My Halloween Anniversary

Ask any child that you know, "Are you excited for Halloween?", and they will get that little twinkle of excitement in their eyes and list off what they are going to be this year, and how much candy they are going to get, and what Halloween parties they are going to and so on... but to most adults, Halloween is nothing more than a blip on the radar. Sure they might be going to a fun Halloween party, or taking their kids trick or treating, but the day itself is nothing special.

For me though, Halloween holds a special place in my heart, and no it is not costume or party related!!

Halloween night is the night, almost 10 years ago, that I officially learned that I was going to become a mother for the very first time!

Trick or treat!!!

And let me tell you, on that dark night, it was definitely more trick than treat! I was 23 years old, fresh out of college, broker than broke, and barely able to take care of myself, let alone another human being.

It was after midnight and the coach and I were driving home from trick or treating with his two little sisters, when I decided to bite the bullet and mention to him that it might not be a bad idea to stop in to the 24hour drugstore to pick up a pregnancy test... dun, dun, daaaaaaa!!

I had been living in denial for the past week and was trying to convince myself that I was just running a little late that month, even though for the past 8 years I had never had that issue! After a week of torture and running to the bathroom every 15 minutes I decided to give up the facade and face facts. I had to act like an adult and deal with the reality that my life might be about to change. Living in the world of not knowing was no longer an option.

The coach almost drove off the road right then and there but quickly got himself composed and we drove the remainder of the way in silence, to the pharmacy and then straight home and right into the bathroom where I ripped open the package and read the directions three times.

I did the deed, and quickly left the room, feeling sick to my stomach. The wait was torture. I could not believe the reality of the situation. We were NOT suppose to be dealing with this. I was supposed to be starting my teaching career, and planning to announce my engagement to my folks shortly, and then spending the next year planning an amazing wedding.

NOT spending the next 9 months of my life growing a human being inside me!!!!

But as you already know, that was exactly what was happening.

That was a sleepless Not so Happy Halloween night.

Over the next two days I learned that I was approximately 3 weeks pregnant and my life was changed forever...

Nine months later on July 1st, at 10:06 in the morning, the athlete made his first appearance into the world, and I became a mother!

Ten years later am I where I thought I was going to be then? No, I could have only hoped for this much! In fact, my life has been full of more amazing blessings than I ever imagined.

Do I have any regrets about becoming a mother quicker than planned? Absolutely Not! In fact, knowing what I know now, I would go back and do it all again in a heartbeat!! Sometimes, the best things in life happen to be the ones that throw us off course for a little while. I fimly believe that everything in life happens for a reason. You may start off thinking the worst of a situation and then after the fact, be so grateful for the experience you were blessed with. That is exactly what happened to me on that Halloween night!

So along with everyone else, making or buying costumes for their children, stocking up on candy, decorating their homes into spooky abodes, and going to parties, I also think back to my special Halloween night, and I smile.

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!!