Inspired...

I continue to be amazed and inspired by the young families I work with.  So many of them face tremendous adversity, yet they persevere.  There are moments where I think to myself, “I would’ve given up.”  When food is sparse or simply just not there it seems the drive to continue to move forward, to continue to press in, to work toward the goal of completing one’s education gets even stronger.  This drive will not only take these young parents to another level of education, but they are setting an example to their children.  Examples of survival, overcoming.  Determination that takes a challenge full on and doesn’t give up.  These young families are creating a legacy of their own for their children.  When I ask them what keeps them going, what keeps them from giving up, the answer is always their children.  Some people say teenagers cannot see beyond today; they are self-absorbed, emotionally driven and living in the moment.  Maybe these young parents were THAT teenager at one point, but not now.  These parents see their future and they see the direct correlation between their future and the impact their choices will have on their children. 

I have a family who is living in challenging living conditions, conditions that most people would never be willing to endure.  Yet, they embrace this circumstance with an attitude of adventure and pride.  Adventure in living in a situation that is less than comfortable, but yet embracing the positive in a challenging situation.  Pride in knowing that they are self-sufficient, providing for their child , and happily living  together as a family.  Yet, in spite of this situation, dad continues to pursue securing alternative housing while embracing living life in a traditional “Native way.”  Who am I to question that?  I don’t.  Mom, continues to be committed to completing her high school education, a commitment and determination that gets her to school daily and her son to his childcare center each day.  She completes her work with excellence and doesn’t give up knowing that her education is the key to future success.

June 4, 2011, high school graduation.  The anticipation of seeing these committed parents shake their principal’s hand and receive their diplomas is exciting.  My heart swells with joy and admiration as I envision that day knowing the challenges some of these parents have been through.  Truly inspirational!

A mom to many...

My professional career has without a doubt merged with my personal life in such an amazing way.  I have always desired to have a large family with lots of kids, however I have been blessed with one child.  I am a mother of one amazing, beautiful, healthy little girl who is the joy of each day.  Some days more than others!  :)  In addition, over the years I have taken great joy in supporting and encouraging young women as they step into their new role of motherhood.  I was reminded this past week of how I have always loved encouraging young mom's when my sweet friend Ariana called and shared with me the joy of the newest addition to her family, her second child.  She said she thought of me when she was in labor.  At first, I was a bit concerned.  Was she cursing my name saying "She lied, this REEEEEEAALLLY hurts!"  or was it thoughts that I encouraged her with?  I don't know that it was either, but she thought of me and I am honored.  You see, when she was pregnant the first time we visited the breastfeeding store, we talked about labor, and the joys of being a new mom.  Spending that time with her encouraged her more than I realized, and I now look back and realize that that time with her was a foreshadowing of a career that was ahead. 

In addition, when I was a high school counselor I had teen mother's come through my office many times.  They were my favorite!  Some were in tears, some celebrating, and some just down right freaked out!  Regardless, I enjoyed encouraging them and worked hard at instilling in them that they could be amazing moms - no matter what their circumstances!!!  Whether professionally or personally I have had the opportunity to encourage those first time moms and I love it!

This past week we have had 2 new babies added to our program.  I say "our" because Areal is my new co-worker.  She is an amazing mom of 4 beautiful children and we get to encourage our moms together and we have a blast.  Anyway, the new babies are beautiful, but the best part is watching the young mom's kick into gear and become the amazing mom's they were created to be!  One of these new mom's (we will call her Selena) is specifically on my caseload.  Selena called me to tell me that her water broke LAST NIGHT at 8:00 PM, it was 10:30 AM when she called.  As it turns out, I was in St. Louis when she called and was rendered pretty much helpless with regard to assisting her in getting her to the hospital.  Selena wasn't sure if she was in labor.  She expected her water breaking to be this deluge of water landing at her feet, so since that's not how it works she pretty much was confused.  No mom to tell her, no sister to put her worries at ease, so she called me crying and unsure what to do.  I informed her that indeed her water had broken and she needed to head to the hospital ASAP!  She didn't have a ride and I certainly couldn't swing by and get her all the way from St. Louis.  Well, she eventually found a ride and made it to the hospital with plenty of time.  She was a trooper and delivered a healthy 7 pound baby boy.  I was able to visit her in the hospital and she looked great, felt great, and she was so proud of her most recent accomplishment.  Her son!  For the weeks following I had the privilege to visit her at home and coach her through some breastfeeding basics, loaded her up with easy healthy foods, and answered lots of new mom questions.  Now, I realize I am not an expert, but sometimes simply being a trusted mom is all someone needs to get through those initial "oh crap, now what" mom moments.  Selena's son will be 2 weeks old tomorrow and Selena's confidence is grown and the best part is she advocates for her son like any mama bear would.  She doesn't allow her 9 brother's and sister's into her room without sanitizing their hands and the DOORKNOB.  She asks Areal and me to wash our hands before we hold the baby.  She is an amazing mom and I am just down right proud of her.

As I drove away from her very small impoverished home filled with 9 children I was overwhelmed with joy and appreciation for the opportunity to fulfill a motherly role with this young mom and her new baby.  Being a mother is the most amazing opportunity and a role that I cherish.  I am filled with gratitude knowing that I get to share something I am so passionate about with a new mom who is beginning her own journey as a mother.  I feel like I am a "mom to many."  So amazing!!!