The Calm after the Storm

It is nearly indescribable the peace I feel right now. This is only one step in the journey, but all of us (me, my husband and my children) have worked so hard to complete this step.

I know this will turn into more than just one post...it will surely be a series of posts that I write as I remember yet another aspect of my life I am grateful for.

I woke up this morning with literally NOTHING that needed done. For the past 4 years, since I decided to follow my dream and begin my journey to becoming a midwife, there was always something I should be doing... Playing a game with the kids or watching a television show with my husband always had the canopy of guilt overshadowing it - that I should be reading that next chapter or doing the online assignments or studying for the upcoming exam.

But not today!!!

The first thing I did after I got home yesterday after my last final was to take a nap. My body literally was tired.... I gave in to the urge and slept peacefully yesterday afternoon.

*Warning: it gets even more sappy below*

I am so grateful to live in a country where one can have a dream, set goals and achieve them with hard work, determination and support.

I was blessed with a family that didn't just talk the talk, but walked the walk when it came to showing support to me in chasing my dreams. My husband showed support in countless ways. We were a team. I went to classes and did the work, sure. But he came home after working all day and made dinners when I wasn't there, took the kids to karate and theater, the library, etc. He totally filled it wherever it was needed. The kids were part of the team as well. They knew that they could help mom get through school by doing their part around the house and not making mom feel guilty when she was at home. They always showed an interest in what I was studying and never failed to remember to ask me how each and every exam went. They really stepped up.

My hope is that my children, especially my daughter, will be able to see me working hard for something I believe in and then be able to carry with them the truth that anything is possible. To have inner strength, courage and endurance is the gift I hope to leave with them because of this experience.

I am not at the end of the road yet. But boy do I feel like I have made a serious dent into it. I have one month off before I start working in L&D. My plan is to appreciate the little things around me and center myself more. I've really been strung out lately with stress and responsibilities. It will be good to find the inner calm in my self again.

I will write more later - tomorrow is the pinning ceremony and Saturday graduation!
Peace