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?

Carly's Angels

Carly Trejo, a classmate of Claire's, was recently diagnosed with a stage IV Wilms tumor (a type of kidney cancer). She is undergoing intense cancer treatment as well as removal of one of her kidneys. As part of a fund raising project, parents of Spanish Schoolhouse students have created a non-profit organization to help the Trejo family with mounting medical bills. As a family, we joined in on this event and had a great morning. Please take a moment to go to http://www.carlysangels.myevent.com/3/donate.htm and make a donation to help ease the financial burden felt by this family. The fun run is done, but it's not too late to contribute on Claire's behalf to the Trejo family. Thank you and enjoy the slideshow.