Three Years On
It's time for another yearly catch up old friend
Hello old friend,
It’s been yet another year since our last conversation, and we have a lot of catching up to do. Much like my second year, this third year was filled with tremendous highs and catastrophic lows. There were many moments I wish I had sought out your guidance, as you would have offered at least some witty commentary encouraging me to pull myself up and trust in the process. As I look at a photo of us on my desk while writing this, I know your support in one way or another still lingers.
Now I do have to get some of the ugly stuff out of the way: the repeat of my comprehensive exams did not go swimmingly, and as a result, I will be leaving my institution. The past three years have been nothing short of impactful and have left me with feelings of gratitude. Moreover, I take comfort in knowing I leave Boston knowing I truly gave it my all. It is a sign that this crazy path of academia is not the right one for me, and I know my destiny lies elsewhere.
It is more during this massive question mark called the second half of 2026 and beyond where I really wish your guidance and voice would help. I can take some comfort in knowing that I am rich in my personal life with an amazing relationship with my significant other, family, and friends. In that regard I could not ask for anything else. They have kept me going.
You will also be pleased to learn that I, along with my better half, have not only survived a year of living together, but we added a few additions to our little family. Meet Chopper and Hodor, two of the best bonded cats ever. They are a sibling pair from the same litter and have been a tremendous joy in my life. It is now hard to imagine life without these two little rambunctious rascals. I know you would love them as much as I have adored them.
I also formed some great friendships whilst training for an Iron Man. While the actual event did not go well due to weather and a brief hospital visit, I did meet some awesome people who, to this day, are immense cheerleaders for all aspiring aggressively recreational athletes, including myself. While you may roll your eyes at my decision to eventually do another, I know you’ll at least be there by my side cheering me on as I subject myself to abject nonsense.
Three years is a long time to be without your smile and laughter. Each day is still as hard as the last with all of us missing you every single day. Your spirit lingers forever, friend. To you, Erin Maurer, there will never be enough words to express my affection for you and how much I miss you. Your impact is still felt every single day, and we will never forget it.