After 15 incredible years with WestCMR, I had the opportunity to earn my 3rd Trip of a Lifetime—a week in Turks & Caicos, plus an extra week of PTO. As a director, wife, and mom, finding balance often feels impossible. My days are packed with meetings, emails, and doing whatever I can to support my team, my family, and everyone in between. Taking time to truly unplug is quite rare, and this trip was my chance to step away from all the chaos and focus on what matters most: family.
The moment we touched down in Turks & Caicos, it felt like my world slowed down. The turquoise ocean was stunning, the soft white sand was picture perfect, and the weather couldn’t have been better. My husband, Nato, and our daughter, Kayla, were just as excited as I was to have this time together. We spent our days splitting time between the beach and the pool, soaking up the sun, laughing, and rediscovering what it’s like to just be present—with no interruptions, no to-do lists, and no deadlines looming.
The trip wasn’t just about relaxation though. It was also about enjoying the experience fully, and let me tell you, the food was phenomenal. From fresh seafood to the most flavorful hibachi dinner where the chef cooked right in front of us—it was all so memorable. One night, we even had Mexican food as a late-night snack. And the drinks? Tropical cocktails by the pool during the day, followed by espresso martinis to finish off our evenings— doesn’t get better than that.
This week wasn’t just a vacation—it was truly a gift. It gave me the opportunity to pause, reflect, and refocus on what matters most. Life moves fast, and as someone always on the go, being recognized for all the hard work I’ve put in was incredibly meaningful. I’m thankful to WestCMR for understanding the value of stepping away to recharge. After 15 years, this experience was exactly what I needed, and I returned feeling rejuvenated, motivated, and excited for what’s ahead. – Sandy Carvalho
