The night before…

Twenty one years ago, on May 23, I was on the eve of graduating from nursing school.

I was a broke single mom with a chronically ill child. I was not receiving child support. I was no joke broke! I was on food stamps, living in a dump, and my parents were paying for childcare. At graduation, my children were 2 1/2, 6, and 12. I was pregnant when I started college.

This eve led to a completely new life – a career that would lift my family out of poverty. A job that was also a mission. I would find my passion, women’s health. It was the beginning of a lifetime of learning.

I was present at hundreds of births, and delivered dozens myself. I also cared for families going through unimaginable pain.

I’ve work in cardiac care units, working overtime in an area which is chronically short staffed.

I spent seven years working straight night shift.

Ten years were spent serving military families.

I’m passionate about health. I love being a registered nurse!

Tomorrow afternoon when I walk out the doors of the hospital I work at, a new chapter will begin. Just as life changing and momentous as the eve 21 years ago.

On this eve, I am at peace. I’m also nervous, and more than a little sad.

Big changes are coming.

Breathe.