I’VE BEEN KEEPING A SECRET [KIND OF]
…and I am finally able to shout it from the rooftop!
I GOT A PERMIT TO HIKE THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL!
2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.
I start in mid-April on my 30th birthday. Pretty great way to start my 30s!
I have been talking about it for years. Just ask my coworkers—I get excited and won't shut up about the idea it (sorry about that, ladies, I tend to hyper-focus on something when it’s on my mind). Now I am actually following through with it. I've got a permit, I’m finishing up the last few details before listing my house, and now work knows that I will be leaving in a few months.
I am more terrified than I let on.
Scared.
Excited.
Guilt.
Joy.
Sad.
Heart racing from the unknown.
Happy.
Knowing it is okay to make a big change.
…but still feeling terrible for leaving a job that I love.
Coworkers that I love.
Providers that I love.
Friends.
I have spent the last four years becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Caring for women from 20 weeks in triage through delivery and postpartum care. Life created. Life lost. New parents and experienced.
The people I work with have helped shape me into the nurse I am today. I work with an incredible group of women—scrub techs, nurses, directors, doctors, and midwives (and many more). They are not just coworkers. They are my friends, family, team. Let’s just say I won the lottery when it comes to coworkers!
So many conflicting emotions.
HIKING FOR A CAUSE |
Even though I am going to be hiking this summer, labor and delivery will still be on my mind. I am hoping to spread awareness for stillbirth and infant loss, raising money to purchase at least one (hopefully more) Cuddle Cot(s) for hospitals that do not currently have them. In a perfect world, every pregnancy would go smoothly. Every parent would go home with a child. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Cuddle Cots allow parents and family to spend a little more time before saying goodbye.
Click here learn more about Cuddle Cots.
I will be setting up a donation page soon (yes, really), if you would like to share even the cost of a cup of coffee. Anything helps.
So, the plan is:
April-September | Pacific Crest Trail
Then, working as a travel labor and delivery nurse mostly around the western states.
Last year I hiked the John Muir Trail from Yosemite to Red’s Meadow in August. I knew it was just the beginning.
As always, I plan to document my hike along the way, both here, Instagram, and on Youtube, with even more to come after the hike. Family and friends can receive updates via Facebook, as well. I can’t wait to share my journey with you!
