Thank-you Son

So I have finally come to the end of a grueling 4 year BSN program, and likely won't be valedictorian, nor will have an opportunity to stand up and make a toast, so I figure that this a place where I can take the podium and speak. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

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Son,

We made it!

I know that there are going to be people that try to correct me on that statement, "We" didn't do it..., "I" did it.

They are wrong.

I'm just talking to you right now little guy. Don't pay attention to the other people here. I know that you have spent around 75% of your life mixed up into my mission. I want to start with some apologies first, because they are due.

I am sorry that the beginning of your life was rough. I didn't realize that when I gave birth at the age of 18, that I was merely a child myself.

I am sorry that you had to travel with me on my path to success, I would have given anything for you to have taken a taxi cab ahead to this future point in our lives. Unfortunately, life dictates that you walk by my side the entire way.

Now my little guy, I would much rather thank you....

Thank you for you kisses each and every night that you have given me, even when I was short tempered because I had to study, write two papers, and do an online group project.

Thank you for accepting my less than perfect parenting, when I took you once again to rent a blockbuster movie that you would watch 5 times in a row so I could study, write two papers and do an online project.

Thank you for eating canned meals on the go at an hour way past "dinner time", because I had to take an evening class.

Thank you for living in 6 different homes over the course of me pursuing post secondary education. I didn't do it intentionally, but I admired your strength in switching schools, and you always did it with a smile. I know how hard that is, and I know that you dealt with it better than I would have any day, all day long.

Thank you for trying, in the best way that you knew, to protect me. I remember, little guy, the last place we lived in. The one that was infested with bedbugs. You called to me from your loft bed..."they can't get you up here mum". I crawled into bed with my text book, and you snuggled in, and fell asleep with your hand curled under my chin. I cried myself to sleep, with visions of congenital heart defects, and hopelessness for what our lives had become. I don't believe that we got bit that night. Thank you for protecting us.

Thank you for Going on mum's "adventures". I know that driving to the car shop, going to the university registrars office, driving to pick up police checks, were not in anyway fun and adventurous. I kinda thought it was boring too. Thank you for being enthusiastic about all our adventures. They will only get better. Trust me.

Thank you for standing in line with me at the food bank. I thought those people were scary looking too.

Thank you for waking up at 4:30 am on my clinical days, as I carried you to the car in your PJ's, snow blowing every which way, so I could drop you off at a babysitters and make it on time to hear shift report. I am not a morning person either (and I hate snow).

On the topic of clinical days, thank you for switching your schedule to accommodate mine. I know that my internship was hard for both of us. I didn't know that I would be on straight 12 hour nights. Thank you for eating breakfast and lunch in bed next to me while I slept. I would never have had it that way, but paying for a babysitter around the clock was out of our grasp.

Thank you for bragging about your mom, during your grade two class "Family Sharing Day". Although you had the facts a bit mixed up, to this day still, the rumor persists around the school staff that I am doctor, I thank you for being proud of me

Thank you for helping me celebrate being on Dean's List, I absolutely enjoyed the popcorn and movie. I want you to know I was celebrating for you as well.

Thank you little guy (and I know that you hate it when I call you that, I realize, with no sarcasm, that you are a very big boy at ? for holding my hand in a symbolic way during our entire adventure.

I could thank you until the day I died, for all your sacrifices, your optimism in life and your unknown (to you) support that you gave. There isn't enough space for me to type everything that we have been through. In the coming year, our lives are going to change. Mum is getting married, we have started looking at homes, I will be employed....

But, just me and you know what the journey was like.

We have finally made it.

Thank you Son.

Thank you for sharing ur heart with us. It's really touching,inspiring, and it opens the eyes,minds,and hearts of parents traveling the same road. Its lets us know that while we improve ourselves to give more of ourselves to others,that we are not alone in our journey,and that what we see the least,is what shows up in the end,and counts ethe most. GOD bless you in your new journey.

I am glad you gave thanks to your son. Children are often left out when parents are going to school or change jobs. I know he must be very proud of his hero. But most of all God deserve the most high thanks and praise.

omg.. **TEARS... I love this...:heartbeat

Specializes in Cardiac, Oncology, Holistic Nursing.

...and Thank You. I, too, have a son, age 4. And I, too, have just finished my nursing course. My son was born just as I began my career as a student and, like yours, our journey has been a long one. Thank you for saying everything I have in my heart. I thank my son as well.

When I first read this article when it was featured on the homepage a few weeks ago, I fell in love with it. I can totally relate to so much of it, it really made a lasting impression. So, when I was assigned to give an oral reading for one of my classes, I chose this article. My instructor and fellow classmates loved it. A lady that was sitting next to me had tears in her eyes. My instructor said it was a great piece to read for our class and I ended up with an A! Thank you so much for touching so many hearts over here at Baker College of Flint, Michigan.

i tried to hold back the tears, but they gave way.....(what guy does this on his first time reading an article?) i guess i can say, i'm empathetic.....

great job!

kal

This made me tear up. I am very picky about writing, and this is one of the best pieces I've read on here. Congrats to you and your son!

Specializes in Psych, Skilled Nursing.

thank you for sharing this.

this is very touching.. i'm sure you are proud of him, and he is proud of you too..

as i read this posting it.....i had tears. i am currently a student in the nursing program with a four year old and it's tough. taking her to daycare early in the early morning and late pick ups. i'm there in yours shoes.... every morning we kiss good bye and she says "bye mommy, and she says my mommy going to nursing school"....my little angel.:redpinkhe

when i get home she always asks "how was your day mommy".... as stressful i am in nursing school with all the exams, study groups, learning and understanding the function and structure. i manage to keep it simple for her and spend time with her, play dolls with her, then bath time and bedtime..........then i'm studying again for hours as she sleeps.

i know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

congratulations on finishing your nursing school, your wedding day and soon to buy a home!

breathtaking story!:yeah:

This was inspiring as well as touching. I cried the entire time read the article. I have a little boy and he too has sacrificed a lot so that I finish my degree. Thanks for the motivation. It helps to know that there is an end to the madness of working full-time and schooling full-time.

Beautiful!