I am the nurse who played cards - Joyce

Joyce Murphy-Vandersommen, a surgical nurse and the nurse who played cards. Below is her story.

                            Joyce Murphy-Vandersommen

Yes, I was the nurse who played cards with a dying patient at night, my son. I would wake up in the morning and go to work and not have a free moment as I tried to heal and comfort someone else’s mother, father, son, sister brother and daughter. Knowing I was going to lose my own son, I still gave my all to yours.

I prayed and I cried with many patients and their families for those who did not make it. I comforted their families as my own heart was breaking for I felt their pain. Yet once again I would play cards with that young man, my youngest son I could not save.

                                  Ryan Vandersommen

One year later it was those card playing nurses who resuscitated my husband three times in hopes to keep him alive until I could get to him to say goodbye. I didn’t make it for I was caring for someone else’s love of their life while I lost mine.

Before you speak offensive words remember you know not the battles and the demons we live with. You or your loved ones will need us one day. Although you have offended us and belittled us we will answer the call and leave the ones we love to care for the ones you love.

I thank God for the nurses who did all they could and promise I will continue to do all I can.

                             Timothy Vandersommen

               Tim and Ryan Vandersommen are buried together in                   Arlington National Cemetery

Robin Cogan,The Relentless Nurse