To my sweet, caring, and extremely patient husband, I am forever grateful. You lift me up when times are hard, and I know there have been some really really hard times during this journey. You have given so much of your time and resources to see me succeed. Like that one semester when I spent almost every night at Panera Bread writing. I know that wasn't easy on any of us, but you never complained. That was a hard semester. Just thinking back on it makes me so thankful I persevered, but also a little sad because it was really hard on our family. You have been a strong sturdy wall in our family throughout this. Word's do not express how thankful I am for all you have done throughout this journey. Thank you for supporting us!!
To my little growing up boys, I hope this journey has shown you that you can accomplish whatever you work really hard for and set your mind to. There has been so many moments that I have missed being with you because I had to study, do homework, work on projects, or write. No-one tells you how much you will miss being with your family because schooling has asked that of you. I know I have been so blessed to stay home with you both so I get to enjoy you for most of the days, but I still feel the loss of time when we're away. I am thankful you so easily forgive me when mommy hasn't been at her best in the patience area because I was overwhelmed with my school work. I hope, when you grow up, you will see how hard I was working for us all.
To my sweet friends, you lift me up in ways that only girlfriends can. There has been so many of you that have listened to me throughout the years and offered words of support. Just hearing you all say that I was doing a great job would lift my spirits and keep me going. Encouragement feels me up and you all do it so well in so many different ways. There are 3 ladies I need to highlight because they have walked with me the closest. Megan, my sweet, gentle, slow to speak, and quick to listen friend! I can't count the times you have seen me cry - haha. You listen to my fears and take them in. You allow me to get it all out. You listen. You look over papers for me from time to time, and you speak God's wisdom and gentleness into my life. You encourage me to be kind to myself when I'm too hard on myself.
Ashlea, my fiesty, full of fire, and ready to take on the world friend. Oh, and let me not forget lover of all things tasty. There have been so many phone calls, messages, and girls nights between us throughout the years, and with each worry I hear you say... you got this! You lift me up and remind me that I can do all the things. You show me how us women can be strong and courageous.
Kathy, my artistic, full of life, bold, advice giving friend. You have been a source of encouragement and advice throughout this journey. Also, you help me to see my classes in a different light with your unique abilities. You have walked along side me in your own journey with your master's and I thoroughly enjoyed all of our talks about the classes. You lift me up and show me the fun side of learning.
You all believe in me, and I am forever grateful for all of your friendships even those not mentioned, because I know there have been so many that has supported me! To my counselor. I never knew that God was calling me to be a counselor. If I would only have stopped to see all the signs around me that was pointing me to it. However, it took God putting you in my path to see it. I wasn't calling to see you that day, I was calling to see someone else in the office, because my insurance company gave me the name. However, the receptionist on the phone said, oh, you need to see ______ instead. I know God had led her to say that, because I specifically asked for a different person. You have been a great example of what a counselor is. You have also been a great source of encouragement when sometimes I run into people who don't "believe" in the counseling field or who have grown up where it wasn't a good thing to see someone for therapy. You have believed in me and told me that I am going to make a great counselor one day. I believe your words are honest, and it gives me hope that I am on the right path when sometimes I start questioning. Thank you. To our families. I know there have been lots of times where you may have wanted to help, but couldn't because of our distance. I know that you would easily support us in any way that you can. I am forever grateful to know that if in a pinch you would make that distance for us. Thank you for listening and encouraging from afar. A special thank you to my sister, Denise, who when I cry either tells me to suck it up or just tells me it is going to be okay. haha. There's nothing like a sister bond. Also, thanks for watching Carter for me while we went to graduation.
