Guest Blogger:Brittany of Changing Diapers and Taking NamesThoughts on Motherhood

Today, I'm pleased to be hosting Brittany of Changing Diapers and Taking Names. Brittany is a hardworking mother and nurse, as well as an active member of the blogosphere.

Brittany is a big fan of Twitter, and hosts a weekly Twitter Hop called Momday Monday. Brittany also has a new feature aimed at recognizing extraordinary moms. Contact Brittany to nominate someone for Mom of the Month. And don't forget to link up mid-week for Wine Down Wednesdays!

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Let's get to know Brittany better:

Brittany is a single mom living in South Carolina. She is well known for her famous phrase “Bless it!” She enjoys various types of music, but is wearing out the new Colbie Calliat album lately. She loves to indulge in dark chocolate and red wine. And you can usually find her curled up with a book or watching one of her favorite movies. You can learn more about Brittany at her blog, Changing Diapers and Taking Names. Stop by and say hello!

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Thoughts on Motherhood

from Brittany of Changing Diapers and Taking Names

I am so excited to be doing a guest post for Sue! I love her site and it is such an honor to be featured! While exchanging e-mails about possible topics, Sue gave me an idea! She asked, “What does your role as a mom mean to you in the grand scheme of things?” This made me think for a while, then a little light bulb in my head turned on!

First of all, let me preface this story by saying, having a child was never in my life plan! I never thought I had enough patience for them (and it turns out I don’t)! But apparently, I didn’t have the right life plan, because Brody Michael was born February 2008. It was quite overwhelming holding this precious creation in my arms for the first time. I couldn’t speak, I could only cry. What was even more overwhelming was the thought of being a single mother! How was I supposed to do this on my own? Luckily, I have an amazing family who has been hugely supportive! I didn’t know it then, but God was preparing me for an even bigger role!

One year later, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant. I only had one interview before I got the job working in a retirement community. I worked in various parts of the community, but I mainly worked with Alzheimer patients. I immediately fell in love! These were some of the most precious people I had ever met! With some patients, you would have never known that they had this debilitating disease.  My role as a CNA was to try to improve their quality of life, because unfortunately there is nothing we can do to change the course of their fate.

Taking care of a patient with Alzheimer’s, is just like taking care of a toddler. So, it was so natural for me to go from taking care of Brody at home to taking care of my patients at work. I was doing the exact same thing! It’s funny that I never wanted to have children, because now all I do is care for my “children.”

I have always had a passion for helping others, but never in a million years would I have dreamed that I would be helping others in this way. Being a mother has prepared me for one of the greatest jobs I have ever had! It has taught me how to love unconditionally, how to truly empathize and has strengthened my patience and understanding for others! I wouldn’t trade being a mom to Brody or a helping hand to my patients for anything in the world! I have been truly blessed!