A cancer diagnosis may sound like the worst news a person can get. In my experience, the reevaluation that comes with it can also create remarkable changes. It eventually brought me catharsis, freedom, a new career, and true passion.

It would be inaccurate to say that finding out that I had cancer was a positive thing. But what came out of that struggle was life-changing and inspired me to take the needed steps towards finding fulfillment.

I was the first member of my family to go to college. It was an exciting process but also daunting. When it came time to choose a major, I realized I would need some assistance. I spoke with a counselor and poured over the results of career compatibility tests to find that I had a gift for mechanical engineering! If not for that, I’m not sure I would have found the field.

Over the years, I had great success. I worked for companies like General Mills and Texas Instruments. I liked the work well enough, but I always pursued positions of service. I had an atypical mind for an engineer. Rather than being focused on things, I was more interested in people.

I was even fortunate enough to work on the restoration of the Texas Capitol building. That was an incredible opportunity. I’ve always been fascinated by history. What better way could there be to experience it? I learned a lot about the construction side of things too, which was an equally immersive subject.

While working as a consultant in Dallas, I met a new hire from Sweden on his first day. We soon formed a connection. The greatest gift engineering gave me was introducing me to the man who would become my husband and the father of my three children.

One of the things that I first noticed about my husband was his passion. He was passionate about many aspects of his life: relationships, hobbies, his career in engineering. It was that last point that made me realize something. Engineering was something he loved and cared about. There wasn’t any other path he’d pursue. I didn’t really feel that way about engineering. It was just what I had always done. For 25 years.

Then came the fateful day when I was diagnosed with cancer. It was already in an advanced stage. In the beginning, I was experiencing too many emotions to think anything through. I just needed to allow myself to have those feelings.

When I was able to look forward, I realized something about myself. I had been feeling unworthy of going after true contentment and joy. Cliche as it may sound, life’s too short to waste on things you don’t care about. I may have been good at engineering, but it wasn't what I was meant to be doing. I was meant to be working in a field where I would impact people’s lives on a more personal level. Admitting that to myself resulted in a feeling of catharsis. It may mean taking a risk, but it would be worth it to feel I was truly living.

Choosing where to focus my attention came very naturally to me. My father had been a real estate appraiser for 40 years, and the construction knowledge I had gained pointed me in one direction. Real estate.

I wanted to be an advocate for people, be their emotional support. I knew it would take some time to build up my credibility and cultivate relationships, but I soon discovered just how wonderful my new role was. I loved it. Though it could be difficult, it often didn’t feel like work. I felt I was finally doing what I was meant to do.

It was made possible by the support of my incredible family. They saw how important this was to me. I had found my passion!

One of my favorite pastimes is scrapbooking. My love of history runs deep, even within my own family. It started when my kids were young. I was excited to track their milestones in baby memory books. When I got sick with cancer, scrapbooking took on a new meaning. I worried my time might be running short. I wanted to be sure to tell my story, preserve my history, and impart my knowledge.

Those precious books of memories are made in homes, and homes are made from the people who build their lives there. One of the most exciting parts of my job is learning about the client’s goals. I love finding the place where their stories will take place.

I feel a bit like a detective, problem-solving through using the right tools to make a difference in people’s lives. I’m their trusted advisor, providing them with the information they need to make an informed decision. I look forward to using those skills to help you find the perfect fit!

“When I was able to look forward, I realized something about myself. I had been feeling unworthy of going after true contentment and joy.”