Growing up, I never had to work. Well, I should be more specific. I never had a nine-to-five job or a source of income. School and sports were my job, and it was a pretty good job, I might add. I took for granted all the time and resources my family supported me with while I took time to grow up. My parents are the most giving, unselfish, and supportive people I have ever met. I loved playing 4 competitive sports, being in band and vocal, performing in plays and musicals, being active in my church youth group, Spanish, pep and speech clubs, and just hanging out with friends. I loved every minute of it. Just taking my time and growing up.
I had a conversation with my husband tonight about how I view work differently than a lot of people I know. While I know a lot of people do not love their jobs and also do not live to work, it's different than that. I love my job. However, I do not put work in front of, well, about anything. As a labor and delivery nurse, I feel there is no better job than celebrating life and welcoming newborns into this world, and I would be blessed to do this for the rest of my life. I do, however, have a family I will forever and always place above work. This holiday season, I find it so difficult to work when, in the past, I have always spent this time with my family and friends. I know it's all part of growing up, but I am struggling to adjust when I'm scheduled to work on a Sunday and my grandparents are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. That, to me, is not something I am willing to sacrifice for work. Yes, I can and do trade days/weekends with co-workers, and I have the most wonderful co-workers who gladly and willingly help out whenever there is a need, but it sometimes just doesn't work. Uh, why does this grown-up stuff have to come with sacrifice?
About this time, my wonderful husband chimes in and reminds me how lucky I am to have such a great job, and about how fortunate we are, and truly we are so so blessed! This whole growing up experience has made me cherish the time I do spend with family, and I am no longer taking for granted the joyous days, hours, and minutes I get to spend with my amazing family and friends. I am so grateful to have a loving, wise husband who reminds me of these things. Thank you, Adam, for bringing joy to my life in more ways than you will ever know. Thank you, Sanford Hospital, for giving me such an amazing opportunity. Thank you, God, for the amazing people in my life.
