First Day Back at Work

Well, the big day has arrived...the day I had to go back to work! For eleven weeks I was anxious to get back to my routine, my career, and the amazing friends I have made at Pathway. At the same time, I felt a lot of guilt about leaving Marek. After many prayers and confiding in Gregg, my family, and my friends, I decided that I would return to work for about 6 weeks (until Gregg graduates and we head to Savannah). I researched various childcare options, including daycare and an in-home option. Luckily, Gregg's brother, Justin, his wife, Theresa, and their children PCSed here. Not only are we excited to spend a  few months with family, Theresa sweetly offered to keep Marek for that little while!

I have always believed that God steps in when we need Him...and He helped me through a tough time once again when we were able to leave Marek with Justin and Theresa. Knowing that Marek is with family who love him has helped me feel more confident leaving him with someone else.

The first day was the hardest. Gregg was up at 4 am to get ready for work. I was up at 5am to get a shower in before Marek woke up. Gregg was out by 5:30 am and I sat down with a cup of coffee to enjoy my little time to myself for the day. When 6 am came around, Marek was up to get changed and to eat a small bottle. By 6:45 am I was out the door to bring Marek to Theresa...then off to work. I pulled in at 7:45am and knew it would be a long week!

Marek off to Theresa's for that first day...

Everyone was so supportive at work. I was able to spend most of the day getting situated and catching up with my co-workers. Anytime I seemed to have some down-time, my supervisor sweetly kept me occupied so I couldn't get too anxious about being away from home.

As the days have gone by (and I just completed my first full week of work), I am starting to hit my stride. I love being a mom and Marek is my world, but I am also proud to be a therapist who helps adolescents, a professional woman in our society, and an equal "bread winner" in the home. I have begun to really understand that I should not feel guilty because I love my family AND working. I remember admiring my mom because she went to work everyday and ensured we had food on our table. I always knew I wanted to have a career that I could be proud of. I have that career....I love counseling. Now, my life is even more complete because I am also a wife and a mother. I never imagined I could feel so blessed...but here I am...living the most amazing life. God truly is good!