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  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
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marcoujor: Joseph's Story

1/3/2018

26 Comments

 
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As a nursing instructor, I appreciate the stress and anxieties that my students feel in varying degrees.

Intertwined in the rigors of nursing academia, each student must develop a balance between studying and living life.

Ironically life doesn’t check in with us to see if it’s a convenient time for serious illness, death, trauma. As such, our life prioritization must remain in a state of fluidity. This is true of us all - student, instructor, and Joseph Stump…​
​Last week I received a ‘New Contact Form’ on mar’s desk from a new nurse. I was thrilled that someone actually looked up my website - even more that he took the time to give me some feedback that remains firmly planted in my heart.

When I wrote Joseph, asking him if I could share his note with my readers, he agreed and was gracious enough to tell me his story. 

Please read our exchange below, for yourself.
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Image via russmac of Pixabay. Click here to view their gallery.

Dear mar,   

Just saw your special on Discovery ID. I recently graduated nursing school on December 14th.

I am a Marine corps veteran who served in the battle of Fallujah (seeing some of the most violent/fierce fighting since the Vietnam War)and by comparison nursing school was the absolute hardest thing I've ever done in my life.

I always thought "why did it have to be so hard, nursing isn't this difficult", but boy after watching your story it made me take a step back. You are a true nursing warrior, and I'm sure all of your nursing students are extremely lucky to have you as an instructor.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Have a great holiday.
​

Joseph Stump​

Dear Joseph,

I am humbled by your note. To me, YOU are the definition of a nursing warrior.

Thank you for taking the time to watch the Discovery show. The best 'gift' I
gained from this most negative experience was reaching / touching/ raising
awareness in the viewing audience - no matter what walk of life.

May I share your note in an upcoming post - I would love my readers to
be similarly inspired by you. No worries if you're not comfortable with this.

Wishing you a peaceful and healthy 2018. I believe nursing is fortunate to
have you in our profession.

Take good care, mar​

Hey Mar,
​
Yes ma’am, you may absolutely use our correspondence for your post; I'd love to read how you incorporate it into you writing. When you responded I was pleasantly surprised. I just love watching those types of shows and I like researching the story and digging just a bit deeper after. That is how I stumbled upon your site, and thought about how awesome it would be to share this with my mother, that you responded, because she was just like me in that she enjoyed watching those types of shows. But unfortunately she passed away July of ’16 after intense tragedies herself.  If you don’t mind I’ll share our story briefly.

I started my prerequisites for nursing school and was going along good, and then she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery, chemo, radiation, and in the process her house burned to the ground. She moved in with me immediately, I got her settled in with all her necessities and she continued to receive treatment. She was getting back to her old form and doctors were saying things were looking good.

By now I’m in the middle of my 3rd semester of a 4 semester nursing program. She then became ill again, and was hospitalized spending 3 straight months in the hospital. Ultimately the doctors said there was nothing to be done so home hospice is what we chose, she came home with me and 8 days later she passed.

I neglected nursing school and working hard at passing because I was consumed with my mother’s well being. So I ended up failing one class, which would require me to repeat the semester. I had all but realized that nursing may not be my thing now. However, before we left the hospital to come home my mom said “Joseph, you have to promise me you will finish nursing school.” I assured her I would. So after she passed, I took a semester off just to tend to her affairs but got back up on the horse for this fall semester, and completed the most difficult task I had ever set out to do and graduated.

I just wanted to share our story, since you were willing to share your story with so many. The most intriguing part about your story was how it ended, in that you became a teacher to share your experiences and knowledge with future nurses, instead of running away from nursing you ran right back in. Thank you for your speedy response. And it was an honor talking to you.

Have a Great Day,
​

Joseph​

​I am similarly honored and proud to share Joseph’s story of determination and grit in achieving his life goals.

Please share the impact this post has had on you, either in the comment stream or by email.

I will share my reactions and observations in a follow-up piece.

For now, I am grateful for Joseph’s reminder that: ‘we may never know the positive impact we can have on each other and when we do, it’s a precious gift’.

ShoutOuts

☙ The Joy of Having an Extended Family on the Internet via Martie’s Foyer
☙ Yukons Colourful 5% Wigwam Harry via Fireside with Rolly

​Until next time, wishing you peace and love, mar
26 Comments
Heather Daub
1/3/2018 09:28:01 am

This is very inspiring to me; as I myself am in the middle of nursing school, struggling my way along. Battling mental health, trying to stay healthy both mentally and physically, along with the daily stressors of everyday life, nursing school is no joke. Reading this post makes me realize that every single person is having some kind of hardship to deal with, and even though I’ve wanted to quit multiple times, to not give up. To fight, be strong, and become the best nurse that there is.
xo

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 07:03:47 am

Dear Heather,
Thank you for this honorable comment and for pointing out the universality of the challenge of nursing school.
I have it on good authority that you are a fighter and I know you will be a beautiful nurse.
Enjoy your snow day and be safe!

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
1/3/2018 09:47:45 am

Prof. Mahreer,

A beautiful serving of inspiration to start the new year with.

Mr. Stump, thank you for your service and prayers for a favored and blessed career. Semper Fi 💖

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 07:05:33 am

Dear Ange,

Thank you for your visit and for all you do to make my website shine - especially when featuring inspiring folks like Joseph.

Reply
William Holland link
1/3/2018 09:57:02 am

Thank you for sharing a heartwarming message. Just beautiful! Wishing you a very Happy New Year filled with love.

love,
bill

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 07:07:00 am

Thanks, dear Bill. Happy, healthy new year to you and Bev too.

