"Spanish Healing Journey": After a devastating family tragedy, this American woman and her teenage son find solace in Valencia.
A raw, unfiltered tale unfolds as Maria Robertson-Justiniano, now residing in sunny Valencia, Spain, recounts her turbulent journey following the tragic demise of her husband, Alex, in 2018. Life in the bustling city of Chicago seemed picture-perfect until a shockwave shook their foundation, leaving Maria and her son, Lucas, seeking refuge in Spain, their mom's birthplace.
Just four years since Alex's passing, the duo embarked on a bold adventure, leaving behind the familiar comforts of their US life for a fresh start in a land Maria had long considered her "second home." Valencia, with its warm, inviting embrace, offered solace, helping them heal from the profound loss that transformed their lives.
The succulent nirvana of Valencia was not always a utopia Maria had foreseen, but she had previously spent much of her twenties in the city and always maintained a deep affection for it. Hailing from the UK but raised in Canada, her global wanderlust led her to the US in 1998, where she pursued her education at Princeton University and met her significant other, Alex. A beautiful blended family of three soon blossomed, with Lucas joining the picture before the threesome settled in Chicago to pursue their careers.
Life in the Windy City seemed idyllic, but Maria soon found herself standing amidst the wreckage of her once-beautiful life, left reeling after "a bomb exploded," as she poignantly describes that dreadful period. The death of Alex left her adrift, unable to focus, and overwhelmed by the enormity of her loss, but the tight-knit community of Evanston, Illinois, where they resided, rallied around her, providing much-needed support during the darkest days.
As the harsh reality of staying in the US settled in, the pair decided to make a drastic change, choosing to uproot their lives and relocate to Valencia. Maria, initially planning to wait until Lucas finished high school, found herself following her son's lead, embarking on an adventure that would they would now call home.
The journey wasn't without its obstacles, however, with setbacks such as the collapse of Maria's initial attempt to secure a home in Valencia and her inability to secure a golden visa, a program allowing non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain for three years. Thankfully, Maria had begun the process of applying for Spanish citizenship while still in the US, which eventually went through, smoothing the path for the pair's relocation.
After overcoming the numerous hurdles, Maria and Lucas arrived in Valencia to begin their new lives, feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment akin to finishing a marathon. Despite missing their friends, the pair is happier in Valencia, finding solace in their new environment and embracing their lives as proud Spanish citizens.
Valencia has proved to be a healing balm for Maria, who found herself in an uncharted realm post-trauma. The fresh air and new perspectives offered her an opportunity to find herself, enabling her to press the "pause button" and focus on healing.
Maria's life may not have unfolded exactly as she had planned, but she believes that change has granted her the freedom to rebirth herself, transforming her into a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. This journey of metamorphosis has led her to establish By the Sea Retreats, a wellness retreat company offering services in Valencia and Sagunto, as well as Valencia Vibes Relocation, a company dedicated to simplifying the transition process for others seeking to make their own leaps of faith in this enchanting city.
Despite the unexpected twists and turns in her life, Maria remains steadfast in her newfound joy, expressing gratitude for her life in Spain and her renewed connection to the land of her ancestors. As she gazes upon a cherished childhood photograph taken on a Valencian beach, Maria observes her younger self, smiling radiantly, and acknowledges the return to the carefree, little girl who used to frolic upon the sandy shores of her beloved homeland.
- Maria Robertson-Justiniano, now living in Valencia, Spain, relocated four years after the passing of her husband, Alex, and son, Lucas, following a life-altering event in Chicago.
- After facing challenges during the relocation process, such as the collapse of Maria's initial home purchase and her unsuccessful golden visa application, she managed to secure Spanish citizenship, which facilitated their move.
- Grateful for the healing influence of Valencia, Maria started two companies, By the Sea Retreats and Valencia Vibes Relocation, to help others find peace and navigate their relocation experiences in this new home.
