"The Nurse” featured in The Morning Journal is a soul-stirring testament to the power of love to sustain us through even the darkest of times and will resonate with anyone caring for a loved one with dementia. Jill and Jim’s journey is a celebration of the human spirit, a reminder that even when memories fade, the heart never forgets.
This poignant story, as emotionally resonant as "Still Alice" and "The Notebook," celebrates the unbreakable bonds of love and the resilience of the human spirit. "The Nurse" reminds us that even when memories fade, the heart never forgets.
The Nurse Novel by Joyce Kostakis is available on Amazon via kindle and paperback.
"The Nurse" - From Award-Winning Short Film to Novel
The Short Film:
An award-winning short film shot in North Ridgeville, "The Nurse" became a heartwarming community event that brought together local talent and businesses. Real-life married couple Cathy and Ed Houston from Grafton took the leading roles, bringing authentic chemistry to this touching story. The residents of Ridgefield subdivision volunteered as extras, and local favorite JoJo Carloni's Restaurant opened their doors for filming key scenes. The film has garnered multiple awards at various film festivals, celebrating not just the story but the spirit of community collaboration.
The Novel:
Building on the success of the short film, "The Nurse" expands into a deeply moving novel that follows Jill and Jim Bish's journey through love and loss. When Jim is diagnosed with dementia, their world shatters. As his primary caregiver, Jill faces the devastating challenges of watching her beloved husband's memories slip away. Yet even as daily tasks become monumental challenges, she refuses to give up on their love.
With support from a memory care group, Jill navigates this heart-wrenching journey with resilience and unwavering devotion. But when painful secrets from Jim's past surface, she must confront difficult truths that challenge everything she thought she knew about their relationship. In a bittersweet twist, as Jim forgets their married life together, he falls in love with Jill all over again, proving that love transcends even the devastation of memory loss.