Sharing a dream

Once, I had a dream. I would be able to go to college so I could teach children. Then, at 17, I had a child, and didn't have time or money to see to the dream. But, that was okay, because I could teach my child. Soon, one became two, then three. Before I knew it, I had a household full of children. But, though it made me happy, it was not the dream I had as a child myself. So, I took a couple of community college classes. Then, I found that after 9 years, a new little one was on the way. But, this dream of mine just seemed to be outside of my reach. Each time I would step forward, it would take two ahead of me.
Eventually, my husband agreed that I needed to find a way to achieve my dream. I explored the new outlets for adult learning. Online colleges now came with accreditation, from real schools in real towns all over the states. His philosophy is that I am a teacher, whether I teach college or preschool. I needed to be able to get me degree.
For two years I have juggling. I have had a full time job, a lot of children, a house, a husband, volunteer work, church commitments, and finally my dream of school. It was hard. No fluff here.
Hours of reading and contemplating. Pain of memories buried deep that needed to be aired. Thoughts deep and stuck in my brain finally had an outlet.
The dream of my degree is in my hands. I have handed in my last final paper for my piece of paper that says I did it. It may not say how I struggled to find the time or how I worked my butt off trying to maintain what has ended up as my 3.8 average. It may not show the honor societies, yes there were two, that I belong to. But, it will say that I did it!
Thank you, Lord, for strength and courage to face the things I have faced, and for helping me to get to the other side. May I be a blessing to those whose lives I hope to touch. Amen.