Jobs have been gotten, jobs have been lost (both my husband's, and mine). In November 2009 I lost my job of almost 12 years due to downsizing. I now make less than half of what I did then, but my current work has far more meaning to me than that ever did. For the last two years I've been working as a paraeducator in Autistic Support, first in middle school, now elementary. I'm not cut out for elementary, and on December 5th I'll be transferring within the agency to a new position as a 1:1 para in Multiple Disabilities Support. I'm very excited.
Dreams have been pursued, lost, changed, realized, and changed again. At the same time I lost my job I'd been going through a round of clomid, hoping to get pregnant. When I got my new job I put all that on hold due to the number of doctor appointments involved. The plan was to do another round of clomid the following summer when I'd be on break from work, but in April 2010 we decided not to follow through on fertility treatments and pursue foster parenting and adoption instead. On July 6 we got our first foster child, a 2 1/2-year-old boy with curly hair and catch phrases. On November 3, I got a big-fat-positive on a home pregnancy test. It was the best surprise ever. Three months later our foster son went to live with his father, and on June 29, 2011 we met our miracle baby. I waited 39 years for this amazing, smiley baby boy.
In true ADD fashion, I've just lost my train of thought and realized I was up WAY too late last night, so I'd better be off to bed.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Last year I was so thankful for the tiny life growing inside me, and this year I get to celebrate his first of many Thanksgivings. Life can be frustrating lately with job stress, the economy, and every other curveball that comes my way, yet I'm more thankful than ever.