Love,
Maria

Reply
Nellieanna Hay link
1/3/2018 11:37:16 am

Oh, my, Maria. What a touching, inspiring story from this courageous young man! I've no personal experience with nursing, but can imagine how demanding and rewarding it is for a person's mind and heart, Joseph's dedication to making his mother's life as good as it could be under her difficult circumstances shows how well-suited it is for his choice of profession!

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 07:10:22 am

Dear Nellieanna,

I couldn't agree with you more. I am sure that Joseph's Mother is beaming with pride at her son's determination in keeping his promise.

Thanks for your meaningful remarks. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Gail Sobotkin
1/3/2018 03:42:05 pm

Dear Maria,
What a powerful story Joseph shared, especially the way he took care of his mom when she needed his help and support. Tears filled my eyes when he said that she made him promise he would finish school. He has a strong, determined character, and like you, will use his personal experiences and nursing training to excel in his profession.
You are both heroes.
Blessings & Love,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 07:13:30 am

Thanks for stopping by, Gail. I had the same tearful reaction when I received Joseph's note.

Wishing you a warm and cozy day. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Mike Friedman
1/3/2018 04:51:20 pm

Hi mar - Happy New Year. It is stories such as this that reminds me that there are people who are selfless. Their lives are dedicated to others and they receive their rewards through the pleasure of giving of themselves. Yes, like the others here, I find this is inspirational.

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 08:01:55 am

Thanks, Mike - so happy you found some inspiration in Joseph's story.

Hugs, mar

Reply
Sannel link
1/3/2018 04:58:43 pm

Dear Maria,

Thank you for a most heartwarming and inspirational read this evening. I can tell by the determination in Josephs words that he will become a stellar nurse, and with his great positive impact, it will bring many a precious gift. I'm wishing Joseph, this courageous young man, the best of luck in achieving his life goals.
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 08:04:00 am

Thanks, dear Sannel. I believe your prediction is a correct one and am sure Joseph will enjoy seeing all this positive feedback as well.

Love to you and Freddie too, Maria

Reply
Vinaya link
1/3/2018 05:52:13 pm

Dear Maria,
I have very high regards for nurses, however, we don't have any nurses in the family. sadly, there is a taboo associated with nursing profession in my culture. The old saying says "if a woman is spoiled, she becomes a nurse, and if a man is spoiled, he becomes a driver."
But anyways, it was very inspiring to read the correspondence between you and Joseph.
Happy New Year
Regards.

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 08:45:00 am

Dear Vinaya,

I am intrigued by your culture's regard for nurses - thank you for sharing this.

I teach a course called Culture and Anthropology in Nursing. You are giving me ideas in gathering different cultures' views of a nurse / the nursing profession.

Happy New Year to you and your family. Take good care, Maria

Reply
Cynthia link
1/3/2018 08:42:31 pm

Sweet Maria!
What a lovely post this is. There is nothing sweeter, nothing more affirming when another resonates with the work that we do. I am thrilled you were able to connect with someone, especially someone who has seen what "extreme nursing" looks like and understands, still, what the implications are - both in the field and in school.
Lovely connection you've made - so incredibly happy for you! :)

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 08:47:52 am

Thank you for this comment, dear Cynthia.

I do feel a bond already with Joseph. I'm thrilled that he will be writing a guest post, as his schedule permits.

Love and big hugs to you, Maria

Reply
Peg Cole link
1/4/2018 11:31:05 am

Joseph's story is touching and inspiring and reminds us that we never know what someone might be going through in their daily life. You continue to serve as an inspiration to your students, your readers and your friends. Thanks for sharing this important story.
Hugs and love.

Reply
Maria link
1/8/2018 07:40:53 pm

Thank you for your kind words, dear Peg.

This kind of story is my honor to share - we need all the inspiration we can get these days.

Love and hugs to you, Maria

Reply
Martie link
1/4/2018 11:43:34 am

Dear Maria and Joseph,

Joseph's story made me cry. After so many traumas, including returning to nursery school to graduate, he is most certainly ready to do whatever his destiny has in stock for him. Life seldom meets our expectations, but rewards are always given to those who grab opportunities to serve others. I wish him only the best.

Thanks, Maria, for sharing this touching correspondence between you and Joseph. May 2018 treat you well.

Hugs,

Martie

Reply
Maria link
1/8/2018 07:46:59 pm

Thank you for sharing such supportive words to Joseph - I know he will appreciate them, as I do you, dear Martie.

Wishing you much happiness and the best of health in 2018 too.

Love you lots, mar

Reply
paula link
1/4/2018 08:49:26 pm

This beautiful correspondence between you and Joseph, reminds me, Maria, my dear friend, "what it's all about." Why we do what we do, share whenever possible, appreciate the gifts of love, knowledge and compassion. This story has also validated for me what I say to myself every morning, "Another day, Ms P....another opportunity to say, do and help to spread what REALLY matters."......All the best to you & Geoff & fur babies. Paula

Reply
Maria link
1/8/2018 07:50:13 pm

Love your style and love this comment ...

Love YOU even more, dear Paula - thank you much for the visit!

Reply
Vicki link
1/6/2018 10:49:20 pm

Hi dear Mareer,

Sometimes when you least expect it, great affirmations and rewards come. What a beautiful blessing to both of you, to have this connection after enduring such trials.
Thank you, dear friend, and Joseph too, for your constant service and shining examples to those in need.
Love you and big hugs,
Vickster

Reply
Maria link
1/8/2018 08:09:44 pm

Dear Vickster,

I agree that the best things in life come along when we least expect it - 'meeting' Joseph is a perfect example of this.

Thank you for this encouraging and supportive comment.

Love and hugs to you, mareer

Reply



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    The Web Only Your Site

    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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