Beyond Graceland's Gates

Chapter 5 - A New Beginning

Graduation day was a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and the overwhelming feeling that my life was about to change forever. As I stood on the stage in my crisp white uniform, I glanced at my parents—James and Catherine—sitting in the audience. My father, always the stoic mechanic, had a look of pride I hadn't seen often. My mother wiped away tears as I received my diploma, her eyes shining with emotion.

After the ceremony, we gathered outside. Clara rushed over, her red hair bouncing as she threw her arms around me. "We did it, Vic! Can you believe it?" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

"I still can't believe it," I admitted, hugging her back. "Feels like just yesterday we were struggling to understand those anatomy textbooks."

Clara laughed. "And now look at us, all official and ready to take on the world. Or at least Memphis Baptist Memorial Hospital!"

My parents approached, and my mother immediately pulled me into a tight hug. "We're so proud of you, Victoria," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I always knew you'd do something special with your life."

"Thanks, Mom," I said, my throat tight with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you and Dad."

James stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm but affectionate. "You've worked hard for this, Victoria. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

I smiled, looking at both of them, grateful for their unwavering support. "I won't, Dad. I promise."

Clara's family joined us for pictures, and soon we were all wrapped up in the moment, the future so full of promise. But as much as I celebrated, I couldn't ignore the growing nervousness about what was next—my first real job as a nurse.

---

My first day at Memphis Baptist Memorial Hospital felt like stepping into a new world. The hospital buzzed with life, and everywhere I looked, nurses and doctors moved with purpose, the sound of machines beeping in the background. Clara and I were assigned different floors, which made me feel a little more isolated, but we promised to meet up during breaks.

I took a deep breath as I reported to the general medical floor. My supervisor, Nurse Margaret Davis, was a no-nonsense woman in her fifties with graying hair and a sharp gaze. She showed me the ropes, her words quick but kind.

"Victoria, you'll be responsible for the patients in rooms 304 through 308. Check their vitals regularly, and don't hesitate to call for help if you need it. Understand?" Nurse Davis asked, handing me a clipboard.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, my heart racing. The weight of the responsibility hit me hard. These weren't just cases in a textbook anymore; these were real people who depended on me.

One of my first patients was Mrs. Thompson, an elderly woman admitted for complications related to diabetes. As I took her vitals, she gave me a weak smile and reached out to grab my hand.

"Thank you for being here," she said softly, her voice barely a whisper.

Her gratitude caught me off guard. "It's my pleasure, Mrs. Thompson. How are you feeling today?"

"Better now that I'm not alone," she replied, her hand still holding mine. "You have a kind face, dear. You remind me of my daughter."

Her words warmed my heart. "I'll be here whenever you need me," I promised. And in that moment, I realized that being a nurse wasn't just about medical knowledge. It was about compassion, about being there for people in their most vulnerable moments.

Later that day, I met up with Clara during our lunch break. We sat outside, the sun shining down as we ate our sandwiches.

"How's your first day going?" Clara asked, taking a bite of her apple.

"Exhausting," I admitted with a laugh. "But rewarding. I already had a patient tell me I remind her of her daughter."

Clara grinned. "See? You're a natural. You've always had that caring side. Me, on the other hand? I'm just hoping I don't drop another bedpan."

I burst out laughing, feeling the tension of the day melt away. "It's going to be fine. We're going to be great nurses."

"That's the spirit!" Clara raised her soda can in a mock toast. "Here's to us, the future of Memphis healthcare."

We clinked our drinks together, but despite the lighthearted moment, my mind kept drifting back to Mrs. Thompson and the patients I would meet in the days to come.

---

That night, I walked home under the soft glow of the Memphis streetlights, the distant hum of music still ever-present in the air. As I gazed up at the stars, I felt a deep sense of peace. I had found my calling, my purpose. The city still held its dreams, but I was no longer just reaching for them—I was living them.

As soon as I got home, my parents were waiting for me, eager to hear about my first day. My mother placed a plate of pie in front of me, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"So, how was it?" she asked, sitting across from me.

"Busy, exhausting, overwhelming," I said between bites, "but amazing. I met a patient who reminded me of Grandma. She grabbed my hand and thanked me just for being there."

Catherine smiled, her eyes misty. "That's what it's all about, sweetheart. You're making a difference."

My dad chimed in from his chair. "First day nerves out of the way now?"

I nodded. "I think so. I'm still figuring things out, but I'll get there."

"I know you will," he said, pride evident in his voice. "We've always known you'd do something important."

I smiled at both of them, grateful for their encouragement. We spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing, the warmth of family surrounding me as the night stretched on.

---

The next day at the hospital, I was settling into my routine when I overheard a group of nurses chatting by the break room. One of them, a young woman named Betty, was practically bouncing with excitement.

"Did you hear?" Betty whispered, her eyes wide. "Elvis Presley was just admitted to the hospital for exhaustion. He's been working himself too hard."

My heart skipped a beat, and I froze in place. Elvis Presley? Here, at Memphis Baptist? The boy from down the road—the same one I had heard sing so many years ago—was now a global sensation. And now, he was just a few floors away.

Nurse Davis must have noticed my reaction because she raised an eyebrow as she passed by. "You alright, Victoria? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am, I'm fine."

But as I continued my rounds, my mind kept drifting back to that piece of news. Would I see him? The thought sent a jolt of excitement through me, but also a flutter of nerves. Life had a funny way of bringing people together, and I couldn't help but wonder if our paths were about to cross.