Happy Fourth of July!!

This blog of mine has changed substantially since I began it. It's interesting to go back to years prior. Last fourth of July...sigh. My dad was still alive, although not feeling well. We almost started their house on fire. It's kind of funny now, but most certainly wasn't at the time. Joel and I had just finished the marriage retreat where ultimately I decided our relationship was over. (Gosh, that was only a year ago?!) That evening -- well -- suffice to say, this year is 100% better in that realm. So I grow....

I know that this blog is deep -- often depressing, as of late. I am learning and writing helps me. But for today, I want to show who I really am because 90% of the time, I am really happy. I am so grateful for the blessings life has given me lately. I've received such grace the last month or so. I suppose that comes with the acceptance of where I am, what I'm doing and what I am headed towards.

Yesterday, I worked all day. For those of you that don't know, I work in the hospital. I work 3 12.5 hour shifts. During those shifts you really get to know your patients and their families at some often dire times. It's really neat. We have a "comment" wall in our hallway. I, by far, am best represented on that board. Apparently, my patients think that I am doing my job very well. I have an ability to adapt to different people - some may call it the Kealy gift of bullshit - but I've always been honored to have it. I'm very proud of my work. I also was approached by my director about cross training as the HUS on our floor. I'm very excited about that as I will learn yet another major part of the hospital world, dealing with the doctors, orders, labs, etc. She went on and on about how bright I am and how lucky Banner is to have me. They are going to work with my schedule when school starts and that they will do anything to keep me. I'm going to be uber busy. Busy for me is good.

So today, we all have the day off to celebrate this fantastic (although in big trouble) country of ours. Justin, the boys and I are headed to my mom's for yet another Fourth of July in the pool. He wasn't allowed there last year. We are going to be hanging out with my brother, Rick and Cliff (also not allowed there last year). So very much has changed in the past year and my family has all grown together...and on mornings like this, when my world feels calm and my children climb on me to get love and tell me how much they love me - when my boyfriend reaches across the bed and tells me that I'm beautiful - when on the horizon is a move into a great house and a future in a great and honorable line of work -- it all makes SENSE to me.

It's actually starting to make sense.