Welcome! I'm Cookie's Mom. You can learn all about Cookie and why I blog here: About Cookie's Chronicles. If you're new here, you may want to SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED. Thanks for stopping by! Pull up a beach chair and be my guest, won't you?

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Guest Blogger:
Brittany of Changing Diapers and Taking Names
Thoughts 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.


Changing Diapers and Taking Names


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!

12 comments:

  1. Nice to meet you, Brittany! It takes special people to care for Alzheimer's patients...and kids too ;)
    What a sweet post this was!

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  2. Brittany, I agree with Jen. It takes a special kind of person to care for others the way that you do. I have the utmost respect and am so grateful for you and all nurses (I know you'll take of care of me one day)!

    Thanks so much for guest posting today. I'm honoured to have you here!

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  3. Reading this jarred me to a startling new perspective on things!

    In my late teens, I worked at a long-term care facility. I loved talking with the residents and doing little things to brighten their days. I especially loved meal time, when I got to escort folks to the cafeteria and hear all about their lives.

    I eventually left because I kept getting "talked to" (although never officially scolded) about spending too much time engaging with the residents. A day or two after I gave my notice, they actually created a position just for me, where I'd come in a couple of hours a day at lunchtime only and chit-chat with residents while helping them between their rooms and the cafeteria.

    I turned down that position because I was so disheartened by the experience overall. I sometimes think of the residents I conversed the most with, including a lady who could only "talk" by pointing a pen at letters printed on a laminated sheet. I wish I'd taken that other position for her.

    I'd never connected this tenderness with myself as a parent. Like you, being a parent wasn't at all something I'd planned for myself. I wasn't a compassionate, caring or patient person! And yet, reading your entry, I'm reminded that there is evidence to the contrary.

    I'm so glad life doesn't always turn out according to plans, but instead, sometimes, turns out even better.

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  4. This post was extraordinary! Truly takes a special person to work with Alzheimer's patients.

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  5. I love to frequent Brittany's site. I've been following her blog. She is wonderful.
    Happy Friday
    I'm now a new follower (vB).

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  6. Thank you all for such kind words! :)

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  7. What a beautiful post, Brittany. Sounds like you're a great mom to all of your "children".

    And, Sue, I love your blog background. It's absolutely beautiful scenery.

    New GFC follower from the voiceBoks Hopper Mania.

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  8. What a beautiful blog, I am your newest GFC follower from VB hopper mania. Have a fantastic Sunday!

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  9. Great blog! Hopping along... Following you now,

    Zoe Lee
    madforfashion

    http://www.everythingforana.com

    Please follow back :))

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  10. You have a lovely blog Sue. I also really enjoyed reading the guest post from Brittany and will be following her as well...
    Growing my GFC via voiceBoks!

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  11. Hi, I'm passing by and following you via the GFC Blog Hop on VoiceBoks. I would love to add you to my blog followers too. http://toughcookiemommy.com

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  12. Thanks everyone for your comments about Brittany's post and my blog, and thanks for the follows!

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