Celebrating National Nurses Week: Honoring the Heart of Healthcare

Hello, neighbors and friends,

This week, from May 6th to May 12th, we celebrate National Nurses Week, which concludes on May 12th — the birthday of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing. It’s a meaningful opportunity to honor the dedication, compassion, and invaluable contributions of nurses within our community and beyond.

Nurses truly are the backbone of our healthcare system and of our community’s well-being. They work tirelessly on the front lines – in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and even in our homes – to care for us in our moments of need. They heal bodies with medical skill and soothe souls with kindness, often all in the same moment.

In recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we've witnessed the heroism of nurses in action. They faced unprecedented challenges with courage and grace, often putting their own well-being on the line to care for others. Time and again, nurses have exemplified what it truly means to serve.

Many of us have a story of a nurse who made a difference in our lives, whether by offering expert care or a simple act of comfort during a tough time. Perhaps it was a nurse who stayed by your bedside through a long night, or one who calmed your child's fears during a clinic visit. Nurses see us at our most vulnerable, and they consistently rise to the occasion with empathy and strength.

In a community like Tallapoosa, we see the impact of nurses all around us. They might be the friendly face at a local clinic, the school nurse who cares for our kids when they scrape a knee, or the public health nurse organizing free screenings at the town fair. These professionals are not just healthcare providers – they're our neighbors and friends, always ready to step up and support those in need. That neighborly care, treating patients like family, is a big part of what makes our small town so special.

A Personal Connection to Nursing

My appreciation for nurses is also deeply personal. My wife, Heather, has devoted her career to caring for others – she began as an emergency room nurse and now serves as a nurse practitioner specializing in geriatrics. Through Heather, I've had a front-row seat to the challenges and triumphs that nurses experience every day.

I’ve also been fortunate to meet many of Heather’s colleagues over the years and hear their stories. Whether it’s an ER nurse describing the teamwork it takes to get through a tough night, or a home health nurse sharing how she builds trust with her patients, each conversation leaves me even more in awe of their dedication.

Heather has shared stories of her long ER shifts. There were nights she came home late, exhausted yet fulfilled, after helping save a life or comfort a worried family. Even now, as a nurse practitioner, she often goes above and beyond for her patients – making sure they feel heard, safe, and valued. Watching her over the years has shown me just how selfless and resilient nurses truly are.

I've seen Heather miss family dinners and even important events because a patient needed her, and she would drop everything without hesitation. I've watched her celebrate little victories – a patient’s pain finally easing, or a senior gaining strength – and I've seen her carry the weight of heartache when outcomes were not what we hoped. Through it all, her first concern has always been the well-being of others.

Heather once told me she pursued nursing because she loves helping people and wants to be a positive role model. Every day, I see that love in action. She brings compassion and patience to her patients, and still has so much warmth left to give when she comes home to our family. Her dedication inspires me and reminds me why supporting our healthcare workers is so important.

Seeing Heather’s devotion up close has deepened my gratitude not only for her, but for all nurses. It has made me acutely aware that behind every compassionate nurse is a story of hard work, personal sacrifice, and a deep commitment to service.

Gratitude to Our Nurses

During this National Nurses Week, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every nurse serving Tallapoosa and the surrounding communities. Your work may often go unseen by the broader public, but we feel its impact every day. You mend our wounds, listen to our worries, and provide comfort in our darkest hours. You are there for births, recoveries, and final moments alike – guiding families through each chapter of life with care and dignity.

To all the nurses working in hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes – thank you. To nurses in every role and specialty, from emergency care to elder care – thank you. And to the nurses who have touched my own life, especially my wife Heather – thank you from the bottom of my heart. Our city is healthier, safer, and kinder because of your dedication.

As a mayoral candidate and as your neighbor, I am in awe of what you do. This isn't about politics or policies; it's about recognizing the humanity and hard work behind the title of "nurse." I promise to always hold deep respect for our healthcare workers and to uplift those who uplift us. Nurses deserve not just our thanks this week, but our support and appreciation every day of the year.

I also encourage each of us in Tallapoosa to take a moment this week to thank the nurses in our lives. If you know a nurse – whether it's a family member, a friend, or someone who cared for you – please let them know how much they mean to you. A kind word, a note, or a quick message of gratitude can brighten a nurse's day, considering how much they give to others.

To the nurses of Tallapoosa: you are seen, you are valued, and you are cherished. From the Glass family to yours, Happy National Nurses Week! This week and always, we honor and celebrate you.

Joe Glass – The Clear Choice for Responsible Family-Focused Growth.