I've always loved my job. It isn't lost on me what a gift that is, to love the work you do. But these past couple of years have given new meaning to my gratitude. Suffering from long covid changed so many things about my life. As I get healthier and stronger, I get more and more of myself back. And getting more of "me" back means getting to be the nurse I strive to be.
I'm back to work full time now, and have been for about three months. I never realized how much I truly needed to use the part of my brain that exists as a labor and delivery nurse. I always tell people I have the greatest job on earth. I believe that because I don't know anyone else who walks into work and meets a stranger, but by the end of their workday, is present for one of the most important moments in that person's life. Each delivery is a gift. And I don't take that for granted.
Usually when you tell someone you're a labor and delivery nurse, you get one of two responses: "oh, I'd LOVE to rock babies all day!" OR, "oh that must be the happiest place to work!" While the first response is mostly just annoying 😉, the second one definitely has some truth to it. Am I happy where I work? Yes! But I'm happy because I love my job. I love my team of coworkers. And my bosses are the best. However, you know what the best part of my job is? I get to watch women empower women every single day. How many people get to say that? Whether it's a nurse or physician encouraging the mother, a family member or spouse, it's incredible to watch a woman realize her true strength in such an intense moment. I absolutely love it when a patient says, "I can't believe I just did that!" Believe it, sister. And it was an honor to be here.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the power of female relationships. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by incredible women. They've pulled me from some very dark places, and held me upright when I couldn't stand alone. I currently talk to other adoptive mothers on a daily basis, and we reach across the country, across the world at times, to build one another up. I look at the strength and resiliency of my four beautiful daughters as well, and I marvel at their tenacity. Is there anything more beautiful than women lifting up other women? I'm not sure there is.
So, I guess what I'm saying is, if you find yourself hurting, or needing a change in your life...WOMAN UP! Find that sister that just brings out the beauty in you. I'm grateful to the amazing women I call mine. Thank you for the gifts each of you bring to my life. You're appreciated and loved beyond measure. ❤️
