When I was a little girl, if someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always had the same answer.

I wanted to be a wife and mother.

I always knew that art and writing would be major parts of my life, but I wanted to be a wife. And a mother.

Life didn’t work out quite like that.

Due to my subterranean low self esteem, I ran through some loser men. I couldn’t wife when I was divorcing an adulterous spouse.

I was a mother, though – to three children who brought me such joy and fulfillment. And challenge. And love! And stress. And fun!

Just over two decades ago, I became a registered nurse – strictly for practical reasons. I was a single mom with a chronically ill child, and I knew I would always have insurance, and I would always have a job.

Of course, it became much more than a job – it was a ministry. My passion! I loved critical care, but I found my niche in women’s health, specifically labor and delivery. Many moments of love, and thousands of precious memories, were made during these years. I was blessed to do what I loved!

Just over a decade ago, God blessed me with a wonderful husband. I could put down my Wonder Woman cape, and learn how to be a wife. That’s when I began to breathe again.

Over the past couple of years, my health has been a challenge. Chronic back pain would flare to debilitating, slowing me down to a stop with increasing frequency.

Then came diabetes – first incorrectly diagnosed as type 2 six years ago, and then full out type 1 last August. It’s been a rollercoaster.

Last month, my husband and I decided I would resign as a nurse, so I could concentrate on getting well. Strengthening my core. Tweaking my diet – eating the best I can.

I’ve begun all of this, but the diabetes is exhausting, and an impressively agile foe. So even without the stress of work, I’ve got my hands full.

But…

I also am – at last – primarily a wife and mother. And grandmother! Our grandkids are arriving now – twins last December to join our 6 year old grandson – and now two more grandkids early next year.

This brings great peace to me. I am content at a level that is so deep – it finally hit me today that it is probably because I have finally attained what I wanted for my life.

I guess I have grown into my childhood goals at last.

I’m so grateful!