Obstacles Are What You See When You Take Your Eyes Off Your Goal

I did it! I have officially obtained my nursing degree! It feels like I have been working toward this moment for so long that it is still rather surreal that I am finally done. When Hyland and I first started dating we both talked a lot about how we weren't really happy with what we were currently doing professionally. We both had very clear thoughts about what kinds of careers we would really love to pursue if only... For so long I think we had both moved along separately knowing what we would really like to do, but somehow thinking there were just too many obstacles in our way. Going back to school seemed like a non-option to the single mom me who was barely scraping by with two jobs. I think in some ways Hyland felt like he had little chance of actually getting accepted into pharmacy school so he just didn't put forward the effort required to take the entrance exam and apply. I still don't remember who convinced who but somewhere along the way we started making plans...crazy plans! We would both go back to school! In fact why not go back to school together as soon as possible! We can do this thing together and then we will be stronger and happier for it. This was our mentality and looking back I am still not sure how we convinced ourselves to look past all the tremendous obstacles that stood in our way and take the leap, but we did. And so it started. We got engaged, 3 months later I received my acceptance letter, 2 months later we were married, 1 month after that Hyland received his acceptance letter, and 2 months later we were both full time students living on loans and love. I won't say it was easy, but we have always had a home, food, and plenty of joy in our lives.

Looking back I am still not sure how we got through that first year. There was the ever present stress associated with finances, but that was nothing in comparison with the all consuming guilt I would experience when I would have to put Liv in front of the TV for a 3 hour time span after already spending the whole day at school because mommy needs to study just a little bit longer. I don't have the words to express to you the feeling that came over me when I lied down with my sweet little girl on graduation night and she wrapped her little arms around my neck and told me she was proud of me. All I could say was that I was proud of her too. For being such a wonderful child and rolling with what was at times a very chaotic and stressful year and a half. I also realized that Hyland and I were right at the very start of this thing when we said we would be a stronger and happier family for doing this.

And I really can't officially end this post with out thanking both mine and Hyland's families. I have no idea how we would have made it through without you guys. Your love and support mean the world to us. Thank you so very much!