Over the past months, we have received cards and letters from many of you. Here are just a few of the many that were sent. We would love for you to use the comment button below to continue to share thoughts, stories, and memories with us. "I must say, you have been one of the biggest influences in my life." "One thing I have learned from your mother is 'Don't.' Don't try to say the right thing. Just shut up." "Having the opportunity to watch your parents love, commitment, loyalty, and ability to laugh through life together, while loving and being beyond proud of their kids is truly the greatest lesson I have learned from her." "I remember starting at Kadlec and 'hearing' of you. There was some trepidation on my part but rest assured, I am one of your biggest fans!" "Because of you, I wanted to know 'why' and not just 'what'." I learned to be a better version of me from your example. Quite frankly, I miss your commanding attitude!!" "I want you to know how greatly I admire you and how much you have impacted my life." "My life has become better because of your family. Your humor is contagious and your generosity is second to none." "You are the same Joan and I was so happy to spend time with you and laugh. I really miss your humor at work. I wish I could see you again in the break room, at the desk, or passing me in the halls." "We don't DQ ugly!" "You've taught me so much about being confident 'in my skin' and being bold and strong." "I thought, OMG - not Joan! She's one of the strongest nurses I've ever known." "You have always been an example of speaking your mind, which I'm not good at." "You can't feel sorry for yourself forever, pull up your big girl panties and figure it out. Another very important life lesson I've learned from you." "Your situation sucks right now but I hear your attitude is right in line of what you've lived your life by. With dignity and a sense of humor and no nonsense." "All that love and care that you have so unselfishly given to others all these years is now coming back to you. Feel it and embrace it!" "I hope you know how inspiring your courage, strength, and spirit is to all who have had the pleasure of being in your company." "Even decorating for Christmas and cleaning the break room are evidence of your generous heart and your ability to love deeply. That is what I admire most about you. Even though I will admit I have learned the art of blunt honesty at work from you. I will have you know I recently threw away a drawer full of mismatched tupperware in the break room and at least three people cried!" "If I learned anything from you, it is to 'say it for what it is.' Honest, brutal, sarcastic, hilarious, whatever it is, say it." "Well let me tell you something, you better know someone like you is never forgotten." "Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened as a nurse. Your honesty, compassion, humor, and hard work is what I've learned from you." "I want to focus on you feeling as badass as you are. Knowing just how loved you are, what a difference you have made in so many lives, what an amazing nurse, wife, mother, and friend that you are! Don't ever forget it!" "You said once 'I'm old, no friends, no hobbies.' What the hell? That's bull shit. Ya, you are old :) but I'm your friend, and we gossip. Duh! :) Plus your husband literally wiped your ass. That is love. I hope someday to find the same kind of love I admire in you and Doug." "You're a hero." "I hope if I am ever faced with the same decisions I can face it with as much grace and courage as you have shown." "As I spent time with Ken, I reflect the many years you and Doug have been together. Your marriage is definitely something to behold." "I wish there were more people like you guys in this world." "Sitting on the rooftop of the Majestic the last time you were both there. Rob and I were thrilled that Joan was able to come up and that you were able to come and enjoy the sun and the view for at least a day after having such a rough winter and spring. That was also when we all thought Joan was fighting depression. Joan said something that day that really stuck with me and really showed how much you care about others: even when you are struggling yourself: you said that if you could when you retired, you would start a clinic dedicated to helping people with depression because no one knew how to help people through it and something had to be done. That just made me respect you as a person even more that I already did. I have also seen how you care so much for each other and your family. The well-deserved proudness in your voices as you talked about them growing up and their swimming achievements (and now the hall of fame!)and the great adults they have become. As I watch you, Doug, stop at nothing to make sure Joan is protected and cared for, and the journey you are taking together, I can’t help but admire you both and learn from the respect, care, and love you show each other. And Joan, despite what you are going through, you continue to give advice to others about being aware and proactive about their bodies... fueled by your years of medical training and experience and your compassion for others. I know inside you have gone through very emotion there is because of this stupid illness. yet you continue to show your iron will stating very clearly, you are going to do this on your own terms." "I’ve been thinking a lot about you and wanted to say a few things. You’ve handled your illness with such grace. You have dealt with it in your trademark head-on, no-nonsense manner, with lots of humor thrown in. I think of you growing up in a small town, then going to nursing school and of joining the Navy. That took a lot of smarts and a lot of courage. I think of your nursing career and how many hundreds (thousands?) of mothers you reassured and whose babies you cared for. The camaraderie with the other nurses. Your hard, hard work. All the people you impacted throughout your long career. You two have had a long marriage and have achieved what everyone hopes for — you’ve created a happy family. I’ve always admired the strong family unit you guys created. All your children are exceptional people who add value to the world. Finally, you are helping your family come to terms with your illness, by acknowledging it and talking about it. There is no question that they will miss you very much in the future, but their memories of you will be of a strong woman who dealt with things on her own terms, in her own way. What a great example and legacy."
2 Comments
|
From the FamilyPlease share stories and memories that you have with Joan using the comment section. ArchivesCategories |