The end of the begining is done...

Finally, after 28 hard months, we have completed graduate school. I say "we" very intentionally.  Without the support and love of Tracy and the girls, I would not have been successful at this task.

 

It's time to begin the journey of proper credentialing in TX, allowing me the power of the pen and the associated responsibilities.  Over the next few months, I need to wait for my official transcript from the University of Texas at Arlington and then seek approval or recognition from the American Nursing Credentialing Center, Texas Board of Nursing, Texas Medical Board, Texas Department of Public Safety, Drug Enforcement Agency, and the hiring hospital's Medical Executive Committee. (side note... can you tell Texas is one of the most regulated states in the country?)  I can't express the stress relief we have at the moment as a family, but the spirit felt in this video is how I felt after my last clinical day this fall:

Christmas and Childhood Innocence

Translation: Dear Santa. I am Claire Gruman. I am 5 years old. I was happy to meet you.  I would like that Carly, my friend, be well for Christmas, ballet shoes also please. My sister wants zhuzhu pets. My mom wants a sweater. My dad wants the book Unbroken. Thank you. Claire

On the way home from school today, Claire proceeded to tell us that mommies have babies that come out of their bellies. Those babies become mommies. Then, when the mommy decides she wants to have a husband, the mommy can just make a husband in her tummy and when it comes out they can just be together.

Logic?