Forrest Gump said "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get."
Life has its unexpected turns. You all know my path in life thus far has had some curves. Some people have asked me what my career goal is. My answer? Well, it is an ever-developing concept. Thus far, I have been open to where life takes me. Let me tell you a bit about where it has taken me in the last few weeks - the different chocolates inside my box.
Saturday, March 28th
I was out for the last weekend of Marsh Madness at Ponca State Park. Drove around to some different spots, where we saw some large numbers of waterfowl.
I saw a few of these guys - American coot. They are a different looking duck.
I have noticed many flocks of snow geese flying over, but that Saturday I saw one lone snow goose on the ground.
I was introduced to the northern shoveler - a mallard with a smile. :-)
That evening, we had the greatest night sitting in the duck blind of the entire month as we had more activity with a greater number of species and great viewing light.
Two northern pintails and one mallard:
A ring-necked duck:
Gadwall:
It was rather windy that night, so it was a sight to see watching some of the duck backing in for a landing like this guy.
Diving for food with their butts in the air:
The ducks with mostly white are called buffleheads - another interesting looking species of duck.
I had been out early that morning leading a tour to see the prairie chickens one more time, and we decided to make a stop at a nearby small lake to check for waterfowl before heading home. At that point we were told of a snowy owl about 15 miles away.
This is one of those unexpected things I never would have guessed would happen any time soon. I found myself about 50 yards away from a snowy owl. In a field. In Nebraska. At the end of March. This was not your typical sighting for that time of year.
Just like Hedwig, my friends! It was a cool unexpected turn for the day.
I received a message from my mom at lunch that my aunt was being life-flighted to Lincoln. Autn Kristin had been at UNMC for about a week early in March with some issues surrounding liver function. So, I thought "Crap," at the time and had to sit and wait for my mom to call once she had more details.
I ended up driving down to Lincoln later that afternoon, and ended up spending 3 nights at the hospital with my uncle and brother staying up while Aunt Kristin was unresponsive. That was an unexpected turn sitting in the ICU four days in a row with family and chatting with my brother at three o'clock in the morning. It was crazy not knowing if she would fully wake up or not, while simply sitting there. The days went surprisingly faster than I would have imagined, but spending all those hours in the hospital definitely wore us all out.
Friday, April 3
They were able to wake Kristin up Friday morning, and she slowly began to sound more like herself. We were all relieved to see her awake again.
An idea came to me one of those long nights that if she needed more help at home for a while that may be where I needed to be for a while. It just came and I discussed it with a few people. (More on that in a bit you will see.)
This is a photo of my aunt Kristin and cousin seth from this past November.
Saturday, April 4th
I woke up in my old room at Karena's house in Syracuse to run (after little sleep) in the Live Like Addie 5K. I ran this same race last year after little sleep as I had worked some double-shifts and nights that weekend.
I wore a sash saying "Aunt Kristin strong"and a "Team Nick" headband I had made. I did this for two people who are facing some difficult medical struggles. I also had my "Live Like Addie" sticker on in memory of the 10-year old girl the run is named for.
I completed the race that morning with a new personal record! I was feeling pretty good.
After crawling back in bed and taking a nice long nap, I made my way back over to Lincoln where I found Aunt Kristin moved down to general care. Happy day!
The decision was officially made that I would move in with Ron and Kristin for a while to help out. The immediate family all were in support, and I knew this was the right thing to do.
Sunday, April 5th
I made a tired drive back to Ponca with plans to head to the office Monday morning to figure out the work stuff.
Monday, April 6th
My termination papers as a temporary employee with Ponca State Park were signed, and I packed up things to make it through the week as I embarked on my next life adventure. Yes, the chapter at Ponca State Park was enjoyable, but like I began this post "...You never know what you're going to get." Part of what happens in our lives is a result of the decisions we make and how we choose to react to situations. No matter what turns life may present, my philosophy is to not be afraid of where they may lead, roll with it, and do the best that you can where you are at.
One friend asked me if I felt like my life had just taken a big change. Yes, I admit it did, and I had 3 hours in the car by myself to think about it on my way back to Lincoln that day. Things will work out, and you just have to trust your gut, create the path, and not be afraid of the unexpected turns. :-)
Tuesday, April 7th
These darn kids began to play more and more on their phones the closer Kristin's discharge from Bryan came.
This was Kristin's "We're getting out of here" face. It is incredible how fast she began to look and act more like herself after being life-flighted just a week ago and spending 3 days in a coma. I still can hardly wrap my brain around it.
Wednesday, April 8th
After Kristin’s first session of physical therapy during a
stay at Brookstone Acres in Columbus, she spent the rest of the afternoon
hanging out looking pretty normal and chatting up a storm. I spent the first
night with her there. I have been running a few errands at times but spending
most of my time with Kristin as she makes good progress.
Thursday, April 9th
I have finally worked on finishing up this post that had
been festering in my head over the course of a week. While life may have its
unexpected turns, I find joy in spending time with family and best friends who
are there for you even in times that do not always seem so bright.
As Albus Dumbledore said in Harry Potter: Prisoner of
Azkaban, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only
remembers to turn on the light.”
Don’t be afraid of what chocolates may be inside that box.
Some are absolutely great, some okay, and some you initially wish you would not
have pulled out. Nonetheless, unexpected turns will lead you on new adventures.
I can currently be found staying at Duncan Lakes south of
Duncan, NE if you’re ever around. J
Finally, thank you to everyone who has had Kristin and our
family in thoughts and prayers. Hope you all have a great week!
