From Jenna:
So, one of the interesting things of this journey so far has been sharing my (our) plan with different friends and family members. I’m a firm believer in telling people about your goals because the power of networking is just unbelievable. But I’m not at the point yet where I can have this conversation in 50 words or less. I mean, we have a whole blog about it, for that very reason!

I’ve sometimes had anxiety telling family members (especially) about this because I’m worried they will think I’m flaking out, not being realistic, or worst of all, not being a good mother/wife by taking this risk. I want them to realize that I know if I make this work, it will make me the best mother and wife that I can possibly be, because I will be the happiest I have ever been… and that my ENTIRE motivation behind this, is to have quality of life with my family.

Yesterday while visiting with my family, I was the most surprised by this conversation with my grandfather. Traditionally “old school”, my sweet Italian grandfather worked most of his career for one company and had retired many years ago. Although he had no formal education, when it comes to true “wisdom”, he’s the person I know with the most. So when he talks, I listen.

When he asked me what my plans were to go back to work, I swallowed hard and told him I wasn’t. I told him I was going to find some way to work at home and be with my son. He took it in for a moment (as I held my breath), and then he smiled and he said, “I think that’s the best decision you’ve made in a long time.” I gasped; he continued… “Work for yourself. Work for your family. If I had the chance to do it all over again, that’s exactly what I would have done.”
I sat in amazement… “I KNOW you can do it. I know it. And aim HIGH. Have the courage and don’t sell yourself short. Don’t sell your talent cheap.”

I couldn’t believe it. Yes I know it is traditionally “old school” to have the mother stay home with the babies. But that’s not what he was getting at. He was clearly understanding that I need to make money; I need to help support my family. And he was suggesting I do it, do it well, and have the courage to do it right. As a writer, that was just the advice that I needed also, because we DO have a tendancy to discount our intangible talents.

Money is the one thing in our lives that has always come and gone. Family has not. Health has not, so far, thank God. And time is constantly GOING. I was grateful for this chance to have his approval.

My grandfather’s voice in my head is a like burst of fresh air pushing me in a new direction – with the security of old wisdom behind it.

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