Hello, I’m new here! My name is Jessica Johnson and at my core, I love to explore. Whether it is a local restaurant or a city abroad, I am always looking for the next new-to-me spot! I also love to cycle, hike, bake, and search Pinterest for crafting projects to create.
In high school I thought I wanted to be an engineer. After many late nights trying to understand physics, I changed course and went to college to be a registered nurse. After graduation I worked in a variety of healthcare settings, but ten years ago I discovered my passion for hospice nursing. I provided direct care to patients and their families, supporting them through end-of-life. In that role I grew to have a deeper understanding of the meaning of life. I experienced the intimate bonds that connect humans together.
Empowering patients and families in their healthcare decisions became my goal, as well as celebrating the beauty that can come at the end of one’s life despite the sorrow that accompanies it. I transitioned over to the administrative side when I became pregnant in 2016. Currently, I support the clinical staff through my organization’s Quality and Compliance department.
Putting Myself First
As my daughter has gotten older I have been able to be more consistent in finding time for myself. I enjoy cycling at Kensington Metropark. A few times a week, I endure CrossFit workouts with a great group of women. I religiously get my hair cut and colored every eight weeks and I am joining Detroit Mom to create an outlet to explore my passion for writing.
Becoming a Mom
My daughter Marlo came into this world on her own terms five years ago. I went into labor four weeks early, while my husband was out of town. Our house was in the final stages of being remodeled and in a state of disarray. I hastily packed a bag in the middle of the night, realizing later I missed many key items. I got in my car to drive myself to the hospital and my contractions started while I simultaneously realized my gas tank was empty. It was nothing short of a chaotic start!
Since becoming a mom, my daughter has taught me that I will survive even when I don’t have a plan or have any clue what I am doing. I’ve discovered the depth of my inner strength. Most importantly, I’ve realized that goofiness brings a lot of levity during intense parenting situations. Marlo is a nature lover and is always collecting rocks and acorns. She loves Joan Jett because she plays hard rock and she creates dozens of art drawings in a day.
I feel like I straddle multiple categories of “moms.” Marlo was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder shortly after she turned one. The first few years were extremely challenging. Through Early On Michigan, we were connected with an amazing occupational therapist who changed the course of our lives in such a positive way. I will forever be grateful to her. Without her knowledge and compassionate care, I do not feel like we could have supported Marlo to meet her challenges and thrive despite of them.
I work part-time so my life is a mix of being a working mom and a stay-at-home mom. My husband travels for work, so I frequently parent solo. Having all these different experiences has widened my perspective to the varied demands of parenting.
Where I Came From and Where I Live Now
I was born in southern Georgia and spent the majority of my childhood living in the South. Shortly before eighth grade, I moved with my Mom to northern Minnesota (quickly being forced to lose my southern drawl and adopt a Minnesoooota accent!). There I met my future husband, having no clue that our high school romance would result in marriage eleven years later. After our freshman year of college apart, I decided to join him in the Upper Peninsula. There I pursued and graduated with my nursing degree in 2007. Work brought us both to Metro Detroit in 2008. I’ve lived in New Hudson and Farmington Hills, but we made Brighton our home over a decade ago.
I love Metro Detroit because of the endless opportunities to experience nature, arts and culture, history, and unique fun all within an hour from my doorstep. The metro and state parks keep us outdoors hiking. The Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Symphony Orchestra have allowed us to expose Marlo to art from all over the world. The lobby of the Guardian Building is always striking, no matter how many times we visit. Drive-in movies on Monroe Street have become a new winter tradition. I am always discovering exciting places and activities to do as a family, on date nights, or spending time out with friends.
Another thing that really makes this region stand out is the accessibility to local agriculture. In the summer months, Marlo and I visit u-pick farms in every direction from our house. From early summer berries to fall pumpkins, there is so much produce to enjoy. Our favorite spot is Slow Farm, just north of Ann Arbor. It’s the place where you can enjoy a farmer’s bounty without having to do all the hard work!
Content I Am Excited About
I always have a small notebook close to me. I fill it with short sentences about parenting experiences, moments that spark joy or elicit frustration, or phrases that speak to me. After putting Marlo to bed, I come back to my chicken scratch. In those quiet moments I can process my thoughts and emotions through writing. I hope to bring that content to the Detroit Mom community to support others through this shared journey of motherhood.
