Grabbing the brass ring
March 2008 - Lori Fellner

I recently received an e-mail about happiness and about finding it in what is truly important: family, friends, doing the best you can with what you’ve got … right now. Some of us are so consumed with thoughts of the future and its promise of “bluer skies” that we overlook today and take life for granted. Not so for Laura Nash.

This mother of four has a refreshing outlook on life that stems from being happy in the moment and embracing whatever life is handing her. “I’m the type of person who likes whatever it is I’m doing,” says Nash.  

At 18, after finishing high school, Nash moved out of her parents’ home and worked for a retail chain, a job that led to a management role. She considered post-secondary education but admits she liked the change of pace from school and studies. When she married in 1991, starting a family was very much in the plan. “Even before we got married, we decided one or both of us would stay home when children came along,” she says.

When their first child, Luke, was born, Nash quit work to stay home. “The hardest thing for me was the shift in identity. I needed to redefine myself as a mom in a culture that doesn’t appreciate that role in the way it should,” she explains. She admits she missed the positive affirmation she received at work. “When you’re a stay-at-home mom, the feedback isn’t the same,” she says with a laugh. Still, Nash loved being home and resolved to stay until her kids went to school.

After Luke came daughter Delaney, son Sam and daughter Sydney. She had four children in five years and along the way she had the wisdom to seek out like-minded women for support. “I needed to develop collegiality with others, and getting together with other neighbourhood moms was a great way to share experiences with women you felt you had something in common with.” The informal play groups eventually led to lifelong friendships and inspired Nash to operate a home day care that she ran for nine years. “I knew staying home was a phase, and that these experiences were helping me prepare for the next part of my life.”

As her family grew so did her own ambition. She had a lot of interests including graphic design, but eventually set her sights on university, and possibly a teaching degree. She knew she needed to feel passionate about her work. “If you love what you do, you will reap the rewards and so will your family because you’re easier to live with.” Ready to make substantial time and financial commitments, and keeping her family’s best interests at the forefront, Nash forged ahead.

She enrolled at Western taking courses part-time when Sydney was only three. This allowed her to manage her course work and maintain the commitment to her family. She says the early success she experienced gave her the confidence to continue. And the timing was right. “I was totally ready for the intellectual challenge and I fell in love with learning all over again.”  

During my interview with Nash, I look around the completely tidy living room and sparkling kitchen and I wonder how she manages to do it all – from homework (hers and the kids) to the myriad of activities they take part in, and finding time for herself and her husband, Greg. She’s quick to give a lot of credit to him and how he’s been a constant support and partner. “He is more domestic than I am,” she jokes, referring to the household management and routines with the kids. “He’s super dad.” With a youth ministry in his charge, a role as an outreach youth worker, and soccer coach for Sam’s team, he seems to be living up to his name.  

Their children are responsible for weekly chores and from a young age have been taught to pitch in and help out. “It’s a team effort and they pick up the slack when we need them to.” Nash’s mother-in-law is quick to lend a hand and Nash also relies on other people. “We recognize that we are interdependent and create a network to support one another,” she says of her family and friends. Keen organization and time management are key to the family’s success.

Nash graduated in 2007 with an honours BA and is currently enrolled at Althouse College. It took six years from start to finish, going part- and full-time, and Nash says she loved the academic rigour. Completing a master’s degree one day is part of her dream. But for now, she looks forward to the next phase of her life. “This is a journey and I’m excited about where I’m headed.” Looking at where she’s been and her solid determination to enjoy life one day at a time and chart her own path, I know it will be somewhere great.