Thursday, July 30, 2009

Motherhood




Lately, my mind has been on the more "simple" things in life... not the extravagant, turn-up-your-nose, socially acceptable things.

To me, there is nothing more beautiful than a mother. Honestly. I look at a woman who truly VALUES her calling as a mother. It seems like these women are few and far between now days. It's heart breaking that motherhood is so greatly mocked. Motherhood doesn't make you "less". It makes you "more". I am not the same person I was two-and-a-half years ago. I am better than I was.

I have made the decision to go back to school this Fall. Nic and I are so excited and we feel this is the right decision for us at this point in our lives. I'm going to be a nurse... not for the title, not for the money, not for the "arrogance" that seems to come so easily to so many fulfilling this career (let me clarify... not ALL nurses are arrogant, just the... arrogant ones. Those who know what I'm talking about understand the repetitive nature of this confusing pile of words). I'm going to be a nurse because I have a PERSONAL understanding of the importance of GOOD nurses, nurses who CARE about more than their textbook knowledge and proving how much they "know". I'm going to be a nurse who sees the personable side of people. I'm not saying it's going to be an easy thing to do... but in the words of one of the EXTREMELY FEW doctors I trust, "the moment a person in the medical field doesn't feel... doesn't cry at the loss of one of their 'patients'... who doesn't truly love those they are working with, need to quit their job and move on to something else." It's too easy to put feelings aside. It's too easy to build that wall that keeps you from connecting with another soul.

Nic and I have learned the value of those who are willing to be vulnerable and care. That is why we are both going to be nurses. We aren't going to be "just nurses". We are going to be great nurses.

However, if Heavenly Father tells me it's time to be a mommy on this earth again, I will most willingly put my schooling on hold to fulfill the amazing, magical, difficult-but-so-worth-it calling of being a mommy.

Because in my opinion, nothing is more important, nothing is more priceless, nothing is more powerful or influential than a mother. That is who I want to be, even more than a nurse. I am a mother. I always want to be a mother. I will gladly sacrifice the "things of this world", the many things which others flaunt, and I will do it because I applaud all those amazing mothers out there. Education is a blessing, it's wonderful. But, my own (humble... ehem) opinion is that a mother doesn't need to have an education to be a good mother. She needs special skills that come from the heart, from the soul. You can't learn that in any college or university, elite or not.

To you mothers, you true mothers, mothers of the heart, my applause and support is in your behalf. Thank you for loving these precious little ones.

PS One year ago this month...

PSS I'm not saying a woman should NOT get an education. I'm just saying, it's not a pre-req to be a good mother. ... ... ... just wanted to clarify.

9 comments:

Stephanie Ellinger said...

You would make an AMAZING nurse! I think that is awesome because you you do know all too well the difference a really good nurse can make to the life of parents and children. My mom was a nurse and it was such a benefit to our family even when she stayed home to care for me and my little sister.

Good luck on this HUGE undertaking! Are you going to be at the Heart Walk in September? I want to catch up and chat with you.

Los Peña said...

Thank you for posting this....you actually helped me make a very important decision! I love you and we haven't even met!!! You are truly an inspired woman, which will make you an amazing nurse!

Melissa said...

You are such a wonderful person, Ashley! I too know the imprtance of which you speak! Nurses who care. Good Luck. Thinking about you a lot!

Angel said...

Amen! I can't wait to call you with all my medical questions since we all know most nurses know more than the doctor does anyways. You are such a great example of a mother I can only hope I can be half as great as you are as a mommy.

Jessica Munk said...

You'll be a great nurse! Thanks for sharing these thoughts. It helps keep the right perspective of motherhood. You're awesome!

Em said...

I hear ya!!! I unfortunately work with some of "those" nurses and they drive me nuts. A lot of people in the medical field think they are better than others, and really forget about the caring aspect of what nursing is all about. You guys will make AWESOME and AMAZING nurses!!!

Anonymous said...

Just want to check in with you guys and see how you are. Katie is growing and learning how to walk. We frequent Primary Children's and think of Mercy often. We are still trying to solicit a nurse so we will take both you and Nic. Hope you have a wonderful summer. Love, The Edwards family

3+Love~aki=Us said...

Ashley..I just LOVE you. Thank you for this post. It made PERFECT sense to me. I agree and the desire to be a nurse has strengthened since I got married and become a mommy. But I want to be a mommy more. Thinking and praying for you ALWAYS,
Caroline

Megan B ♥ said...

Nurses?? REALLY??? I got chills when I read that news! I have considered going back to school to become a NICU nurse for all of the EXACT reasons that you described! You put it absolutely perfectly! And, it's not the time or season right now, but I really wanted to join the ranks of the too few nurses who make the NICU endurable! You are an amazing mother, a beautiful person, and you will make an IDEAL nurse!! I'm so excited for you and for the families who will be lucky enough to have you in their lives.