Did you miss me?!

I know it's been a while, ladies and gentlemen... I was told recently that I needed to start writing again. By an abundance of people, actually. So, here goes. I wish I could say I've been out curing world hunger, but the truth is, I can't even keep up with my own hunger! 😂

Anyway, here's the deal. I'm a nurse. Most of you know (or have gathered) that. I work in labor and delivery and it is the love of my life (one of them anyway, and most days). I love what makes my living and I wish that upon everyone!!

The last year has been one of turmoil for me, though. I was given an opportunity to take an "8-5" type job. Managing the hotel I used to work for. So I snagged it. Blindly. I thought the hours would be great. I'd have more time for my first love... My family. But ironically, that wasn't the case. Sure, 8-5 looks great on paper. Til your night shifter quits without notice and you have to pick up those shifts. Or the number of nursing shifts I picked up because that's what I love doing. The hours turned out to be worse. Plus, I wasn't doing what I love anymore.

As summer was approaching, I took a leap of faith and quit hotel management. I put forth my interest in travel nursing, and told my hospital I'd like to return to full time at the end of summer.

I wasn't sure how this would pan out. I was very picky about my travel assignment request. It had to be summer only. June, July, & August. It had to be in the Houston area within a reasonable commuting distance to my sister's or my mom's houses. And it had to be Labor & Delivery. A million recruiters contacted me. And a million of them assured me they could find me that perfect job. But one of them made me feel like a friend, and not a commission. And so I ran with it! And it worked beautifully.

In my time here, I have learned so very much. I have done new things, and I have spent quality time with my family here. I brought my youngest 2 boys with me to spend the summer hanging out with their cousins. It was sure a lot more fun for them than the alternative of being at home all summer.

It has been a little bit bittersweet for me. I miss my husband. Like for real. We have had a few visits, but not living together doesn't really work for me. I'm not expecting pity, and I know there are military wives/husbands that deal with such a larger scale of this, and I respect them tremendously... I'm just glad it isn't me!

Also, our foreign exchange student that left a year ago, came back this summer for a visit. She is spending 3 weeks here and I got 7 short days with her at home. When I left from that visit, I hugged her, told her I loved her, and that I couldn't wait to see her again... And then I had to hurry and walk away before the tears started. I refuse to acknowledge that I have no idea when I'll see her again. And it broke my heart just as much with this goodbye as it did the last. She is my kid! She just happens to also have another mom, and live an ocean away. :(

All in all, I'm happy I took that leap of faith. It has been an amazing experience, and a really fun summer. But I sure am excited to live at home again too! And I cannot wait to go back to that hospital that is my 2nd home!

I'm hoping to write more often. As I've always said, I'm not an every day blogger. I don't "promote" my blog or expect it to reach more than my close friends or family. And that's perfect for me. It's just my word vomit that I sometimes have to spew before my head explodes!

Later homies...

DRD

Mother's Day tribute ❤️

"Happy Mother's Day" just doesn't say enough. So, here's what I want to say instead to all of the important moms in my life, past, and present.

First and foremost to my mother. She raised me right, even though it may not seem so at times. There aren't enough words to show my genuine appreciation for her! She guided me on the right path, while somehow giving me the ability to become who I am (I'm the kind of person who falls off of paths...) Mom, I love you. Without your undying support, I never would have made it to where I am. And I like where I am!

Second, to my children. Wow. I never knew how much a soul could love or hurt until I had children. BEING a mama is the single most rewarding, terrifying, challenging, bittersweet, awesome, and difficult part of life. 8 of them. 4 by birth, 3 by marriage, and 1 by foreign exchange. (And a whole mess of em by friends of those mentioned!) They have made my life wonderful and miserable, and when push comes to shove, I hope they ALL know I have their back and they are my heart and soul.

To my Grandma Shirley. I am so blessed to still have and regularly see my grandmother. She has been a large part of my life, and I will always be grateful for the time I have had with her.

To my mother-in-law, Pam. I have so many reasons to thank you. For raising a man to love me with all of his being. And for being my rock when I want to strangle that man. You, with open arms, took me in, and all of my children, as if you never knew any different. They love their grandma Pammy, and so do I.

For all of my moms that are no longer with me. Leslie, Diane, and Sandy. My mothers-in-love. I am a better person for having known each of you, and I miss you all every day.

To Delilah. I know you just delivered your first baby, but do not underestimate the mom you've already been to my children. Not even just Jovian. All of my kids love you, and consider you their step-mom, regardless of definition or who married who.

To those who have lost their moms. To those who long to BE moms... I celebrate you on this day. Because your heartache doesn't go unnoticed. Because you are strong. Because we are all in this life together and when you hurt, I hurt.

For ALL of my family and friends... Remember it takes a village. You have all been a part of my village. From being there for my children when they needed you, to baby sitting for me when I needed you. From listening to me vent about the pains in my butt, to listening to me brag about my fabulous offspring. From the parenting advice to the epic mom-fail story sharing... This is for you.

We all fail. We all succeed. Motherhood isn't about giving birth. Motherhood isn't even about raising a child! It's simply about loving a child. Any child.

Happy Mother's Day...

DRD