As I clock out at the end of my shift, the clock reads nearly 8 p.m. I finally pull into my driveway, eager to embrace my family. My two children are already tucked in their pajamas, eagerly awaiting my return.
“How was work?” my partner asks, taking in my fatigued expression without needing further explanation.
As I settle them into bed, I’m struck by a poignant memory. These hands, now gently pulling up their superhero-themed blankets, were once involved in saving lives, pumping blood in desperate moments. Each bedtime story I read—“Goodnight stars, goodnight air”—is a battle to push aside memories of families at their lowest points. I focus on the words, trying to drown out the echoes of sorrow that linger in my mind.
“Goodnight, I love you,” I whisper, kissing their foreheads, each moment a reminder of life’s fragility. I cherish this routine, this simplicity, more than ever.
Over time, my family has adapted to the unique rhythm of my life. There are days when I hug them a little tighter, when my eyes seem distant, or when I find joy in the little things that might go unnoticed by others. Sometimes I let conversations linger longer than they should, questioning everything in the process.
They see me prepare for work, placing my stethoscope around my neck, pinning my RN badge in place. I wouldn’t change it for the world. As a nurse, I am both a student and a witness; life is my greatest teacher. It shows me a reality unseen by many, revealing the strength that resides within us all.
Humans are Incredibly Resilient
Some express it loudly, others quietly. We shed tears and share laughter. We find courage in the unexpected, gather in prayer, recite poetry, and dream with closed eyes. We give our all, inhale deeply, and exhale slowly, often holding hands through it all. We tell our stories, offering pieces of ourselves when we least expect it. We experience peace and fear, and we fight for our dreams.
The badge may signal the end of my day, but the experiences I carry home with me are invaluable. I am deeply grateful for the moments that have shaped my existence—the essence of being human. Each flashback serves as a reminder of how precious life truly is. I’m fortunate to have my children, who unknowingly teach me about strength every single day, as I return from my challenging shifts. They don’t need to know the intricacies of my work; what they feel is how profoundly I love them.
Being a nurse has profoundly influenced this bond, and for that, I am grateful. If you want to explore more about resilience and its role in parenting, check out this blog post. Also, if you’re considering options for home insemination, Cryobaby offers reliable at-home syringe kits. For additional information about fertility, Medical News Today is a fantastic resource.
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