But I’ve thought about it quite a bit since. It’s been a wild 5 years. When I think back to August 2009, I barely recognize that person. And no, it’s not because she’s young & dumb & has convinced herself that Wallabies & slider phones are still cool.

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She also really wants to be nurse, a dream I barely remember because the Lord has opened so many other doors since then.

 

She’s in love. Big time. And she’s put school, friends, & life on the backburner because she's sure this is it.

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She hasn’t met some of the people & places that will influence her life the most.

 

She doesn’t even know they exist yet.

 

She’s just wondering around assuming this is as good as it gets.

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She hasn’t hit 23 yet, which if this blog goes anywhere, you’ll learn quickly what a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year 23 was.

 

She’s oblivious to how much her heart can take. She doesn’t quite know yet that the heartbreak of not getting into nursing school is a drop in bucket. She’s working it out though. She’s helping future me build up some strong heart muscles so in a few years when it really breaks, she’ll learn that it’s a little stronger than she thought.

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She has no idea that in a few short years she’ll change her major, go back to a place she never thought she’d return to, apply for internships, move to a new town, start a new job, & do it all by herself.

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If you told her that now, she would never believe you. She wouldn't believe she’s strong enough or brave enough to do that.