I began my nursing career in 1989. My older sister, Melinda Marie Antuna (deceased 1989), was a nurse and she always found such joy in helping those in need; she was an inspiration to me. Though her young life was cut short by a drunk driver, she continues to be in inspiration to me in my nursing career as well as in other areas of my life. I thought; if Melinda could make a go of it, enjoy her job and pay her bills, too-- then maybe I could do it!
So- when my youngest child was 3 years old, and even though it was difficult at times (taking on a full year of schooling with four children still in the prime learning years, themselves), but with determination and some excitement, I entered nursing school. Looking back now, I see clearly what a benefit it was for my little daughter to have that choice opportunity during my schooling, to spend time with her grandmother, as my mom was a strong, positive influence in her life as she loved and cared for Susan while I was in school. I will ever be grateful to my mother for that loving service.
I homeschooled my four children from beginning to read up until 5th grade. I found much joy in loving and teaching them. I hoped the nursing field would allow me opportunties to continue to serve and help those around me, as nothing in life has brought me more joy than when I’ve been engaged in the service of others. I’ve realized my hopes, in nursing, as it has brought me a great deal of satisfaction.
I’ve gained a lot of insight into the different sufferings of people, through my own life’s experiences. My husband of over seventeen years and I divorced in 1997, leaving me with four children still home to raise on my own. I worked nights until the divorce, then worked day shift so I could be home with my kids after school. It was hard. I really loved home schooling, but found that without sleeping, the mind doesn't work well and things needing to be accomplished end up being shortchanged!
In July of 1998 I was involved in a serious automobile accident and spent months recovering. During that time, I came to appreciate so much more the dedication and skills of those nurses working with rehab patients. I am so grateful for their time and effort in my behalf. I also saw, firsthand, the amazing difference love and support of family makes in the healing process as I recovered so much more quickly and completely than my doctors believed I might. I know my healing is due to the love, support and prayers of my loving family, and because of the love and blessings of my loving Father in Heaven, for which I will always be grateful.
As I recovered from my injury, I appreciated, too, the relief I gained through massage therapy, and so decided to study massage. As a licensed massage therapist, I was able to help people in a way I hadn’t been able to do as a nurse, and was grateful for the opportunity to give relief to those suffering from chronic pain. My nephew, Daniel was born with with spastic cerebral quadraplegia (a form of Cerebral Palsy), and I was able to help my sister to help her son (Daniel), gain some relief from his painful spasms. In particular, my mother, Aurale Huff (deceased 2010), was a great blessing to me in her last years of life as I was able to use both my nursing and massage training to care for her and give her some relief from pain and discomfort as she approached the end of her life on this earth. By this, I was allowed to return a small portion of the love and kindness she has given so freely to me over the years of my life, and I will forever be grateful for that choice opportunity.
Though I loved massage, I couldn’t stay away from nursing, and decided, in 2005 returned to nursing after completing a refresher course. I’ve been nursing ever since.
I'm so thankful for the many choice opportunities for growth and development I've had in life so far. I look forward with hope for more learning and growing experiences as I continue to press forward on the path I've chosen for my life.
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