Monday, March 30, 2009

Mercy San Juan Hospital Memorial



DJ Lucena

Welcome and Opening words –

Welcome. We’ve come here today to remember and celebrate DJ Lucena and the life she lived with us – the friendship, the warmth, the love, and the laughter she shared. We celebrate her and the grace so evident in her life.

For those of us who work in a hospital or healthcare, sometimes we can become a little bit like warriors out fighting all these battles against the illnesses, disease, and traumas that happen to folks – mostly folks out there, outside of the hospital. When we lose one of our own though, one of us, we are faced square on with the fact of how human we all are. Not so much warriors, but just people doing our best to help, trying to manage the difficulties of our own lives, celebrating the joys and successes, and hoping to keep the illness, disease and trauma “out there” if at all possible. But it isn’t always possible, we know.

Still, we get exposed to pain, heartache and loss so often, that we can develop thick skins of a sort. But when we lose someone close to us, one of us, it’s hard to stay so “thick-skinned.” We are all human, all part of this mysterious enterprise called life. And being warriors doesn’t change the fact that the illness, disease, and trauma can knock on our doors also. So today, at least for a few moments, instead of warriors, we get to be human, let ourselves have “thin-skins”, to allow ourselves smiles, laughter and joy, and to allow ourselves tears as we remember DJ and the life she shared with us here.

And probably that’s what DJ would have wanted anyway, I think. She loved life. For those of you that knew DJ, she was a wonderful and fascinating person. A great mixture of the traditional and the non-traditional (and we’ve tried to reflect that today): responsible and hard-working nurse, a Belly-dancer, dedicated at home, yet interested in travel and other cultures and languages – (so we have World music playing). That wonderful mixture was so uniquely DJ. And we will miss it – we already miss her.

In remembering DJ today, we get to celebrate the wonder of humanity, the passion, the hard-work, the creativity, the fun, the play, the love – all of these things and more, that DJ so wonderfully lived and shared with us.

March 25 2009 Rold, Ericksen & Dittmer MSJ Spiritual Care Department



After this warm welcome, there were many kind words said. And written.

Here are some of the written ones:


To DJ’s family – DJ was an extraordinary nurse in the Emergency Department. She was very dedicated, and had unbelievable energy. We appreciate her commitment to Mercy. May she rest in peace. (can’t read signature)

Inspirational! Fun! Caring!- Can’t believe you had to leave us. Love XOXO _____

Her smile! We are a team

Vivacious – vibrant

C’est la Vie? DJ - A Bright Light – You will always shine! Love ya Karen B & Chante

Energy Joy Indomitable will. We’ll miss you, DJ!

Thanks for the joy, laughter, and dedication. Your ER Docs

DJ’s “Tumor Humor” was worthy of Gilda Radner – she was a pro!

Dear DJ or Deej – Thank you for all the caring, encouraging patience, fun, love, and “kid in the ___”

I think my memories of Paris, your singing at my sister’s service, your smile, your twinkly eyes, and my ___ ___! Dance on, DJ! Love Rea ___

I will always remember your smile, enthusiasm, willingness to help. Your zest for life was incredible. I’ll miss you very much O___ P___

Her bubbly personality

DJ was a great mentor and made me want to be a better nurse. She was always willing to help and teach and I will never forget that.

Thank you

DJ you were a good nurse and perfect for the ED.I loved it when yo were in charge ‘cause I know all things would get done. Keep smiling Colleen

Dedicated, loving, compassionate – she had the heart of a servant – Tracy

DJ how could we ever forget you – you are always in our hearts – Ursula XX

You still live in everyone’s heart and head – Liz

Give her roller skates and she could run the new ER!! Candace

Your loving craziness

DJ - I will always remember your amazing love of people and life - Patti Pink

I will always remember: DJ, the teacher ACLS, 12 lead __ __ cardiac alerts

I will miss you! You are and always will be our inspiration. An incredible nurse, amazing woman, and Special Being

DJ you make us all strive to be better at everything! Thank you!

Know music! Know life!!

Forever Remembered – DJ!

We will always have you with us

We are changed


On one poster they were asked to write one word about DJ:
Cheerful!
Positive!
Caring
Rememberable
Inspirational!
Full of life!
Fun loving!
Dynamic
Full of spunk!
Ms. Smiley
True nurse
Achiever 4 patients’ rights
Motivating
Supportive
Sweet

Vivacious
Memorable
Energetic



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