What boost?  When my nephew was deployed to Iraq I found AS and how to send him packages.  BUT WANTED TO DO MORE:  So I started requesting names and sending more packages and a zillion letters over the last couple of years,  BUT WANTED TO DO MORE, so I found out about Patriot Guard Riders.  I'm just an old lady in a car, but I go and stand tall in the venerable company of vets who were never thanked for their service or helped by Americans.  BUT WANTED TO DO MORE.  I am a registered nurse, but due to debilitating depression lost my ability to think clearly and feared hurting a patient, so was awarded disability.  AS pulled me quite a ways out of that depression.  I thank all of you for that and espcially Marty, Brian and Susan.  BUT WANTED TO DO MORE.  I have started a series of three Refresher courses for nurses.  My specialty was Labor and Delivery and often that consisted of helping mostly parents who were suffering from fetal demise.  So.........  after talking with my nephew who lost his leg 4 weeks after getting to Iraq, I decided to go BACK into nursing but change my specialty.  Now I am concentrating on surgery and trauma and HOPE (this is my dream anyway) to work with the wounded warriors when they hit the hospitals here in the states.  I have a ways to go, but have taken the first steps and look forward to being part of the healing process for these young men and women. 

This is NOT a "noble gesture".  This is MY way of helping.  The Horn family has done their thing and that has helped both the troops and all of us.  Especially me in my recovery from a very deep depression.  Now it is my turn to repay the way I feel that I can best.  Any prayers for strength, endurance and knowledge are appreciated.  At 63 I may not have many years to give, but I hope they will be years that will help bring these wonderful men and women back into their families less damaged (mentally and physically) than they were when they first leave the wars.

Thank you, AS and all you junkies out there for the courage and boost to follow this dream.  We are NEVER too old to have dreams and pursue them with every fiber of our being. 

God Bless,

Mary 

 

 

 

Dear Mary,

I suspect that you will be fabulous in your new career path.  After fighting back from depression (never an easy road) and being a wee bit older, you will undoubtably bring far more wisdom to the table when you start your new nursing duties.  The recovering warriors will be lucky to have you for a nurse.  I can tell from your many posts that you are a special lady and very compassionate.  You just keep following those dreams and take it one day at a time.  It'll all work out as it should in the end.  You are an inspiration to anyone who wants to change their life.  Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually, you'll get to where you want or need to be.

Kathy 

Hi Mary, good for you!  You will be in my prayers .  I'm sure you will be a special blessing for our wounded warriors, you already care about them so much and they will know that instantly.  AS has been a blessing for so many, in so many different ways.  Thanks for sharing and good luck.      Anita 

I, too, receive so much of a boost from helping the soldiers.  It has been as rewarding as anything that I have been involved with (whether I get a response from the troops or not).

I admire the fact that you are overcoming obstacles and going that extra mile to help others!  We need compassionate nurses  to help our soldiers!   You have my prayers for strength, endurance, and knowledge.

 

 

 

Awesome, Mary!  I am so proud of you!  You are a blessing to us on the forum and now your goodness will be spread even further.  My best wishes to you in this new chapter of service.

Mary Hello!

Most excellent!

May peace be with you.

Your friend, door

Hey Mary,

Age is just a "State of Mind".  I'm 55, but still think like a 16 year old.  You are going to bring valuable insight to all the soldiers suffering from physical trauma, and mental trauma.  I applaud you for getting back into nursing and changing specialities--surgery and trauma.  My mom was an RN, one of my sisters is a Charge Nurse in the ER, and her daughter is graduating from Nursing School in June.  It takes a very special person to become a nurse.  My mom always told me to be one, and I told her, that's just not me, Mom, I couldn't handle it.  I'm sending you a PM so be on the lookout for it.

Love,

Mimi Z

Mary,

What a wonderful gift you're going to bring to the men and women who'll be receiving your care!! I'm so excited for you to have this opportunity and for our men and women who will benefit from it!!!

AWESOME!!!

And may God Bless YOU!!!

Reta

Mary:

I have a ways to go, but have taken the first steps and look forward to being part of the healing process for these young men and women. 

  You're  AWESOME, Mary!!!!

Mary:

Any prayers for strength, endurance and knowledge are appreciated.

  You're in my prayers [still]!!

 God bless you Mary.  I think what you are doing is wonderful.  You go girl.