Remembering 2012....looking forward to a great 2013!

Forget about what’s happened;
    don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
    It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?

(excerpt from Isaiah 43, The Message)

This is my childhood best friend and maid of honor Vickie Bowler. She lost her 3 year battle with cancer in April 2012.

And this is my good friend and "brother" Ken Bryant. Ken fought for over a year with end stage renal disease and bone marrow failure. He died in October 2012.

These two people never met each other yet they both have so much in common and both have left such a positive impression on me and many others who knew them. You see, both of my friends suffered a great deal of physical and emotional pain from their respective illnesses yet neither of them let it stop them from inspiring and helping others. 

My friend Vickie spent much of her free time volunteering with Special Olympics or visiting children in the hospital who were fighting cancer. Vickie was so selfless....so much so that she never wanted the kids to know that she too was fighting cancer. She always wanted the attention to be on others and not herself.

Ken devoted much of his adult life to helping others, especially children. His love for basketball led him to start a league that would reach many young boys in the Kingston area. Ken also served on several committees, including the Human Rights Commission in Kingston. During the course of the year that Ken spent in the hospital, he inspired every person who came into contact with him - staff, visitors, roommates -  and he never missed an opportunity to say "thank you", even in his worst moments.

The verse that I quoted at the beginning of this post is not to imply that I want to forget these two beautiful people, but rather to impress upon you that they have inspired me to live in the moment....don't waste time worrying about things in the past. Do the best I can with the talents and abilities God has given me. Get out there and make a difference, despite my circumstances. That is what they did!

2013 is going to be a big year for me....I graduate in May with my nursing degree and will be transitioning from hairdressing into working as a RN! I am scared but excited to see what great opportunities God has in store for me. In addition, I want to be more purposeful and present in my life and in my relationships with others. I want to appreciate each day and the people in my life....unfortunately, this past year has taught me that you are never guaranteed tomorrow.

No doubt that the loss of my friends has left a huge void in my life and I miss them terribly! However, Vickie and Ken have inspired me and would want me to make the most of everyday and not ever miss an opportunity to help others, no matter what. I hope that their story will inspire you too....Happy New Year!!

It's not too late....

"It's not about how to achieve your dreams. It's about how you lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you."....Randy Pausch

Well, this week has been an emotional week for me on a few different levels. Last Saturday, a childhood friend of mine, John Knight, lost his life to a fatal heart attack at 39 years of age. 39! I just turned 39 and I feel like I'm just getting started, and his life has ended. Even though I haven't seen John in quite some time, the news of his passing has struck me at my core. It has also put things into perspective for me, something we all need once in a while. It has reminded me that life doesn't guarantee you second chances....you never know when someone or something may be lost forever. So, take every opportunity to tell the ones you love how important they are to you. Take the time to go on that vacation or visit that place that you have always wanted see. Enjoy your hobbies, or learn a new one. Follow your dreams. 

Speaking of dreams....my emotions got the best of me as I was setting up my nursing classes for this fall. As I filled out the paperwork, it asked the question "current major?" Up until now, I have had to say "pre-nursing", but now I can put "nursing". As I was writing, it struck me....I am a nursing student! I think the realization of how far I've come in the past 2 years and the great responsibility of what I am about to embark on got the best of me. God has really blessed me with this awesome opportunity and now I must make the best of it.

Lastly, I read the book this week The Last Lecture and it was extremely inspiring. The author, Randy Pausch, died at the age of 47 from pancreatic cancer. His positive attitude and the way he handled his life, especially his last days, is just amazing to me. The quote at the beginning of this post is from the book. Read it if you get a chance...it will change you.

 

Finally....my 1st post!

 "....being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Hello family and friends! The idea of doing this blog has been swirling around in my head for quite some time now, and since I have been "officially" accepted into the nursing program, I figured it was time to get started. My niece (Ruth) and my nephew (Matt) have recently started blogging and have both inspired me to do one of my own...thanks guys! :)

The purpose of this blog is to simply have a place to write about my experiences in school and life in general. Many people ask me about how I'm doing in school, and I figured it would be a way to keep everyone up to date. I also hope and pray that through this blog, I may inspire someone to step out of their comfort zone and do something that they have always dreamed of....whether it's returning to school, starting a business, engaging in a hobby, or whatever it may be that you desire. Along those lines, I will always try to start my blog posts with an encouraging quote or saying.

Just so you know where I stand now with school, I am currently in the middle of my 4th semester at SUNY Ulster and have almost completed all of the pre-requisite courses that are required for an associate of science degree in nursing. This fall I will begin the 1st of four semesters of core nursing classes and clinicals, with a graduation date of May 2013. From there, I definitely want to go on for my bachelors, and maybe even masters degree in nursing but for now....one step at a time!

This whole school experience has been, by far, one of the scariest and hardest things (besides becoming a parent) that I have ever taken on in my life! It has only been by the grace and help of God and the undying support and encouragement from my husband, family, and friends that I have gotten this far. With that being said, I so appreciate all of the support and prayers that have been said for me these past couple of years...thank you! Please keep it coming as the real fun is about to begin!!

Thanks for reading! Please always feel free to leave comments and feedback...I love to hear from you!