Well, after 16 years of education since high school graduation, I am less then 60 days away from my final (at least for now) graduation. In June I will finish my second fellowship and actually begin my career as an attending a Children's Minnesota, yes Minnesota. After 4 years in KC, I am moving back home. I am so excited to be returning to family and friends but will miss KC. It has been a crazy 4 years here and after not wanting to come, I am struggling with how to say good-bye to so many people.
As I do most summers, I participated in a few triathlons after my big trip to Asia but there was something different about one of them. At the Cedar Creek Triathlon, I met a famous boxer from KC who asked me about my Notre Dame Women's Boxing T-shirt I happened to be wearing. Tony and I chatted (before I knew who he really was) and I was convinced I should go back to boxing for a workout. A week later I went to Turner Boxing Academy and that has been one of the best decisions I made this year. My 9 months at the gym have been amazing. I have been reminded how much I loved boxing when I was in college, even though I never had an actual fight and how long 2 minutes are when you are actually sparring.
I was welcomed to TBA with open arms on my first day by Coach John. I have grown to love the young men and women at the gym like siblings. These "kids" have reminded me about not letting adversity get in the way of dreams. They work hard and have the biggest hearts. They have let me cover ringside events where I get the best seat in the house to cheer them on, sang a very out of tune happy birthday when I turned 23 or 24 as they reminded me I am only as old as I feel to and have become people I look forward to seeing with a smile every week at practice. The family extends beyond the boxers to the parents I have gotten to know and shared moments of anxiety when the TBA fighters are in the ring. It was been an honor to be the unofficial TBA team doctor, an official USA Boxing ringside physician and I am not sure how to say good-bye to these amazing kids. They have left a giant footprint on my heart and I will forever have fond memories of my time at TBA.
