Saturday, January 26, 2008

The End of an Era

Well, the end of an era has happened in my life. Yesterday, my husband and I made the official decision that I would not go back to being a flight attendant. It was such a hard decision that invoked many tears, but I am closing this door in my life. You see, I had wanted to be a flight attendant from the age of 11. I started putting in applications to airlines while I was in college, but the airlines were all in a hiring freeze for several years. I spent 3 1/2 years after graduating from college trying to figure out what else I might want to do with my life. Finally, when I was 26 my wish came true. I went for an interview, and they wanted me!! I became a flight attendant for Delta, worked out of New York and Cinncinati and saw/did some amazing things. I LOVED my job!! Life hands out curve balls, though, and I was thrown many of them over the next several years. I had three injuries to my back in a year and a half, and my health took a downward spiral from there. I was out of work on disability, would go back to work and get hurt again, out on disablility again, etc. I was about to go back to work again, then 9/11 happened. This changed so many people's lives, including mine. Delta was trying to get people off payroll by offering leave of absenses, so I decided to take a 5 year leave to try to heal my body. After a couple of jobs where I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do, I finally started a job selling gifts and stationery. Once again, I found something that I LOVED!! I still never wanted to give up on my dream of being a flight attendant, though. I truly never thought that I would get a call back to Delta, but low and behold in Nov. 2006 I was called back to do what I had always wanted to do. I was scheduled for training in the Spring of 2007. I quit my job selling stationery and gifts to go to Atlanta for Delta training. More unexpected events prevented me from completing the class. Over the next several months, they would put me in classes when they had them available in order for me to finish my training. The last several months have been extremely stressful wondering when I would finally go back to work, building our new home and suffering from even more health problems. Some of those health problems included losing 2 pregnancies in a 9 month period of time. After having daily headaches for almost 6 months, I also discovered that I was suffering from chronic daily migraines. I have been going through test after test, MRI's and lots of different meds to try to find the best option for me. Yesterday, Mike and I went to a reproductive endocrinologist. We both had blood drawn to check for chromosome abnormalities. Next week I will have more blood work done, and then in the next couple of weeks I will go to the hospital for an X-ray of my female reproductive parts. After going to the doctor yesterday, we made a decision together that we want to concentrate on having a family. It's not in the cards for me to go back to traveling all of the time. I need to be home with my husband. My life has changed. I have more than myself to think about now. As much as I wanted to go back to traveling the world, I want to be a mother more. I have shed so many tears about closing this door in my life, but God has different plans for me. I am just sure that he is going to open a whole set of new doors for me. It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life....

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12 comments:

Mari said...

There is a saying that goes "God never closes a door without opening a window". I'm sorry that you had to make that decision and that you have had such a tough year. I've been praying for you and will continue to do that.

Anonymous said...

LA--
Thanks for all the wonderful travel and memories. Life has not been perfect for you but things are going to change. Travel??? Hell, lets just stay at home and grow our family of you, me and two dogs into an even dozen (or maybe a half dzn). But, your decision to choose us (ali, ash & I) makes me very happy. As I mention to you every morning, afternoon and evening, I LOVE YOU! Thanks for changing your dreams and hurdling forward in our lives. The house represents our change!

Love ya, Pappa

Terri said...

I can tell that you did a lot of praying about this decision. These kind of major changes are never easy. I'll continue to keep you in prayer as you move on into the future.

Lindsay said...

wow. what a hard but powerful decision to have made! You must be one strong women for having endured some of those trials!I will be praying for you this week. You will be so blessed for taking the first step on what will be a new and amazing journey!

Cheri said...

What a difficult decision. It sounds like you and Mike really thought and prayed about it and I'm sur you've made the right decision.
Struggles with having a family are so difficult- I've been there. Praying for answers and blessings to follow!

Kim said...

I am a very strong beever in everything happens for a reason, and this my dear is with you too. I am so sorry that you have had the hurdles that you have in your life but keep looking up. I am sure that it is hard to let that part of your life go but now there are new things in store for you. You and your hubby's plans are in my prayers

Mari said...

Hey Leigh Ann - I tagged you for a Meme!

Naomi said...

HI Leigh Ann, Just doing a little blog-surfing and came across your blog. "the bird's nest" Is also the name of my blog. Just thought that I'd say "HI".
Also now that you have made the decision to stop flying I pray that thing will be easier...I find half that stress and making the decision. My Prayers are with you.. and God Bless. Naomi

Abby and Reese said...

I am sorry that you had to make a sad decision. I hope that God blesses your decision and obediance. I know he has BIG plans for you!!!

Jennisa said...

Good for you! I'm so sorry to hear about your painful last year. I struggled for 3 years with infertility, so if you need anyone to chat with about those struggles, I'm here for ya!

I'm so glad you're putting your dream of a family first! YEA LEIGH ANN!!!!

Dena said...

BYE BYE Dubai and London, or at least first class - and to think I almost had my very own apt in NY! Well at least I have my NEW very own room in columbia!!!!

Melissa W. said...

awww. i think you made a great decision. I hope it all goes perfect for you! xxoo