My View of Life - Never Better!

College, my dream come true. I could taste my new career. I knew what I wanted. I'd just finished 2 years of Christian Ministry, and I'd loved it. I'd continue what I'd learned--helping, loving, and building people. I'd be a psychologist!

Yup, I had it all figured out at the tender age of 21. I'd marry along the way and raise a family. I'd realize the American Dream.

I grabbed that associates degree in psychology in a year and a half. But there was a problem. Psychology wasn't exactly what I'd expected. I was a more hands on type of fellow. I switched to nursing.

The nursing curriculum was far more difficult than psychology. It took all my effort. Well, not all of it. I was courting the love of my life. She too wanted a career in nursing. It was perfect!

We married and quickly settled into the arduous grind of nursing school. Half way through we were blessed with a beautiful baby daughter. Talk about tough, but I was handling it. My grades were amongst the best.

One little semester left. The goal in sight. That's when the bomb fell. I was approached by my teacher, and was told I'd never be a nurse. She stated I wasn't cut out for it, and went on to say I'd be a great grocery store manager.

Every student in the class signed a petition for me, outlining how wrong the teacher was, but my ship had sunk. For some unheard of reason I believed her. Yes, I was worn to a frazzle, but I could have done it--but I chose not to.

I went to my apartment that night, and wept. Was I weeping about my decision? Was it because I'd miss nursing? Was it about finances? Was it because I didn't have any back bone?

The phone rang. It was my mother calling from 500 miles away. "Son, I heard you crying. Are you O.K?" That was one of the many eye openers I'd experienced regarding the sanctity of the family, and boundless love of a mother.

With tears still streaming, I walked the streets looking, nearly begging for a job to support my little family. I found employment with a wholesale food company. I worked at it, and became successful. I obtained a bachelor's degree in business.

But again, I found myself in a quandary. I'd spent 6 years in business, but it wasn't who I was. If there was any good that came from that time period, it was the serious introspection I'd done as I'd drive my truck to the stores. I still loved people. My every craving and desire was to calm their fears, help them through injury and illness, and let them know I loved them. Not pound my competitors into the ground until they were red faced and shaking mad at me. My teacher was dead wrong. A nurse! That's who I was.

I left wholesale food and went back into nursing. I'd earned more than enough credits to find employment as a licensed practical nurse. It was a 7,000 dollar a year pay cut, but I found immediate fulfillment. At last, now 30 years old, I had established my career. 4 years later I became a registered nurse having received many honors for my care and concern for my patients. These accolades frequently resulted in my becoming employee of the month.

I would never again shed a tear about which career to pursue. Yes, I could look back and curse myself for my weakness, or I could move forward. I'd press forward, vowing to turn that weakness into a strength. Besides, I had it all. 4 fantastic children, a beautiful wife, my Christian belief, and my work. However! In spite of this emotional high, and having reached my long time goal, I didn't consider that there were many different types of tears to be shed. I would learn that soon enough.