A New Direction and Divine Intervention

As she began a new phase of life, Betty Vertin noticed not-so-subtle nudges of the Holy Spirit and assurance that she was going the right way. 

My husband, Jason, and I share seven children: Lexi, 23; Max, 19; Chance, 17; Rowen, 16; Charlie, 14; Mary, 10; and Callie, 3. Max, Rowen, and Charlie are all living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).  

Up until about seven months ago, I was a stay-at-home mom. I loved staying home and managing our house, being there for all the big and little moments of my children’s day-to-day life. I never imagined I would return to work. When I stopped working when our family was very young, my husband sent me flowers with a card that read, “Happy Retirement!” 

I never wanted to or thought about returning to work outside the home, and considering that I have three sons with Duchenne, two of who are full-time in wheelchairs, caregiving was a massive part of my life that I didn’t think would allow for even if it was something I wanted. 

But as I have often learned on this earthside journey, my best-laid plans rarely align with God's plans for me. It is no different as I navigate a return to the outside working world brought on by financial strain. 

Noticing the Work of the Holy Spirit 

My husband suffered a pay cut, and I needed to return to work. At this point, the not-so-gently nudging of the Holy Spirit stepped in. I applied to be a para educator at my daughter Mary's school, a position I knew I was overqualified for but that would best fit my family's needs. I was looking for something that would allow me to be home when the kids were home so I could take care of the boys and enjoy the time with the children I was used to. 

The principal called and asked me to consider being a long-term sub in a life skills classroom. It was just days before the start of the school year, and they didn't have a teacher yet. She thought my experience with my children qualified me for the work required. It offered more pay, and I said yes. 

It turns out that this might be the job I was always meant to do. I approached this work as a mother, and I did for my students what I would have done for my own children. It turned out to have been a successful approach. 

More Divine Intervention 

The school district began asking me about the following year: Can I return? Can I get certified? 

Of all the jobs outside of motherhood that I have ever had, it is by far my favorite. However, going back to school to get certified would be expensive, and we were already going to have two kids in college next year, so my tuition was out of the question. I was honest with my administration. They understood. 

Lo and behold, just weeks later, I got a phone call from the head of human resources. He had just received information on the Grow Your Own Teacher program, which would cover all costs associated with getting certified. I applied for the grant and was accepted. I had about three days to decide, and classes would start in January. God knew I would talk myself out of it if I had too much time! 

After many conversations with my family, I decided to go for it. I will be a certified special-education teacher, and hope to make a lot of impact on my students. 

Assurance and Lessons Learned 

My children love this for me. I was so worried about them when I returned, but all of them have, in their way, shared with me that they think I seem happier and that this is good for me. 

After so many years at home, completely dedicated to my family, I realized I had neglected myself. This job has given me back the pieces of myself that I had missed. 

I have been independent to a fault all of my life. I am constantly working on opening up, trusting others, and trusting God's plan. If nothing else, I have been given an exercise to practice those things.  

We have had to start using caregivers for the boys when my husband and I work. I was so afraid to let someone else take care of my sons. But the truth is, as young men, they were tired of always being with their mom and were looking for independence and friendship from someone other than me. We have been able to hire all male caregivers, and they have become friends. Opening our family and home up to a team of caregivers has added more to our family: more help, more love, more independence, and more trust. We have only gained! 

Finally, at about the exact time we aligned everything so that I could continue to work outside the home and get certified, my husband’s position was restored — no more pay cut. It feels, and I write this with tears in my eyes, that God used that pay cut to push us out of isolation and what we thought was best into a new, full life! 

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Copyright 2025 Betty Vertin
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