As funny as it might sound I’ve never been one to wrestle with this question. Even as a child I knew everything I did made an impact, good or bad. At times I see it as a curse, a cause for much stress and pressure. At other times I can see it as a gift.
There’s always been this fire in me, a drive to make a difference in this world. An impulsivity, taking action before calculating and considering the risk or cost. Which is something my body has paid the price for.
Growing up the emphasis was mainly on the negative parts of this gift. But when I look back over my life so far, I can see so many extraordinary ways this “act before you think” way about me has impacted not only my life, but the lives of many others. One of those is when I started a women’s medical clinic.
At the beginning of 2019 I watched the movie “Unplanned”. That film was my first introduction to what a woman faces in an unplanned pregnancy. Growing up in the church I had only ever heard things from the perspective of the baby, which I still believe is valid, I just now know things aren’t as black and white as they seem.
I saw her struggle, her lack of support, and a desperate need for a safe nonjudgmental care. Fast forward to that fall and at the college right around the corner from us, a baby was found in a dorm bathroom. My heart broke. I immediately thought of the woman and how alone she must be feeling. I knew I had to do something.
At the time I had 2 year old twins, and five other kiddos all under the age of 9. My hands were already very full and I honestly had no idea how or what I was doing. But as I spoke with others and got the word out, I was able to form a small team of others who were equally as passionate. Doors opened and we were led to a nearby women’s medical center and they became the instrument and mentor we desperately needed.
I spent the next 2.5 years spreading this vision. Speaking as often as I could, giving tours of our sister center, and absorbing as much wisdom and information as possible. I loved how it felt to empower women, to validate their experience, and be the support they needed. It’s what drove me. In July of 2022 I had to abruptly leave my position as development director because of a health crisis I was experiencing. But the seeds were planted and my incredible team carried the torch and have seen that vision through.
Today, that women’s health clinic opened their doors for the very first time. It’s a sobering and surreal feeling, holding both excitement of something this big coming to fruition, and sadness because I’m not able to be a part of it. I live in a different state now and I’m not able to see it in person at this time. Again mainly because of my health.
Whenever I get discouraged or wonder what my purpose is in this life, I remember this center and how big of an impact one willing person can make. I’m not special, well not more special than anyone else. I’m just a neurodivergent girl who often leaps before I think. And sometimes that leaping leads to extraordinary places…
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