Where Nursing All Began! 💖

At the tender age of four I had encountered a tragedy for the first time, which was the murder of my beloved father. I can recall this day very vividly as if it were just yesterday because it was not only the happiest day of my life but it became the saddest too. It was right after I had my fourth year birthday party and my father came with some black patent leather clogs he bought me as a gift. I cherished those clogs because my father had bought them especially for me and he was the light of my life. He asked my mother if I could spend the weekend with him and I was so elated because all I wanted to do was be with my father but he worked a lot so I never could go. Once we arrived at his home my uncle had called explaining that there was a last minute block party for family and friends. My father accepted the offer but said we would only stay for a couple hours. Everyone was dancing and having a good time, it reminded me of a mini family reunion. This guy who you could tell was intoxicated saw my uncle dancing harmlessly with his girlfriend, expressed his displeasures and threatened he wanted to hurt my uncle. He left and came back with a knife in hand, waving it around threatening he would kill somebody. Now in the streets of Philadelphia the police officers don’t come as fast as you would think they should, would, or could. Due to this guy being a known family friend and he was intoxicated, my father stepped in to diffuse the situation so no one would get hurt by the time the police arrived. 

However, the guy became infuriated by this gesture, turned to my father and charged at him with the knife. My father was trying to stop the man by knocking the knife out his hand. He then punched my father so they began to fight and tussle around on the ground. The guy was able to grab the knife again and my father started running for his life, all while I’m crying. At this moment my life changed in a flash, the guy caught up with my father and stabbed him twice in the back through his heart. My fathers body lay lifeless by the time the police and ambulance had arrived, there was nothing that could be done. My father died right before my eyes. I couldn’t help him as bad as I wanted too and no one else could help him either. As a child no one should experience such a horrific tragedy of losing their father especially not to senseless murder. But the death of my father made me vow to myself I would go to great schools, go to college, and become a doctor so I can save lives. After growing up into a teenager I realized through observation that nurses make more of a difference in peoples lives. If I can’t save a life then I want to be the person who influences lives, which are nurses and they engage more with patients than doctors. Throughout my journey in life, all I knew in my mind was that I needed to be a nurse in my heart. Thinking about it I realize that I want to give others what I needed in my moment of despair, which is hope, affection, attention, help, a shoulder to cry on or hold on too, and an ear to listen. I want to bring a smile to someones face, put joy in their heart, and uplift them when they're down. My humble beginning from a daddy's girl. 😘