Declaration

I have a dedicated spirit.  I didn't know that about myself until after Natalie was born - unplanned and very wanted by two young, terrified college students.  I was halfway through a very competitive nursing program and after applying for a semester's leave to welcome the new baby, my request was denied by the dean of the college.  She added a few negative remarks about the likelihood that I would complete the program after having a baby.  My only option was to withdraw and return within a year to a campus over an hour away to complete my degree. 

My dream as a young adult was to be a stay at home mom.  My mom stayed  home with my sister and I and I was convinced that was the "right" way to raise children.   It is the "right" way for some people.  I realized after a couple years of being a family with Joe and Natalie, that it was not the "right" way for us.  God gave us all qualities to be used in His name and I was called to be a mother and a nurse.  Joe was called to be a hands-on Daddy.  A pattern of 50/50 has emerged in our house and we are happy. I can't think of a better gift to give three little girls than a close relationship and loving dependence on a reliable Daddy who wants to be with them whether it's watching cartoons and eating cereal, changing diapers or coaching their soccer practices. 

 Some people say that college is a choice and that if you choose to go that route, then don't expect any sympathy when your life gets tough and complicated and you get stressed out.  I suppose it is a choice, just like getting up in the morning is a choice and eating breakfast is a choice.  The truth, in my opinion, is that a college degree in today's world is comparable to the value of a high school diploma 50 years ago.  I doubt if a college degree will be a choice for my girls if they decide to join the career force.  I love my job.  I love caring for the families I see every weekend.  I love my fantastic coworkers who inspire me constantly to be a better mom and wife and who keep things in perspective for me.  I am not ambitious.  I am passionate about birth, about women's health and about educating women of their choices concerning both!  I know I can make a small difference in the lives of the women I will serve as a midwife and that is why I made the decision to go back to college with three small children at home.  I don't want sympathy.  I have understanding from my daughter when I can't make it to her soccer game. I have support from my husband when I ask him to entertain the girls all evening so I can study, write a paper or take an exam.  I have encouragement from those crazy girls like me who know what it takes to go back to school! And I have a dedicated spirit which means that I will not stop until I've completed what I set out to do.  That's just who I am.   

After the births of my three beautiful daughters, this is my proudest moment.  Graduating nursing school after moving an hour away to a new campus.  With my daughter.  And my husband.  And in a year, I'm gonna do it again.