As I clock out, my badge in hand, it’s nearly 8 p.m. when I finally pull into the driveway. My two little ones are already in their pajamas, fresh from a shower, eagerly awaiting my arrival.
“How was your day?” my partner asks, accepting the weariness etched on my face as an answer.
As I tuck them into bed, a wave of memories washes over me. I glance down at my hands, which are now pulling up their adorable, Elsa-themed blankets. Just an hour ago, those same hands were engaged in a life-or-death struggle, pumping blood for someone fighting their final battle.
Flipping through the pages of a bedtime story, I can’t shake the images of families at their most vulnerable. The soft sounds of sorrow linger in the corners of my mind. I try to concentrate on the words, reading aloud, “Goodnight stars, goodnight air,” and momentarily dismissing the weight of it all, just for this fleeting moment.
“Goodnight, I love you,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to their foreheads. In this simple act, I am reminded of life’s fragility, savoring the routine and the beauty of our togetherness.
My family has learned to navigate my unique rhythm over the years. There are times when I hold them a little tighter, times I look at them with eyes that seem distant, moments of joy that might go unnoticed by others, and conversations that drift into deeper waters. I find myself questioning everything.
They witness my preparations for work—my stethoscope slung around my neck, my badge proudly displaying RN. I wouldn’t have it any other way. In my role, I am both a learner and a witness to life’s lessons, seeing the world in ways many may never experience. Life teaches us about our inherent strength.
It whispers:
- People.
- We are a resilient lot.
- Some of us wear that resilience visibly, while others keep it quiet.
- We are strong when we need to be.
- We are both tears and laughter.
- We find humor in stillness.
- We summon bravery in the face of the expected and the unexpected.
- We gather to support one another, to pray, to recite poetry, to close our eyes and escape.
- We put effort into everything we do, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly.
- We hold hands and share our stories, often unexpectedly.
- We harbor both peace and fears.
- We are candid, we fight, and we rise.
- We embrace today and look forward to tomorrow.
- We sing, even if our voices are off-key.
- We hold beliefs, sometimes wavering, but we continue to live.
The badge may signal my shift’s end, but I carry the weight of my experiences with me. I am incredibly thankful for the moments that have shaped my understanding of life’s core essence. Each day, I am reminded of the unique strength we all possess, and I cherish the flashbacks that underscore how special this journey is.
Those two kids who call me mom teach me about resilience and love every day. They don’t need to know the specifics of my long shifts; they will always feel the depth of my love for them. My experiences as a nurse have enriched this love immeasurably.
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Summary:
Being both a nurse and a mother presents unique challenges and rewards. The experiences from work enrich my perspective on life and love, teaching me resilience and gratitude. The simple moments with my children remind me of life’s fragility and beauty. Through it all, I embrace the strength that comes from both my professional and personal life.