Saturday, July 28, 2012

A New Journey Begins

Ok, I'll give you a hint.........
Somebody in our family is going in a different direction. If you think I could actually fit into that scrub top, you are wrong! Almost, but no.  After many months of keeping this decision pretty quiet, we are ready to share our exciting news. Denny is going into medical school!  I know, shocker right? He has already been a nurse for the past 8 months, so he is ready and prepared.  What an incredible healer he will be.  As you can see, the kids could not be more proud!  We are all just so excited that something so amazing will come out of what we have just been through.  It all began in the PICU...........

Kayla had just gotten out of surgery and she wasn't speaking yet. We waited anxiously to see what would emerge after the very tedious and lengthy brain surgery.  We had many many hours of watching pumps and listening to beeps. Getting to know each sound and what it meant. Carefully monitoring the fluid that was draining out of her fragile skull. Constantly making sure that we had nothing but the best for Kayla.  It was there in that room that Denny realized how much it empowered him to be able to be at Kayla's bedside and take tedious care of her in the most critical stage. Every monitor he learned. Every nurse he took painstaking efforts to connect with. In one, we gained a true friend. An incredible friend who we just connected with so effortlessly.  Every person that came near Kayla was thoroughly examined through daddy's watchful eye and it was there that he realized that a new passion was blooming. It was in that room that he realized this could be something he could finally feel fulfilled in doing. Once he started opening up to the medical team about his new interests, Denny was surrounded by strength, encouragement and nothing but "Wow... YOU would be incredible in this field". This encouragement continued and built as Kayla's journey to health continued.  Every single doctor would smile and nod. Many offering to write glorious letters of recommendations when needed.

Online classes have already began (of course, Den got an "A" in the first one). He is signed up for two more and will be beginning a CNA course (certified nurse assistant) August 10th. The course is a month long. Most hospitals require you to be CNA certified to be considered for hire so we will start there. Oddly enough, Den spotted a position as a PCA (Patient Care Assistant) at UCSF where Kayla had her surgery in the pediatric oncology floor. What are the odds? The main qualification, you have to have your CNA certification! So, off he goes. If the position is still there, then that is meant to be. Obviously, getting into a hospital and getting on hospital insurance is our goal since we are on our own with insurance now. It's a HUGE ouch and we are now down to one income. It's ok. We will figure it out! I am just so proud of Denny for listening to his intuition and following his heart.  He will be incredible at it. This we already know. Any hospital will be lucky to have him. He can't wait to take care of others the way that we have been taken care of on this journey.  Our experience will serve to strengthen his care and compassion.

Kayla continues to eat and eat... and eat.

LOOK AT THESE GLORIOUS HAIRS!!!

15 comments:

  1. Such exciting news! Kayla's eating, and Denny has definitely found a positive in your journey. All along he just seemed like a natural. So happy for your entire family. Love those beautiful lashes. ;)

    xoxo,
    Chuck and Pam

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  2. With Denny's obvious drive, compassion, intuition, and wisdom--along with that genuine, reassuring SMILE--this new journey seems completely NATURAL and PERFECT! He will be in his element for sure--he is a healer. CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes on a beautiful decision and future!

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  3. AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! He will be the best doctor and will be filled with compassion because he has watched his precious little girl go through so much. Congratulations!
    Betty Criesco

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  4. Tell Denny congratulations for not being afraid to follow his intuitions! The journey will be long but worth it.

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  5. PERFECT!!! xxoo AuntieAnn

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  6. I am so happy he has found his calling, as always he will be OUTSTANDING in anything he does! I'm so glad that "cat" is out of the bag FINALLY!

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  7. Congratulations and best of luck to Denny! What an exciting decision! On another note, this past week I tie-dyed the ends (sleeves and bottom) of my 5K t-shirt and had the thought it would be an annual event, with funds going to St. Judes. What about more frequently? And with fundraising attached, to fund-raise for your family right now? Walkers and runners like to walk and run a lot.

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  8. Fabulous that he heard the calling and acted on it. He has the perfect wife to support him in this new adventure. Best of luck in all you do. Love you mucho, Aunt Lynda

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  9. Wonderful! If there is ever anything at Kaiser PLEASE use me as a reference. I'm still there and having someone on the inside is the best way into the system. Looking forward to the new journey. Cate

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  10. Happy news! Patients out there NEED people like Denny at their bedsides. Being such a people-person, he will be perfect in this field! And a huge bonus on having good, consistent (and mostly paid for) health insurance. Follow your dreams!

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  11. That is sooo exciting. I actually had a feeling one of you would were going to become a nurse (but I was thinking of you lol). God has his plans!! Congrats for this exciting new news, and good luck to you guys!!!

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  12. So wonderful to know that you are going in a new direction and that it is one to which you've been called! It will be an exciting journey, but knowing that you can help others who are just beginning the journey that you've been on is so fulfilling.
    Kayla, your brows & lashes are beautiful...perfect and beautiful. Sending love & hugs...

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  13. Yay Denny! He'll be awesome, I could see it in the pictures, and from reading how hands on he was, beyond being a parent -there was a natural curiosity! A lot of people will be blessed by his help!!

    Allyson Stallman

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  14. So great to see this picture and hear the news. Denny you're awesome.

    Matthew Lee

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  15. Tears of Joy For Denny! Such a rewarding Career Choice! He will be great at it! He has so much experience all ready! Way to Give Back! Kayla not a day goes by that I am not proud of you! One day I hope to be as strong as you are! Keep on eating and gaining that weight!
    Love
    Erin Melrath

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