The Goodbye I Never Prepared For

  The Goodbye I Never Prepared For

Gratitude Before Everything

Before anything else, I must say that this adventure would not have been possible without my sister. Her support and the opportunity to travel legally and peacefully made everything happen. Without her, this story would not exist.

I could dive into the situation my country is going through—one of the many reasons I left, but that’s a tale for another time. Let’s call it a “filler chapter” for when I run out of things to write.


The Beginning of It All

Every story has a starting point, and this is mine.

One day, out of nowhere, the opportunity arose for me to travel to the U.S. legally—without going through the lengthy visa process I had been contemplating. Everything happened so fast. I received my travel authorization in the blink of an eye. By February 22, 2023, I had the official approval, and from that moment, I knew there was no turning back.

I consulted with my siblings, and together, we chose my departure date: April 15, 2023.

That’s when I had to start planning my next moves. At the time, I was working remotely as an Operations Supervisor, and I had to make the tough decision to resign. I needed to leave everything in order because leaving my job irresponsibly was never an option. (And besides, I couldn’t afford to lose my severance pay. Hahaha!)

Telling my manager was difficult. He had given me the opportunity to grow into my role, and I had built an incredible team. But I had no choice, I had to be honest. I gave my two weeks' notice at the beginning of March, allowing me a month to close that chapter and begin my goodbyes.

The Farewell

Because everything happened so fast, there was no time for a well-organized farewell. Improvisation was the theme of the month! Hahaha!

By March 15, I was officially free from work responsibilities, and I started going out with different groups of friends one by one to let them know about my decision. Some understood, others tried to talk me out of it, but it was already set in stone.

I think I went out almost every day from March 15 to April 15. But you know what? I have no regrets. I cherished every moment with them because nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to feel in the months and years to come.

Ironically, without knowing I would soon leave, I celebrated my birthday (February 4) like I hadn’t in years. The last time I had a birthday that special was the year my mother passed away, she had organized a dinner for me, surrounded by family and close friends. Somehow, this last birthday in Nicaragua felt just as special… as if life was preparing me for the change ahead.

The Family Trip That Meant Everything

One of the things I cherished most, and I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone, is the family trip we took before I left. Every moment, every place we visited, made me realize how long it would be before I saw them again.

That trip brought together different branches of our family—the González and the Serrano families. Honestly, I don’t think that had happened in a long time.

We left Managua and headed to Matagalpa, one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful cities. (Fun fact: I lived there for years under the care of my aunt Lilliam, my second mother. How could I not love ‘La Lilliam’!)

That trip was a rollercoaster of emotions from breakfasts, lunches, and first-time visits to new places, to dinners, laughter, tears, and inevitable family arguments. All the classic ingredients of a perfect family trip.

There was also someone special who I never imagined would be there with me. And if I’m being honest, that was one of the things I loved most about the trip… (The other, I’ll save for the end of this chapter.)

My Friends: The Two Groups That Shaped Me

I’ll divide them into two groups: my high school friends and my Centroamérica crew.

It’s funny how time passes. Since graduating, we had drifted apart, but when we reunited, it felt as if the years hadn’t gone by we were still the same kids, just with more responsibilities. No more teachers keeping an eye on us, but some things never change. Taylor and Mitchel are still just as mischievous. Those last barbecues were an unplanned farewell—filled with laughter and conversations ranging from nonsense to serious topics. How could I not love this little group that came back together? Spending time with them was and always will be amazing.

Then, there were my Centroamérica friends. Saying goodbye to them was harder because we practically grew up together. I don’t know if they realize how much they mean to me. Ocon, my battle companion (and drinking buddy), went through it all with me from cocoa drinks to our legendary hangover recoveries at Huembes Market. Lole, who left before me, will always be my dear “gordita.” Itza and Emilio, even though we don’t talk often, always pick up right where we left off. Danilo Javier and Erick Sergio, the “Fats”—I may not be proud of it, but Erick had his first drunken night at my house, and thus, a legend was born. Hahaha. Quique and I have had endless laughs and conversations, mostly about soccer. And then there’s Felito since day one, he’s been the kind of neighbor who never stops messing with everyone. Looking back, the years have passed, but they are still there, just a little farther apart. Still, they’ll always be around, no matter what foolish thing we decide to do next. We are that generation that refuses to grow up. Hahaha.

Lastly, but certainly not least, there’s Saraly. She and I had the longest “almost-relationship” ever, and from that bond, something beautiful was born—Ma. Belén, our “adopted” daughter. Relationships don’t always last forever (we were very clear on that), but in the end, we healed and became the best of exes—ones who remain great friends and always have each other’s backs.

On April 14, 2023, I was able to gather both of my groups of friends together, and all I can say is that it was a night to remember. I said goodbye the way I wanted to—with smiles and laughter, with the hope that our reunion would be just as special as our farewell. Because, in short, I love them all—no one had prepared me for what was coming next. After all, life isn’t just about happiness.

Remember that special thing I mentioned, my family trip? Well, Just a few days after arriving in Miami, we got the news Lukitaaaaaas was on the way! And yes, that filled my heart with joy.

To each one of you, I don’t just like you; I love you, and I miss you.


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