Sweetheart of the Month: Ruth Stirbu

Sweetheart of the Month

-Ruth Stirbu-

1) Please introduce yourself! We’d love to get to know you.

Hi all! My name is Ruth Stirbu. Born and raised in the lovely city of Chicago. Truth be told, I can’t really handle my city’s alter ego, Chiberia or it’s humidity in the summer, my hair’s worse enemy. With that said, I’m still here, working as a registered nurse. It is definitely one of the most rewarding things in life, being able to care and give compassion to people who desperately need it. I also hang out with someone who looks exactly like me, my twin Naomi. We do almost everything together, but we have quite a few differences. For instance, she LOVES spicy food, I tear the moment hot sauce touches my tongue. I am a firm believer in Christ, he’s continually shaping and refining my life. Forever grateful. My words love paper, one of my favorite ways of expressing myself. I absolutely love to travel and am filled with wanderlust, wish my career would permit me to take off more! I would constantly be traveling the world if I could. Yup, just a few things about me 🙂

2) We notice you are also a creative. What is one of your favorite creative projects and why?

Well I love to write, do crafts/DYI, and work on any projects that has to do with flowers. I love party planning as well! My twin and I double team on that. I have another sister, Esther who is a photographer and I get the chance to work with her, whether it be setting up stylized shoots or helping out as a second shooter.

3) What is your favorite piece of literature and why?

I don’t really read fictional, romance novels, or mystery books. I’m really drawn to writers that write on relatable topics and personal experiences. I love reading material that challenges me to think and expand my knowledge. I read many spiritual books as well.

4) The Sweetheart persona is all about kindness. Who has had the biggest influence in your life when it comes to being taught how to be “kind?”

My mother. She has a heart of gold. I’ve never met anyone so warming and welcoming. She is so selfless and always looking to help in any way she possibly can! I go on medical/missionary trips to Haiti and she begged to come with on the next one. She said, “Ruth I know I’m not a nurse or doctor, but I am a good cook. Let me come make food outside the clinics.” Oh my heart. She’s never looking for recognition, just loves serving others and spreading love. She definitely is my biggest influence.

5. The Sweetheart persona is all about being in good company. What is your favorite memory with your friends?

Some of my favorite memories are the ones that were the most trying ones. The ones that are messy and unpolished. When both sides are vulnerable and honest. It’s in those moments where I believe true bonds are formed. I am so blessed to have found true, deep connections like that.

6) What makes your heart beat? What do you believe in, stand for, and want to tell others about?

My faith. My life has had many ups, downs, wrong turns. It’s my faith in Christ that has held me and refined me to the person I am today. I love hearing stories of redemption, finding self worth and rediscovering yourself + happiness. I am a relational person, I love conversations where our histories form our sentences. Where our stories build each other up and we know that we’re not alone. I love that.

7) What do you do? And what led you to choose this path?

I’m a nurse. I always wanted to do something that I felt made a difference and nursing is exactly that. It’s a profession that never stops giving. As a nurse, not only do I take care of the physical needs of a patient, but I get to connect emotionally with them as well. It’s what we call, holistic care. Not many professions give you a chance to do that. I thank God for the opportunity I was given.