Sunday, January 13, 2013

What are you going to do with your one and only life???

What are you going to do with your one and only life?  I heard this quote on a movie I was watching with my family the other night and it really grabbed me.  I'm not sure, to be honest, if I could have fit one more thing into the life I have lived so far.  It's been a very full, and fulfilling, (almost) 48 years.

Growing up the oldest of 5 kids, I am blessed to have such beautiful relationships with my siblings.  I am often amazed how incredibly close we are as a family.  Cousins are people that many families visit once in awhile and sometimes don't even really know.  Not in our case.  Our extended family is more like "immediate" family - a gift that was passed down to our children.  Watching our children grow up as best friends to one another has been an incredible experience.  I recently made a memory quilt for my parents.  What joy it was for me to go through our family's legacy!

My personal, greatest legacy has been the privilage of raising 4 fabulous daughters, a feat I could not have done without the help of my best friend and husband of 16 years - (thank you, honey!).  We celebrate all 6 of our daughters, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.  Not many people can say that at 48 years old!

We've had our ups and downs that's for sure!  We've had marriages, divorces, bought homes and lost them, had money in the bank and had no money in the bank.  We've had our health, and had our health problems.  We've made some beautiful relationships along our journey, been forever changed by the people who have come into and out of our lives, and have had the opportunity to influence a few people ourselves.  I can honestly say I live each day to its fullest (as I am capable) and always try to honor God with my thoughts and actions.  I've made plenty of mistakes along the way, but hopefully with my own actions, I have been able to teach my children that even Mom can make mistakes and it is always okay to say, "I'm sorry", even (and especially) if it's to our own children.  I've tried to teach by example and hope that God always shined through those actions.  I've tried to be humble, respectful, and grateful.  I've tried to stay positive - even when things felt hopeless.

As I sit here watching the IV drip into my arm, I am reminded that things are not so perfect right now.  I hope, though, that this is the evening before the beginning of a new journey.  Tomorrow I see my doctor and discuss the ceasing of my current medical treatment.  My poor body needs a break.

I don't think myself as extremely eloquent, but hope to use this venue to share my journey along with you.  Why the title, "One Peaceful Birth"?  I am working towards my bachelors degree in alternative medicine.  I only have 7 months left.  In March, I plan to be certified as a hypnobirthing practitioner.  After that, I am looking at becoming a labor companion (much like a doula) and a certified lactation specialist.  I feel led to use my new education to be a positive influence on couples starting out on their own personal "family" journey.  I'm so excited!  I hope to share helpful tips and "healthful" tips.  I hope to offer products that might help those whom I care so much about.  When I ventured back to college at such an advanced time of my life, it was with great passion to teach others what I learn - to hopefully help others to know that there are alternatives to medical treatment and that you can be empowered and educated to make medical decisions for yourself.  There is more than one way....

Thank you so much for sharing this journey with me - for sharing your life with me - I am truely blessed!

2 comments:

  1. I am so proud of you and excited to see where this journey will lead! Speaking from experience you're going to make an excellent labor companion!!

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  2. If there is one thing we all know, it's that you pour your heart and soul into the life and relationships you have. You give 110% and you are by far, the most thoughtful person I know. These things (among countless other) are what set you apart and make you great at what you do! I cannot wait to see how your journey unfolds and am so excited for you.

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