Denver Pictures

I am finally getting some pictures up from when Jenn, Allison, Serena and Cara visited. We had a great time together. These are just a few of the many pictures taken! Below is Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

We hiked almost a mile to Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was beautiful and definitely worth it!

On our way to Pikes Peak, we stopped at Garden of the Gods to see all the rock formations.


When we reached the top of Pikes Peak, the snow and hail was beginning. We were lucky to get a quick picture before we had to go inside.

Birthday Surprise!

This year, I had no big plans for my birthday. I had 4 days off from work and planned to just hang out at home, run a few errands, and have dinner with my friend on my birthday. However, that all changed quickly. I worked Sunday night, so I went to sleep Monday morning at about 9:00. But, first, I talked with my mom to see what she was up to. She was apparently on her way into Kansas City to run a few errands. So, off to sleep I went with plans to get up by 2:00. I work up at 1:30ish and went down to the couch...I know...I didn't go very far. At about 3:00 my cell phone rang...it was my mom. She asked me to open the door because she and my grandma were outside. I honestly could not believe it. I opened the door and sure enough...there they were. My mom decided she wanted to see me. So, she hopped in the car early Monday morning with my grandma and started driving. The 9 hour drive from eastern Kansas took her 10 1/2 hours. Not bad considering she was traveling with my grandma...who has dementia. Shock doesn't really begin to describe my face. I truly couldn't even believe she came. For those of you who don't know...she takes care of my grandmother full time. It's no easy task..especially on days where my grandma doesn't want to cooperate. But, my mom decided she could care for my grandma at my house just as easily at my house. We had a great time...didn't do anything exciting at all but that didn't matter. She truly managed to surprise me. I'm so glad she came. We had talked when I first came to Denver about how difficult it would be for my grandmother to climb all the stairs to my apartment. But, she did it...really well! My mom never ceases to amaze me. She has given up a lot to care for my grandma so she doesn't have to be in a nursing home. It was definitely a good birthday and one I won't forget for a long time! Thanks mom!!

SNOW IN JULY??

I was lucky enough to have 4 friends from San Diego come out to visit for 4th of July weekend. We filled our days enjoying Denver sites. Our first day together, we took the train up to Pikes Peak. The ride up was beautiful....full of lush green trees, wildlife and amazing sites (like Western Kansas). Once we reached the top, it was a different story. Denver, 5, 280 feet high, was warm and sunny that day. Pikes Peak, over 14,000 feet high, not so much. It was cloudy, cold (the temperature dropped 30-40 degrees during our climb), and it was snowing and hailing at the same time. Our tour guides called this grappling (don't know how to spell it). My friends and I called it "snailing." If it's snowing and hailing...wouldn't it make sense to combine those 2 words. We thought so. Besides, snailing is way more fun to say. While we didn't get to see a lot at the top, we had a great time and our ride down (what I remember...I fell asleep) was just as beautiful as the ride up.

We spent 4th of July in Westminster, CO...just 30 minutes west of Denver. We enjoyed the fireworks and Chik-fil-a was there which made us all excited. We were also able to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park with perfect weather. I had such a great time with these girls and definitely needed to see some good friends from San Diego. I've missed San Diego more than I thought I would.

As for the rest of this assignment...it's going well. I'm enjoying the hospital. I have definitely had my ups and downs being back on the oncology floor. There have been some kids/families that have really made me question my place as an oncology nurse. I've also struggled with the "Why?" question a lot lately. Why cancer, why kids? But, God is so faithful in reminding me He has me here for a reason. The simplest act of taking care of a child with cancer is humbling and life changing for me. Despite my doubts, my heart knows I'm in the right place. I can't cure cancer, but I can help by standing side by side with these kids and families in the fight against cancer. I can listen, care, show compassion, and advocate for my kids...and that can make all the difference. God definitely uses my kids and their families to encourage and strengthen my faith.

God has really answered my prayers regarding my plan after the 13 weeks in Denver. I've been on night shift here, but my body isn't really cooperating with me. Nights have always been a challenge for me. I was praying for some day shift travel assignments to show up...and they did. I have accepted an assignment in Phoenix, AZ at the children's hospital there. I will be on the oncology floor again...but this time on day shift. I know many of you may be asking "Why Phoenix?" Well, it's a day shift position with good pay, it's on an oncology floor, it's 5 hours from San Diego, and I have a friend there. The positives of the assignment definitely outweigh the negatives (the heat!). I start in mid August and will be there until mid October. As hard as it is to leave Denver and my best friend, this definitely feels like the right move for me. I'll keep everyone updated on the rest of my time in Denver! Please keep kids with cancer and their families in your prayers.

Well, that's a life update from 5,280 feet high! Check back soon for pictures...still working on that part but they're coming I promise!! :)