Christmas at a Navy Base Hospital - letter published in 1919
This one hundred year old uplifting Christmas letter was published in the 1919, edition of the American Journal of Nursing. I discovered the letter while doing a literature search for an entirely different topic. Although the author is identified only by initials, the caring personality behind the narrative remains and the spirit of the letter has transcended time. One hundred years has not changed the generosity experienced by giving when celebrating Christmas and the enthusiasm expressed by those who bring joy to others.
Title: Christmas at a Navy Base Hospital
Dear Editor: Reading in the December Journal (AJN), "She's In the Navy Now", I am reminded about my first Christmas spent at a Navy Base Hospital. With the holidays drawing near, the thought of "Home Sweet Home" seems to prevail in the camp; in fact, so strong is the feeling that one can see the exact length of leave printed in the expressions of the faces of the boys as you work with them on the wards from day to day; also, it is quite noticeable if leave, for any particular reason, has not been granted. We had a very strenuous two months in the influenza wards and when the opportunity to relax presented itself, everybody fell to and a real christmassy Christmas was planned for the boys who were left behind. Our new recreation hall was so near completion that a favorable word from the Commanding Officer was all that was necessary to put it at our disposal. Securing an auto truck, two good wood choppers, an axe or two, and sharp knives, we started for the woods for holly and greens. Have you ever tried to find a particular spot in the southern part of Jersey? The roads are good traveling, which is one redeeming feature, for I'm sure we covered miles hunting the paces where holly grows, as described to us, and we felt somewhat like the Nanny who, when asked why she would not ride on the merry-go-round, said, "Why, child, you pays your money and you rides and rides and rides, when you gets off, where have you been?" So, we, too, found ourselves very nearly back at the camp, after a good hours run. It was great sport, trimming the wards, and recreational hall, and boys who had looked forward to no Christmas tree and no holly began to sit up and take notice once more. I shall never forget the variety of opinions expressed and the suggestions offered and while it was not wise to act on them all, here and there, an idea was used to great advantage. Christmas Eve was the best ever for some of the boys; we popped corn and strung it for the tree, spun tops until about dizzy ourselves and tooted toy horns, a signal for everybody to gather in the recreation hall. They came, the lame and the halt. For the first time in my short life in the Navy, rules and regulations were put on the shelf and "Carry On" was the pass word for the remainder of the evening. After movies- Navy punch, cookies, and candy were served, then a present for everybody from the tree. Some one started to play, "Over There", "It's a Long Way to Berlin,", etc., and lost in song and smokes, the miles separating the boys from home and home folks were forgotten, for the time being. E. B..S.
Title: Christmas at a Navy Base Hospital
Dear Editor: Reading in the December Journal (AJN), "She's In the Navy Now", I am reminded about my first Christmas spent at a Navy Base Hospital. With the holidays drawing near, the thought of "Home Sweet Home" seems to prevail in the camp; in fact, so strong is the feeling that one can see the exact length of leave printed in the expressions of the faces of the boys as you work with them on the wards from day to day; also, it is quite noticeable if leave, for any particular reason, has not been granted. We had a very strenuous two months in the influenza wards and when the opportunity to relax presented itself, everybody fell to and a real christmassy Christmas was planned for the boys who were left behind. Our new recreation hall was so near completion that a favorable word from the Commanding Officer was all that was necessary to put it at our disposal. Securing an auto truck, two good wood choppers, an axe or two, and sharp knives, we started for the woods for holly and greens. Have you ever tried to find a particular spot in the southern part of Jersey? The roads are good traveling, which is one redeeming feature, for I'm sure we covered miles hunting the paces where holly grows, as described to us, and we felt somewhat like the Nanny who, when asked why she would not ride on the merry-go-round, said, "Why, child, you pays your money and you rides and rides and rides, when you gets off, where have you been?" So, we, too, found ourselves very nearly back at the camp, after a good hours run. It was great sport, trimming the wards, and recreational hall, and boys who had looked forward to no Christmas tree and no holly began to sit up and take notice once more. I shall never forget the variety of opinions expressed and the suggestions offered and while it was not wise to act on them all, here and there, an idea was used to great advantage. Christmas Eve was the best ever for some of the boys; we popped corn and strung it for the tree, spun tops until about dizzy ourselves and tooted toy horns, a signal for everybody to gather in the recreation hall. They came, the lame and the halt. For the first time in my short life in the Navy, rules and regulations were put on the shelf and "Carry On" was the pass word for the remainder of the evening. After movies- Navy punch, cookies, and candy were served, then a present for everybody from the tree. Some one started to play, "Over There", "It's a Long Way to Berlin,", etc., and lost in song and smokes, the miles separating the boys from home and home folks were forgotten, for the time being. E. B..S.
Labels: American Journal of Nursing
posted by Juliana L'Heureux at 11:20 PM
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