A few years ago, I found myself in a difficult season of life — the kind that makes you question your next step, your sense of belonging, and even your own resilience. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them, and I was searching for a fresh start, even if I didn't yet know what that would look like.

I had my guard up and my expectations low. So when my best friends who live just across the street suggested I rent a FROG nearby so we could be close, I didn't jump at the idea, not because of the people or the place, but because I was still carrying some emotional weight.

Still, I agreed to check it out. We visited the apartment together, and I politely told the owner I’d think it over and get back to her. Before I could even finish the sentence, my best friend jumped in and said, “She’ll take it.” And honestly? I'm so glad she did. Sometimes, your friends do know what you need, especially when you don’t.

From the moment I moved in, my hesitation began to fade. Little by little, I’On started to feel like more than just a place...it felt like "my place." As the weeks passed and the months unfolded, a quiet but meaningful shift began to take place. Smiles from neighbors, waves from passing walkers, and the peaceful stillness of the trails and lakes slowly wrapped around me, offering a sense of comfort and belonging. What I once thought would be just a temporary stop along life’s path has become something far more lasting—a true home.

It wasn't just me who found healing here...my dog Lucey did, too. She’s far more than a pet: she’s my constant companion, sidekick, and a certified therapy dog who brings comfort to patients at MUSC and Roper hospitals weekly. Lucey is known for her signature ‘free hugs’—a moment of comfort everyone looks forward to—and just one example of the quiet magic she brings wherever she goes. Together, each week we try and give back, and in doing so, we refill our cups. As my mom always said, "Fulfillment grows when we lift others up." Now, on our neighborhood walks, Lucey has become something of a local celebrity—always smiling, tail wagging, ready to greet everyone with love and joy. Whether we’re wandering the trails or strolling around the lakes, we’ve found a connection not just with the beautiful scenery, but with the people who make this community so special.

Another unexpected gift of living here is one I touched on earlier—my dearest friends living just across the street. As fate would have it, they have Lucey’s mother, Elliot, who never misses a chance to say hello when you pass by. It’s a sweet, full-circle connection that brings a sense of family to our everyday lives. The bond between us—and our pups—is just one more reason I feel so lucky to call this place home.

When life took another hard turn and I lost my mother, the support from this neighborhood became even more meaningful. My neighbors surrounded me with compassion, offering comfort, checking in, and simply being there. One especially touching gesture came from my direct neighbors, who donated a brick in Perseverance Park in honor of me and my mom. I walk by it every day with Lucey, thinking of my sweet mother and feeling deeply moved.

Over time, my neighbors have become more than just familiar faces—they’ve become friends, confidants, and chosen family. I've felt embraced not just as a resident, but as a person.

 There’s a quiet strength in this community, a spirit of kindness and camaraderie that shows up in unexpected ways: a thoughtful note left at the door, a helping hand on a tough day, or a shared laugh over the fence. I may have come here feeling lost, but I've stayed because I found something deeply meaningful.

Home isn’t always a place you choose—sometimes, it’s a place that chooses you.
And for that, I'm incredibly grateful.