July's Mom of the Month
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Name: Arleatha Nichols
Occupation: Regional Accountant for Papa John's Food Service
Children: Archie, 9; Ashlea, 7
You have managed to overcome extreme adversity…how have you done it?
About seven years ago, I was on driving to work one morning and my life changed in an instant. My car was hit by a legally drunk woman. I was thrown 47 feet out of the back window, broke my neck, legs, 6 ribs and my collarbone. My daughter Ashlea was nine months at the time and I was a single mother, actually getting ready to marry my children's father. I never did get married- taking it as a sign that I was not meant to marry this man. I was in the hospital for nine months, and experienced temporary paralysis from the waist down. After that I spent six months in rehab, just learning how to walk again. The brace I had to wear weighed nineteen pounds! The doctors told my parents that I would be severely brain damaged, I almost didn't make it two different times. But, I made it. I truly thank God for what I see as my second chance at life.
How did this experience change your perspective on life?
It gave my life more meaning. I was raised in a spiritual family but somehow, this experience made me believe that I was expected to be so much more. And I try to fulfill this every day. I was the first person in my family to go to college. But, having someone do everything for you, like wipe your mouth, and dress you is a very humbling experience. It's very hard to go from a vibrant, energetic, healthy person, to one who needs someone to help them do everything.
I have no bitterness in my heart towards the woman that hit me. She had no insurance because of so many accidents. In fact, I was financially responsible for all the medical bills related to my rehabilitation. But I made a pact with myself that if God would deliver me from this, then I would not or harbor any anger or any bitterness nor would I engage in any legal battle. I believe that this was not my battle to fight.
Who took care of your children during these long months of recuperation and rehabilitation?
Their dad really stepped up to the plate at that time with the help of my grandmother, his parents and my mother. After rehab, I went back to work part time as a temporary receptionist for Papa John's. I also went back to school to finish my college degree in chemistry and to start an accounting degree.
From receptionist to a regional accountant, you certainly have worked your way up the ladder. What has the rise been like?
Right now, I am responsible for all the accounting at the distribution center servicing Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, parts of Texas, Florida and Georgia, Louisiana and Missouri. I also handle the human resources, the administration of benefits along with customer service responsibilities. At the beginning it was stressful having to prove myself, but now, they know what kind of a worker and person I am.
As a single mom, how do you juggle your work and your family?
Thank God for Papa John's! They allow me to be flexible. In fact, I am the one who drops my kids off every morning at school. And I don't just drop them off. I walk them into class every morning and make eye contact with their teachers. It is important to stay involved in your kids' education. After school, my kids go to an after-school program at Agape Church. I have gone back to school again, this time for my real estate and broker's license. Since I go to school every night from 6 - 9 p.m., my kids stay with a friend or my mother until I can pick them up.
How do you make time for yourself with as a single mother with a full-time job, two kids and school?
I don't. I just don't have the time. To me, time for myself means just getting my hair done or reading a good book. I have not spent one night away from my kids in over a year. And the only reason I did then was that I had to travel for business. Their father does not pay child support or take the kids for visits.
So what do you do for fun?
We're real movie buffs. We love to treat ourselves to the movies. We also love to bowl and go to Family Sundays at the bowling alley. We always find something to do together - we do a lot of reading, picnics at the local park and make lots of library trips.
What's your best advice to other working moms?
No matter what obstacles come up in you life, you can overcome them! Stay focused. For me, my main focus is my children! They are everything to me, and my reason for being. Family is what matters.
I have been given a second opportunity to raise two beautiful children. In this house, my children come first! The only thing I regret is working so many hours. Sometimes I have to take the children back to my office till 10 or 11 at night to meet a deadline. But they know what kind of a mother they have. They know I do it for them, and they will be better human beings because of it.
• Submit a nomination for Executive Mom of the Month
• June's Mom of the Month: Janine Dabney-Battle
• May's Mom of the Month: Jessica Schwartz
• April's Mom of the Month: Laura Wallen
• March's Mom of the Month: Jacqueline Goetter
• February's Mom of the Month: Lynne Bruce
• December's Mom of the Month: Brenda Kouwenhoven
• October's Mom of the Month: Jayne Gershkowitz
• September's Mom of the Month: Ann Higgins
• August's Mom of the Month: Peggy Garcia
• July's Mom of the Month: Maria Vidal
• June's Mom of the Month: Patricia Campbell