Running on Love......and coffee...

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Back in the Saddle Again!

Well, I did it! I finally received my first degree in nursing! (I say first because, of course, I'm going to keep going! Luckily, I will never have to physically go to class anymore.) Finishing school has always been my dream, but until a few years ago, I didn't think I would even get the opportunity until all of my children were grown. Getting this degree may not seem like a big deal to some, but to me....well, those of you who know me know just how hard I had to fight to get here. This accomplishment symbolizes the end of going against all the odds for a very long time. It feels so amazing!
I have to say, these past few years of school, especially those spent in the nursing program, nearly made me have a complete breakdown. It seemed like one thing after another would go wrong. How simple minded I can be at times - forgetting that my God had everything under control the whole time. I just needed to be still and be quiet. God placed in my life the people I needed most exactly when I needed them - my precious husband, who has had the role of Mr. Mom in addition to working a full-time job these past 2 years (and has not complained one time), a church family that welcomed me right back into their arms, my parents who have been my number one cheerleaders since the day I was born, new family members willing to step up when duty called, my sweet friends (old and new) who encouraged me along my journey, and my kids - my smart, sweet, funny beautiful kids who had to put up with so much more than they ever should have. Alex - my humble, dependable young man, Austin - my compassionate, brave look-a-like, Jade - my imaginative, loving mud-pie princess, Cejae - my sweet, funny animal fanatic who would bring home every stray if she could, and Jude - my strong, fearless hero who was my life-line in a very dark time. I'm so humbled to be chosen by God to have the privilege of loving them and being their mother.
Now that it's been a few days since my graduation, I'm feeling a little out of place. Sure I'm enjoying my family time and getting so many things done around the house, and I definitely do not miss the constant studying or paperwork. However, I have this unrelenting sense of urgency and it's making me feel anxious. I have absolutely no reason to feel this way, but here I am, feeling this way. I'm sure it will get better with time.
 I do miss some of my classmates terribly, though! The camaraderie that is built when you go through anything that demanding is amazing and such a blessing. I truly love my nursing school buddies. They made showing up day after day, sometimes before the sunrise, a little more bearable. You know who you are.
With that, I'm off to my next battle. Will it be the laundry? The kitchen cabinets? The floors or even the attic? Knowing me, it could very well be all of it at once. That's right! MOM IS BACK!

2 comments:

  1. Thank you, Nicole! I'm proud of you, too! Watching you has inspired me and now that I have the time, I'm going to run! Awesome job Sunday, by the way! You rocked it! We need to do that ensemble thing more often!

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