It was June 1987 when two new nurses, fresh out of college, found themselves working on the same unit (7 South, Inpatient Oncology) at Beaumont, Royal Oak. What they didn’t know was this was the beginning of an incredible 35-year friendship.
“I grew up in a small town and have always been social and love being around people,” said Norma Spryszak, RN. “I rented my first apartment and was so lonely living by myself that I asked openly at work if anyone would like to move in with me.”
Julie Shingler, RN, also a graduate nurse at the time, still lived with her parents and decided to take Norma up on the offer.
Jumping at the opportunity to make a new friend and gain some independence, Julie describes those early days in their friendship as times she will always treasure.
“Norma and I connected instantly,” Julie said. “We had a one-bedroom apartment with a pull-out couch and made enough money to pay rent, our car payments and our fun money. There were many times we worked a double shift, came home and slept until we had to get up the next day. We kept each other going during those stressful times and overall had the best times together.”
From then on, Norma and Julie were inseparable. They have been through many of life’s big moments together: weddings, births, deaths and moves. Julie was Norma’s maid of honor, and Norma’s two grown boys still call her “Aunt Julie.”