So proud of my girl!!!

See this girl:

She officially became a nurse today.  I am so proud of her.  Kirsten has known she wanted to be a nurse since she realized she could not live with her parents forever-about 2nd grade.  She has strived, struggled, saved, and survived on minimal sleep since she started college.  She amazes me.  You see, Kirsten was diagnosed with ADD when she was 13 years old.  Before that, doctors attributed her learning challenges to anxiety, strong will, and laziness.  No.  She truly could not focus.  She was discouraged, frustrated, and about to give up on school.  But, she had a dream......

Kirsten has overcome so much to reach her goal.  She has spent 4 years caring for dementia patients while going to school and she has loved every single one.  They are her people.  She was made for this work.  Perfect training for her nursing career.  Yesterday, Kirsten took the licensing test and she is now a Licensed Practical Nurse.  She will continue in the nursing program for 3 more terms and then she will be eligible for her RN.  I have no doubt she will achieve her ultimate goal.

We celebrated Kirsten tonight with a special dinner.  What a privilege it has been to watch our child reach for her dreams.  Also, tonight, we wait for a new guest to arrive.  It has been a long time since we have welcomed a foster child into our home and I almost forgot the anticipation.  So many emotions at once.  Sadness for a family about to be torn apart.  Despair for the conditions that bring a child into foster care-how long have they already gone on? Anxiety. Fear.  And, not least of all Hope.  Hope that we will make a difference in the life of a child.  After all, that is what foster care is all about.