The Lifesaver... Not the Edible Ones

Well, I am two "business days" away from finishing my second year of college. More specifically, I have two finals until I am able to say "Im on summer!" The past few weeks have been absolutely crazy. The past year has been insane, really. Filled with hardships, excitement, new relationships, finding out who my true friends are, good memories, times I want to forget... the list goes on and on. And I feel each thing, each trial, each excitement, has brought me to where I am today. Do I wish things had gone differently? Yes. Do I regret some decisions I made this year? Maybe. But its over. Almost. Its been a challenge both socially and academically. I have thrown everything I have into my schoolwork, with little rewards sometimes. I have grown discouraged and questioned what Im doing with my life several times this semester. Ive never been so unclear with what Im doing and where Im going. Its frightening. And especially for little control-freak me, its terrifying. But I keep reminding myself that my life is not my own. My plan is not my own. As soon as I think I know where Im going, it all changes and heads in a different direction. Think God doesnt have a sense of humor? Meet me.... Ill prove He does.
Anyways. This week has just been draining. Like I said, the past few weeks have been exhausting, in all honesty. Im emotionally, physically, and mentally spent. Currently, I feel the best place for me to be is home. Home with my family, who I loves me and accepts me for what I am. I just have to get through these two finals for four months of bliss. Given, this summer will not be all pops and giggles, or whatever that saying is.... I have a lot to do. Some of it Im dreading, but some of it Im absolutely thrilled for. Two finals.... two finals.... a whole lot of packing and a whole lot of cleaning.... then HOME.
I had mentioned last week was hard, maybe more than once, I believe. I had so much to do, presentations, reports, homework, reading, studying, essays, finals... The list just never ends sometimes. I was so grateful for Friday afternoon. So grateful to be done that day... even though I feel like my last final of the day was dreadful, I was grateful it ended. Grateful for what my night held. Sure all of this may be important, but its not what this blog is about. My Friday night brings me to what this blog is about.
I know I mention people sometimes in my blog, but I never truly embellish on them. This blog is going to be different. This blog is going to be filled with pride. Filled with honor. Filled with love.
Last night, I took a trip to Azusa. I met my brother-in-law and sister there, with my mom not far behind. The night was to celebrate my sister and her achievement of being inducted into the Honor Society of Nursing. I knew this was important, but to be completely honest, I had no idea how important it was. I laughed hysterically at the phonetically spelled namecard for my sister, "JOR-DAN-uh." I dont know why I found this so funny, but I laughed for several minutes about it. After looking at the silent auction, getting dinner, and eating dinner, the night finally began. Several different women spoke. Scholarships and awards were handed out. The whole time this went about, I sat thinking My sister deserves an award. Shes unique. Shes special. Theyre privileged to have her in their program. She deserves recognition for her hardwork and loving nature for everyone she encounters. But I kept my mouth shut and continued listening to the names being called for awards.
My sister pointed to an older woman, aged around 80, and informed us shes very important in the world of nursing and even has an award named after her. Ooooo, we were very impressed. Actually, I barely understood what she was saying but I widened my eyes and nodded in acknowledgment. A few minutes later, they announced the award, sponsored by that lady. The Phyllis Ellinger award."The first recipient has a 3.82 GPA." Dang. This is nearly impossible to achieve in high school, let alone college, let alone nursing school! "She has wanted to be a nurse since she was a little girl, but got a little derailed on her track to nursing.." haha, thats Jordanna... "derailed on the nursing track"... "...when she was involved in a car accident as a child..." My mom and I both turned around, our eyes wide, to see my sister, hands folded in her lab, listening to the speaker, with a small, humble smile on her face. "The experience made her turn away from nursing, but she is back with a strong desire to possibly even return to the hospital she stayed in, to work as a nurse." She continued talking, my mom began tearing up, I couldnt smile any bigger, John was clearly proud, and my sister remained unaffected - "cool and collected" you could have called her. Her name was called and she walked up on stage to receive her award. I took pictures, which are kinda dark, so Ill have to lighten them... I dont know how... bleach? John took pictures too, so hopefully those turned out better. What a big deal though. This really was a big deal. She won the Phyllis award!
Then, she passed along the stage, being pinned and corded. Here she is post-pinning-and-cording. (Sorry its a little far away...)
I am so proud of my sister I cannot even explain. She is incredibly intelligent. She is kind and welcoming. She is accepting of all people, regardless their looks, beliefs, or personalities. She shows a love for creation that is purely rare. She is unique. She is beautiful. She is talented. She used to be afraid of the vaccuum when she was little, but I would never ever trade her for a sister who wasnt afraid of the vaccuum. Shes gifted.... in so many ways. Shes humble, never boastful, never prideful. She says she is blessed, but truly, she is a blessing to anyone who comes in contact with her.
A girl spoke about the importance nurses have, as Christians. How they have the ability to, not only, physically help the person, but spiritually. She told a story about how a girl asked her why she was the only nurse who truly loved her mom. It was because she was a Christian and because God loves her mom. I know my sister will have tons of stories like this. She already has a few. Its these qualities, these traits, that made her unique and valuable.
My sister will save lives. She will do it through her nursing knowledge. She will do it through her love for them, because they are Gods creation. She will save so many lives. With her actions. With her words. With her love. If this all seemed "sweet, but kindof unrealistic" you havent met my sister. Plain and simple. This is my sister. My sista from the same motha. My sista from the same Father. He is the One who has given her these abilities. And every day, she gives Him the glory for it. That is why she will save lives. That is why she will make a difference.
So I had a hard week. So I had a hard few weeks. It didnt matter. It was Jordannas night. It was a night to celebrate her achievements. I wanted to be there. I wouldnt have missed it for anything. Good job sister. Im proud of you! And youre almost DONE!!! =)