, I was honest that told him I started a broad-based antibiotic 5 days prior.  If I was in the States, a typical doctor would be upset with me and question where did I get the antibiotics.  But this wasn't the case.  He actually told me I did the right thing and he was glad I started the antibiotics; stating the one I used was the one he would have chosen! He felt I may have a case of E-coli.  He wanted to monitor the bacteria so he ordered some lab tests.  After a 25 minute visit, my bill for Dr. Sanchez services was $20 U.S.   I walked across the street to the lab, where I obtained the tests for $7.50 U.S., the results were ready in a hour, during which I ran some errands.  After picking up the test results, I visited Dr. Sanchez for a second time, (this time my wait was 5 minutes), and he asked me to continue the antibiotics for a few more days and then retake the lab test.

To get the x-ray Dr. Sanchez made me an appointment at a lab in Belmopan (25 miles away) for the next day.  In Belmopan the whole process took 40 minutes and I walked out with films and the x-ray results.  Total radiologist bill...$27.50 U.S.

Lab Across the street from Doc.

For the next few days, Dr. Sanchez had me re-take some labs to monitor the bacteria progress.   After 15 days, I got a clean bill of health.  I saw Dr. Sanchez four times, for which he only charged me for the first visit $20 US. I never waited longer than 10 minutes to see the doctor.  I received 3 lab tests totaling $22.50 US, and a cervical x-ray for $27.50 US.  Comparing these costs to when we were covered by medical insurance, my co-pays were equal or more than what I was charged here in Belize.  In addition, no insurance hassles or approvals or waiting weeks to get an appointment.  It was a no hassle experience.  I actually have to say my Belize heath care experience has been more enjoyable here than back in the US!  

Although there are some medications you must get a prescription for,  I can easily obtain over the counter all my ongoing medicines prescribed in the U.S. My medicines, which would cost me $75 co-pay in the States, totals $7.50 US a month in Belize.  Interesting.

A big sigh of relief and no more worries about seeing a doctor outside of the States.  Actually, I'll be more apt to visit a doctor here in Belize, knowing all the hassles and waiting associated with US healthcare are not here.