Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

One year ago today I lost the person, who for most of my life, was the individual most important to me in the world. She was funny and business savvy. She was brilliant and successful in every endeavour she ever took on. She was the most empathetic and caring person I have ever had the pleasure to know. She loved unconditionally and without the need for reciprocation. She was my Nana. She touched the world in so many ways and I have no doubt that on September 22nd, 2008 the spiritual world gained an angel and we mere mortals lost a little bit of our humanity.

Nana was an avid reader. Her vocabulary and literary genius rivalled no other. Nana never started a crossword puzzle she could not finish. This was a woman with an eighth grade education but a world of experience of self-taught lessons. She held no degree but her knowledge and accomplishments were immeasurable.

Today, on this anniversary of her death I find myself grappling with decisions that I have known for some time need to be made. Leaps that need to be taken and risks that must be chanced. And as I wrestle with my thoughts I have to wonder what it is she would have advised. Deep within me lives my Nana and I know the answers. I only need to muster the courage to speak those answers - those truths. And so it is that today I honour my Nana and attempt to make her as proud of me as I have always been of her. Today I made the decision to jeopardize my security of self. I will, as Nana always did, reach out and touch a dream and know, regardless of the outcome that at the very least I dreamt the dream. I may fail. I may be ridiculed for my attempts but in the end I will have the knowledge of having tried.

Today I took the first step in my lifelong, but unspoken dream of seeing my name on the spine of a published work. Today I queried for agents. Today I decided to be a writer. Wow, just typing those words sends shivers of excitement and anticipation down my spine. It is as though voicing my thoughts somehow makes them real.

This blog has been a stepping stone for me in so many ways. I hope it will continue to teach me lessons I never contemplated learning. I have gained experience, friends and so much insight.

Now I ask for your help. In my attempt to complete my life long dream I want your input. Reading this blog, right now are insightful daycare providers who have years of expertise and experience. I am interested in your stories - your anecdotes. Perhaps your short story or funny situation will be in print one day too! It is my intent to include and recognize the many women I have encountered both personally and online in my many years providing daycare. Because none of us, myself especially, ever get to the finish line without the assistance of another. So please, take my invitation to be recognized and contribute to what I hope one day will be a book for all parents and daycare providers to read and learn from.

Should you wish to contribute please write to judytrickett@yahoo.ca and include your short story or funny daycare moment along with your name as you one day wish to see it in print. And should you not wish to use your real name please supply a 'pen name' and location. I can not guarantee every one's contribution will make it into print but I promise to include as many as possible.

So, here goes nothing. Maybe one day I will be able to look to the heavens above and thank Nana for getting me here. And if not I will have the knowledge of having tried. And of that, Nana would be so incredibly proud.

For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca