Next week I begin classes in pursuit of a nursing degree.  I have to thank my oldest daughter for this opportunity and the direction that she gave me.  She may never know her influence on me and never understand the power that she had as an 8lb 14oz newborn.  But it is because of her, that I found my direction in life.

I got pregnant with my oldest, Miss E, only 2 months after I married my husband.  He was still working on his green card and work permit and was, of course, not working.  I was finishing my bachelor’s degree and working at the library on campus, which did not provide sufficient income for the two of us, let alone a newborn.  The day after I found out I was pregnant  I had an interview for a teaching job that I would continue after graduation.  I had the strangest feeling walking into that interview.  I wanted the job but my whole world was turned upside down and I was certain that I wouldn’t be able to commit to it.  What were we to do?  Who was I to be?  This pregnancy was unexpected.  We were delighted but quite scared.

The pregnancy was great and I was able to work while pregnant, but wasn’t sure what I should make as my ‘career’ in life.  It wasn’t until after I had Miss E that I began the long journey of discovery to unveil my purpose in the world.  Sure, I was made to be her mama, and that I would do the best I knew how… but I felt that there was something else that I was made to do to impact others.  So I began my certification to become a birth doula and shortly thereafter, a childbirth educator.

The  more energy that I poured into health related work, and specifically working with women, the more that I realized that I had to pursue a degree in nursing.  I realize that some women are led to the birthing world or health related world and never want to pursue a nursing degree or other medical degree – but for me it is right.

My surprise baby was a gift from the Creator and a wake-up call to my next decade of life.  I love surprise babies -sometimes, greeted with a host of adoration; sometimes amongst judgment or question.  We are only finite people and cannot understand what lies beyond that faint positive sign on our pregnancy test stick.  But one thing is for sure, no baby is a mistake… each one is a possibility for greatness and potential for change.