Goodbye to the Old...

Life before Madeline…..seems like a distant memory! But an important memory, none the less, because it created me into the Momma that she will grow up to know. I feel like I am closing the book on a very important chapter in my life, a chapter that I worked so hard during and that lasted for so long. I suppose it is only natural to be a little sentimental about this. I poured so much of myself into my education and career, now it is all over (for the time being). There almost seems like a disconnect in my brain as I write that. I know it to be true; however the reality of it has not resonated.

Please, as you read this, don’t misunderstand me. I am beyond happy to begin this new season in my life…I can’t express what a blessing it is! However, it is only right for me to pay tribute to the time and events that have brought me to this point and to my life.

In high school, I always knew that I wanted to help others. Psychology and Counseling seemed like a natural path for me to take. By the time that I had graduated, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I set out to earn a Bachelors degree in Psychology and did so in December 2005. What a celebration this was for my family…the first to earn a college degree! I knew that my education endeavors did not stop there. In order to work in the counseling field, I would need a Masters degree. So I enrolled in the Masters program and found a job at a local bank. I saved every penny to pay for my tuition that first semester! I felt God leading my every step, re-affirming that this is where I needed to be. Jeff proposed during my first semester and became my biggest encourager and supporter over the next 5 years. How I love that man! After a year of working at the bank, a new job curiously fell into my lap. I suspect that this was God, working the steps out for me again. I started work at a mental health agency in a near by town. How great it was to finally be working in my field of study! I gained experience with various mental illnesses, crisis intervention, and most importantly…counseling. God used this place to not only grow my professional skills, but help me mature into a stronger woman. I will forever be thankful for the role that this job played in my story. There were many nights of staying up late writing papers, driving 2 and a half hours (one way) to class and not getting home until past midnight. I worked full time and carried a full load at school. I finished my Masters in August 2009. I don’t think I have ever been more proud of an accomplishment (remember..this is Pre-Madeline). I can still remember the day that Jeff drove me to take my licensure exam. I studied the whole way, full of dread. I was sure that I had failed, but to my surprise delight, I passed! I began working on my internship (3000 hours of supervised counseling), which meant more driving and more work…on top on my job. I finished my internship in May of 2011, and applied for full licensure. At the end of May, my licensure was granted. I was finally a Licensed Professional Counselor! Nine years of my life was devoted to this purpose! Jeff and I celebrated by going to New York!

Jeff and I after my Bachelors graduation.

After my Masters graduation.

Celebrating in New York!

I was 4 months pregnant here!

I remained at that job, until Madeline’s birth. That day, a veil was created. I was no longer a counselor. I became a Momma. A far greater job and truly my biggest accomplishment. Every day I pray for God to help me be the Momma that she needs and deserves. I thank Him for all that he has done to prepare me for this task. I know that He has been there every step of the way, directing my feet. I am humbled that He loves me and that He has blessed me so richly.