Star Bat in Belize

My retirement, rather than the respite I anticipated, became a spiral into depression and addictions. I was numb. I did the only thing I could think of. I ran. I kissed my wife goodbye and boarded a plane for Belize. I knew no one there, had never been anywhere in Central America, and had never traveled alone. I don't know why I chose Belize and had no plan for when—or if—I would return. My story is one of fear, joy, and ultimately, redemption. My incremental and sudden enlightenment led to surprisingly difficult, yet beautiful truths. A most unlikely friendship helped me understand what home can be.