Hey Lois!
Got your book in the mail yesterday and I can’t put it down! I haven’t heard your voice in 18 years, but as I read this book I hear it like I’m 20 years old again sitting in your class at TCC. I’ve missed your wisdom, your stories and your integrity more than you know!!
I have laughed out loud and cried through this book today. Thank-you for your honesty. Thank-you for letting me know you and learn from you as a 20-year-old and again as a 40-year-old.
Do you remember when a professor from another discipline made an off-handed remark to you about teaching bed pan placement? Your response to him has stuck with me and has defined my work ethic as a nurse. You proudly and calmly said to him…. as a matter of fact I am teaching my students how to properly place a bedpan under a patient. They will do it in a way that is comfortable to the patient, protects his dignity and does not spill a drop of urine onto his clean bed. I think of that so often when I’m doing my job. Whether it’s a big job that everyone sees or something small like restocking a labor room so that the next pt and nurse have everything they need. Do it right. Do it well. Do it proudly.
[And] I feel like I know [your husband] after reading your book. I was thinking that every great book needs a hero and Marv is the hero in Caring Lessons. I’m sure you know that already:) He really is WAY ahead of his time.
Take care and thanks again for being a wonderful mentor.
Blessings,
Amy Nagelkirk
(Thank you, Amy, for giving me permission to print your letter! And you’ve inspired me to add the endorsements inside my book under “Endorsements” at the top of this blog. All, I know, will be helpful to potential readers.)
Write Along with Me 
I came across your blog using the “tag surfer” (giving)! Who knew there was such a thing and that it would lead me to your wonderful project?? I am very inspired and intrigued; I am a physician and writer and have been blogging about my adventures giving away $100 bills to strangers. I think sometimes about getting more serious about the writing piece; currently pretty busy with work and volunteer commitments. You are a model of generosity in action; I love it! Anyway, keep up the great work!!
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Jill, what fun to get your note. I dropped in on your blog and read many of your interesting encounters. It may be a health care professional thing, or not, but I loved everyone of the people you’ve met.
Thinking about giving, since I moved downtown Chicago five years ago, a frequent discussion with my new acquaintances is what do we do when we pass the many homeless persons, with their cans for donations, each time we’re out on the street. If only we could solve this situation for all those who find themselves on the streets. As you noted in one of your blogs, we are blessed.
And thanks for your comments on my nursing scholarship project. My husband and I are also donating books to be used with larger projects at my former college that will benefit the nursing students. It does feel good, especially when I can’t give back like I was able to do when I was younger and healthier.
Thanks for writing, and best wishes with your C-note decisions.
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What a wonderful response to the professor and at the same time a sobering example of the importance of nursing actions.
Great to read your comments on “giving” on ElderChicks web site:
http://elderchicks.wordpress.com/2010/12/12/giving-writing-and-giving-again-by-lois-roelofs/
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