We were lucky to catch up with Thelma Ekezie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Thelma, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

Heartwarming stories are ones that you think of that bring on a smile or a rush of warmth within. While in nursing school, I worked as a patient care assistant (PCA) and got to experience that warmth as a result of my encounter with a very kind man.

Working nights at the hospital as a PCA was the best thing for me while in school. I went to school by day and got to study while at work, by night. In this job, I always prioritized showcasing what I was taught by my parents: kindness, empathy, and efficiency. I always made it my mission to showcase these qualities no matter what kind of day I was having because the patient who had to be in the hospital more than likely had things worse. On a particular night at work, I was caring for one of my patients and getting them ready for bed following their surgery early that morning. This patient was pleasant, with the best sense of humor and very charming. When he should have been asleep we chatted about life and everything in between. I educated him about things here and there, as we touched on a number of topics. Out of the blue he looked at me and said, “Is this all you want to do in life? You’re so smart and so kind.” I remember smiling and saying no, and that I was in nursing school and had a year left in the program. This drew his attention almost immediately. “Nursing school? Where do you go and what are your grades like?” I answered all his questions detailing specifically that I had a pretty high GPA. He was impressed to say the least. He went on to ask me if I had ever applied for scholarships. I told him yes, explaining that a particular well known scholarship foundation repeatedly denied me — despite me having the grades and everything else they stipulated as conditions that needed to be met. I went on and on about it, but recall that I was rambling and he needed to go to bed. As I attempted to wrap up the conversation and allow him to get some rest he stopped me before I headed out the door. “Hey Thelma, do me a favor. Write your name, phone number, and address for me.” I remember looking at him and wondering if I should be concerned that he wanted such personal information from me or should I allow God to lead and trust in him. I chose the latter and gave him the information trusting that God would guide and protect me. I said my goodbyes the following morning as he got discharged, fully aware that I’d likely never see him again.

Two weeks later, my time with him far behind me — I was at a clinical rotation for school when I received a phone call. I didn’t recognize the number, so initially I didn’t pick up the phone assuming that if it was important they’d leave me a voicemail. Voicemail they in fact left.
“Hi Thelma, this is ______ with ______ foundation calling. If you could give me a call back at your earliest convenience I’d appreciate it.”
My heart began pounding because it was the same scholarship foundation that had denied my application many times before. With hands shaking and my anxiety through the roof, I excused myself from my clinical rotation and called back. The response I heard after the phone call was answered sent me into a fit of joyful tears.

“Hi Thelma. Thanks so much for calling me back. My name is ______ and I’m with the _____ scholarship foundation. I am calling because one of our donor’s got a hold of us two weeks ago insisting we explain why we denied you the scholarship as he believed you were so deserving. He spoke highly of you and your empathetic nature, the way you took care of him, your kind eyes, and beautiful dimpled smile. He specifically stated that you were the kind of soon to be nurse we needed in the field. He insisted that we right what was clearly our wrong. I’d like to do that today. On behalf of this foundation and the three times you were denied the $1000 grant, I’d like to write you a check for $3000. You are the type of nurse that we want to provide aid to and need in this world. I only hope that these funds can help make that happen. We are so sorry for denying you and are so happy to right this grave mistake.”

Kindness and doing the right thing no matter who’s watching (something my mom said constantly growing up) — will always do the spirit good.

Speaking of doing the spirit good… Remember that rush of warmth feeling that I shared at the start of this heartwarming story? Yes, that one. Let’s just say that feeling presented itself that day tenfold through the tears and gratitude to God for his grace. & it stays with me always, especially when I share this story with others.

Thelma, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Thelma Ekezie and I am a registered nurse and writer/content creator for withlovethelms.com. I have been in the field of nursing for three years and writing since I was 10 years old. What I believe sets me apart in a field saturated by wonderful giving individuals, is my tenacity and desire to educate my patients in all stages of their health. Knowledge is power and it has always been my belief that who so ever receives the teaching from the teacher, will absorb it and be able to teach the next person. In that, knowledge continues and reaches the masses. Additionally, with my love for writing — I am able to touch on topics that appeal to women around the world with regards to relationships, mental health & wellness, and everything that comes with being a woman in today’s world. I’m most proud of precepting new nurses and equipping them with the skills to be the best nurse to every individual they encounter, no matter the setting or circumstance. I am also equally proud of creating a website that is tailored to the woman and for the woman.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I’d always chose the profession of nursing because it allows me to be personable all while helping the people I encounter in the best way I know how. I wouldn’t change my journey here, not for a second.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

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Contact Info:

• Website: withlovethelms.com
• Instagram: @withlovethelms
• Facebook: With Love, Thelms
• Twitter: @withlovethelms

Image Credits
@withlovethelms + @tiffanycouture.co + @juliagutierrezphoto