Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Thirty-One Things - Dream


Dream.

I never had any real dreams or purpose for my life in my early years. My parents’ dream was for me to marry a Christian man so they would not have to worry about me anymore. That was probably why they sent me to a Nazarene college.  My mother said she was scared in raising me because I was “daring.” I think my parents thought my marrying would ease their mind.  Anyway, I got no real career guidance.

Then God brought Caleb into my life. For years I had worked as an Executive Assistant but Caleb lit a fire in me.  Not only did I channel that fire to advocate for him, but also for others.

I always dreamed of getting my Bachelor’s degree.  I knew I was smart enough and lamented leaving college after two years.  I knew to make a difference in the lives of those with disabilities and their families, I had to have a degreecredentials.

Now single, having gone through so much with Caleb and with others, an opportunity presented itself that brought me to a turning point. Long story short, I entered Capital University as a Junior going full time while working full time. With a major of social work, I knew graduate school would not be optional.  I graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Master’s of Science in Social Administration one month before my 50th birthday.

I now work at Akron Children’s Hospital in Pediatric Palliative Care. I get to travel the journey with many families whose children/young adults have life-threatening condition or disabilities. I am honored to make a difference through advocacy and case management for these individuals and their families.  But it is very hard work. I work with lovely people. There is also tremendous pressure. Much is required. The bar of expectations is very high. The hours can be long. Balance can seem elusive. You are at high risk for burn out and compassion fatigue.

But it is a privilege. It is my dream.

17 comments:

  1. You are such a caring, loving person. The families you work with are blessed to have you on their side. Congratulations for following your dream.

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    1. Oh Cathy - not always. It can be a challenge to have good boundaries and not being not taken advantage of. Plus the demands are always so greater than the resources. That's when I rely on grace!

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  2. WOW! Good for you - I can not imagine how HARD this work is. God bless you.

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    1. It is a daily thing...in my own strength this work is not possible.

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  3. I love your story. You inspire me! God has led through journey but you are now honoring Him by working with so many families. Glad to be visiting today.

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    1. It is a job that truly gives you perspective...and am reminded of God's grace each day.

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  4. It's neat to trace how God works things out, though often in a different path and way than what we had thought. I can imagine that yours is a very hard but inspiring job. Though we haven't had that exact situation, we've been on the other end with a m-i-l slowly declining, being in assisted living and nursing homes and now in our home under hospice care, and the social workers and health care personnel can really make a difference. Some are a blessing and a help some are...not. I can imagine it takes a ton out of you - hope you're able to have some time to be replenished in your own spirit.

    By the way - I love that floral photo with the saying about grace, though I can't quite read it. May I ask where you got it? Would love to find another if possible.

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    1. Barbara - They are my photographs that I had made into 8x8 canvas prints. Email me at denisepowersfabian3526@gmail.com and we an talk about this further.

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  5. How awesome that you followed your dream, even when things were difficult. I admire what you are doing. The families that are placed in your path will be blessed by your heart and passion for what you do.

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    1. Actually, I probably benefit the most from them than they do from me. How families are able to endure is very humbling.

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  6. When you are in the will of God lie is a joy no matter how hard it is. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. I love how God works things out for us--in spite of the detours that we insist on. May God continue to use you in a mighty way as you follow your dreams!

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    1. Be sure to read my post on "Mess" during my 31 days...

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  8. You have been placed exactly where God intended you to be.

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Every comment is read personally by me and is deeply appreciated!