Changes

Much has changed.

We’re leaving our century-old family farm in the heart of Illinois.

I am now a former shepherd. The sheep are still right out back. They come to the sound of my voice (and my husband’s) but they belong to another good shepherd. younger, very kind and experienced. They’ll be leaving soon and so will we.

I’ve said goodbye to my friends and colleagues in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. I won’t get to see some of my little NICU friends go home.

I’ve cried some.

We’re moving to our cabin in the Hiawatha National Forest, which just might be the most beautiful place on earth. I love it there.

Our house is sold and the movers come next week. Now that the chaos is winding down some I’ve been feeling something a lot like joy in the center of my chest.

This has been more than a little scary for me. I don’t like my nest disturbed. I define myself a little too much by what I do instead of who I am.

Now I am NOT a shepherd, NOT a nurse practitioner, and I haven’t been writing much.

I will though. I can feel it coming.

All of what looked like chaos has been groundwork. Laying the groundwork for the next phase in our lives.

There’s a NICU in it. I interviewed there yesterday. There is work, meaningful work, for me to do.

And words, sentences, stories to write.

Coming attractions. Just you wait and see.