SLP Buddies

As an occupational therapist, a rehab professional, we have a special bond with speech pathologists. Some of my best friends are speechies. We are the red-headed stepchildren of therapy. We come from the same bolts of fabric. Christine and I met at a pool gathering when we first arrived at the Vicarage. We talked here and there.

As the first semester came and went we exchanged FB messages, continued to see each other at various functions. As the turn of the year came and went, stuff happened and she was a support to us. She showed up, gave of herself, took the kids to the park, comforted and guided. As she was made a postulant and VIT we rejoiced. Our kiddos love them some Christine. They think she is the funnest ever. Nola has a special affinity for her. They are kindred spirits. Brynn LOVES her Apple watch. Elliot likes that Christine just lets her be. Dillon has her number, cause Christine doesn't say no. This past week while we were battling plague she brought popsicles and love.She frequently brings markers and bath bombs.

Christine has recently taken on the task of helping with the crisis at the border. One of the things I admire MOST about her is here ability to dig in and help. She does so with respect and love. She does so with her whole heart and with zero expectation of what will come from her helping. She helps because she is called to do so. It's a pretty amazing thing to witness. A great role model for our kids.

Thank you for being there for us. We are lucky to call you friend. We  love you and cannot wait to see where you are led! #FPB #VIT-SLP

The Support System

When you are a parent you undergo a ton of life changes. Most of them are so good. They bring small humans that bring out the best in you and your partner. They bring cuddles and love that you cannot describe without getting teary. They bring moments that are seared into your memory. They bring you and your partner together in an intimate way that you could never imagine possible. When your wee ones grow you are constantly in a state of teaching and letting go. You walk daily towards this weird and invisible horizon of being "done" with parenting. The closer you walk, the more you realize that the horizon is infinite. Your objectives change but the job is one that you never fully retire from. 

During this time you are also, often, someone else's partner. You may also be working towards your own personal goals. You find yourself in the weeds. Parenting weeds, personal weeds, professional weeds, and man, they can get deep. You settle in to the flow of life and sometimes the days are endless and the nights go quickly. You'll look around and realize that your kids are huge. Your partner is older. You may or may not have your s%$t together. All of this is normal and okay. 

Sometimes you get to close on a lifelong dream. You get to finish a goal. It's those moments that make all the other crap less stressful. You get to celebrate with your people. You get to see your husband get teary when you hug your kids because they made their newly minted Dr. Mama a card. Sometimes you realize that you are enough. You are a freaking warrior. You get to focus on giving back the support that all those around you so unselfishly gave. You get to look at your mom, your grandma, your girls, your colleagues, and revel with them in your accomplishment. Part of this accomplishment belongs to everyone that supported you through this. 

The day will come that you get to be the support. It will feel better than when you received it, why? Because you get to see both sides of that support and know that soon that person will get to revel in their success. So when you get that chance, always do it. Maybe it's a trip to the grocery store for your friend who is studying for a final. Maybe it's putting the kids to bed every night for months on end so that your partner can write or sleep. Maybe it's understanding that time spent reading, writing, and revising is so hard for the person doing it too. Maybe it's sending them a card when they least expect it. 

For all of those who helped me through these last 2 years. From Bryan and BEND, my mom, my grandma, Natalie, coworkers, friends, neighbors, everyone who wished me well and wanted good things, THANK YOU! Part of this belongs to you. Tonight as I sit down to a child-less dinner (because lets be real, sometimes you need a dinner without the wee ones) to celebrate being "done" with my degree know that I am toasting you! We did it. And if and when the time comes for you, I got your back. You can do this! 

Lacey Rae

When we first moved to Austin I pretty much took on the role of primary caregiver for the VKs. The VIT was away at NSO (new student orientation) and started classes. Needless to say, I was more than ready to go to work. I was again going to be the new kid. It is a skill and I'm pretty darn good at it.

One of the first coworkers I met was Lacey. She was vibrant, kind, and had the sweetest set of curly locks. Needless to say I was hooked. Over the next weeks and months she became my work person. She was a safe place to vent my frustrations, share my joys, and generally made work an amazing place to be. She made me feel less lonely here in the ATX.

As our friendship developed and work life shifted she became my go to for course input. My pal. Inside and outside of work. It was great. At the end of the last term we were asked if we'd like to share an office. I was ecstatic.

Our office is affectionately called "the dorm room" by many of our colleagues. We have a design concept. We have aromatherapy. We have white noise, and quite frequently we have 90's jams going. We have a lot of fun and we share a lot of hugs, tears, struggles, and triumphs. It's my home away from home.

Lacey, I love your face. You are strong. You are capable. You are important! I'm here for whatever, whenever. I'll even go to #northernwyoming for you. Thanks for putting up with me. Thanks for checking in on and with me. I couldn't do this without you. #biglove #revelations #hugyourcoworkerdayiseveryday

Nelson

As the VIT and I were getting ready to start our planning for our big move we were granted access to a FB group for his cohort at SSW. Of course there was the obligatory FB stalking of others and their significant others. Nelson was one a handful of fellow people from the left side of the country. I found myself drawn to his raw and enchanting personality. Nelson is one of those people. You know, one of those people who draws you in. I was excited to meet him.

As our first year of seminary marched forward I found myself friending him, silently sitting back and watching his FB stories, interacting with him at functions, all the basic friend stuff. At a particularly challenging time he was a source of support for me. He consistently told me that the BS that was going down was wrong. That although the aftermath was difficult it would lead to change and that, in itself, was worth fighting for.

We celebrated Good Friday and thus started a tradition. It is something that I will look forward to each year. He is one of the people I can be totally real with. He "gets" me. He understands my feels and isn't afraid to tell me if I'm being a jerk. I love him to death and I cannot imagine my life without him.

Nelson, as we continue on this journey know that I'm always here for you. #VITtoo #rideordieeggrolls #80's #youcantsitinourbooth