#8

GRADUATE

This part of my list was a LONG time coming. The desire to further my education and get an advanced degree began even before my divorce. One thing that has been difficult about writing this post is because I wasn't quite sure how to describe the importance of this accomplishment without possibly speaking ill of someone. This blog isn't to put down others but for me to see all the ways the Lord has lifted me up.

I guess the best way for me to do this is to simply say that pursuing my Master's degree was discouraged due to time and money. Those of you closest to me know the depth of that statement and I'll just leave it at that.

I made the decision to finally apply for the graduate school at Piedmont College in October 2005. Classes started January 2006. In the midst of much bitterness and taking over the Relay for Life team at the school where I teach, I worked on my Master's. After what seemed like the LONGEST 16 months of my life, I graduated in May 2007 and immediately entered graduate school through the University of Florida College of Education. After all, I wanted to be able to take care of my two children all on my own - emotionally, spiritually, physically and mostly, financially. I remember telling people that I didn't want to be dependent on anyone else to support us. I wanted to try to do it all on my own.

There was a point in time when getting a Master's seemed impossible let alone getting my Specialist. It took just about 3 and 1/2 years to finally get it done but I did it. Not by my own strength and energy - that's for sure. Along the way, I received the help and encouragement of many friends. It feels weird now to not be consumed by anything other than my children once I get home. Through those years, it became habit to leave work at work so I could concentrate on graduate work when I went home. That habit seems to be a great one to stick with.

I leave school everyday with my keys and my phone. Because when I go home, I want to be HOME. It's not enough for me to just be physically present. I need to be physically involved when I am home. There is only so much time for me to lay the ground work for my children that they so desperately need when they become adults. I don't want to lose one precious moment anymore.

TASK #8 ... COMPLETED 7/27