On becoming a Bostonian

Needed some time away to think, process things and mull things over. Things are better now, a lot better. My Grandpa's ashes will be laid to rest in a Veteran's cemetery in South Carolina, free of charge. And when my grandmother eventually goes, she will be laid to rest beside him, also free of charge. A really beautiful thing, really, and in my mind it would be exactly what he wanted. There are some days where the grief comes out of nowhere and really hits me, but then there are a lot of really good days where I've gotten by with the help of some dear friends, both here and back in Kentucky. The extension silliness got resolved, and I returned to the unit shortly after my previous post was written. On top of that, my parents will be up here visiting in a couple of weeks, so that's something wonderful to look forward to! In actuality, I think they're more excited than I am. My dad lived in Nantucket in the 70's, so needless to say when I got the job up here, he was more than chomping at the bit to get back up here. Perhaps there's some sort of unspoken magic that swirls around here; it grabs you, catches a hold of you and doesn't let you go. I posted the following on my Facebook this morning, and I think you'll see why.

I'd like to believe that we did not become nurses by accident. Sure, I have worked with those that are motivated by earning the big bucks, but for the majority of us, that is not the case. Deep within us, therein lies a passion for helping those less fortunate than we are. There's an energy to keep going, even it means to stop, count to 5 and turn around and face the same person who's been screaming at you with a "yes, how can I help you?" There have been days when we've cried at work when the pressure has taken its toll, but our co-workers have carried us along, reminding us that each day is different. And then there are travel nurses, who make a huge sacrifice to go away from their family and loved ones, just for the sake of helping out somewhere else that needs an extra set of hands, even for just a short amount of time.

Some of you know I've been wrestling with a decision, a big one. And after many prayers, counsels with trusted friends and family, I am taking THE ultimate sacrifice. My travel nurse career is coming to a close this summer, as I am in the process of staying on as permanent staff here in Massachusetts. I think all along God wanted me to end up here last in my travels. I know why now. 

So yes, you read that correctly. From being born as a Buckeye, turning into a Bluegrass and now evolving into a Bostonian. Things change, people change, and when you get a stirring deep inside, you can't ignore it. Really, it was a total God thing. After a rather emotional conversation with a friend last week and all the while the conversation is going on and you know. You just know. No audible confirmation, but you feel it; a swell of affirmation that is without a doubt from God Himself. So you take the plunge, all the while knowing that everything is going to work in His perfect time. And let me tell you, His timing was perfect! The end of last week was making phone calls to family, telling them of my decision, and the response was an outpouring of support. No doubting, no trying to talk me out of it, no asking "are you sure this is what you want to do?" Both my sister and my mom said almost exactly the same thing; "I had a feeling you were going to stay." All the more reason I'm convinced that it's meant to be. Here's to trusting the journey even more! 

My own "Big Three." <3