Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing - Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

Page 13 text:

Lift Up 'Your Eyes with a hutcherfknife stuck into it, and an empty milk bottle. The bed- room was in no better condition as the bed clothes were strewn on the floor. There was only one thing to do and that was to try to clean up this messy place and get a fire started in the stove-as it was indeed a bitter cold day. I asked the girl to sweep the floor while the boy took out the ashes, and brought in some wood. Wliile they were doing this I fixed up the bedroom somewhat and then built a ire. Wliile I cleaned up the table, reset it with a plate and a cup for each, and got the scanty noon day meal readygwhich consisted of bread, butter, jelly, warm milk and some fruit which I had brought with me, the children washed their hands, and wiped them on the gi1'l's dresses, as there were no towels. They then scampered into the bedroom to comb their hair- their conversation was as follows: Wl1zrt is this lady come for? She sure is pertieler. My we ain't had the floor swept for months, sis-have we? An' just think she heated the milk-she's from the hospital. They always wear them kind of dresses there, and they always drink warm milk. -They did not agree on this, however-but came out to eat their noon day meal. I asked if they ever said a prayer before meals and the oldest replied, No, hut if you will tell us one we'll remember an' always say it - Yes we will -chimed in the other two. So we said a prayer before we ate our frugal meal. According to the children, Mrs. A the mother-went Nrnost every day to some party and was very seldom home for meals. The children would get their own meals and many days they had to udrink milk with ice on it. Before they went to school the smallest girl came over to me, looked up into my face and said, Did jesus send you over? I guess He knows how cold we are. There are many such homes-especially in the large cities and the question comes' to us with striking force-whose is-the responsibility? Is it not the responsibility of the church to protect the ehildrenfto save them from going down the ladder? Is it not also our responsibility to teach the mother and father their responsibility? Is it not your ref sponsihility and mine to help the city mission worker in her work? Page Eleven

Page 12 text:

Lift Up 'Your Eyes 1, Mrs. had devoted her life to the boarding of little children and to mothering them, for she loves children dearly, but upon losing her hearing she had to give this up, much to her sorrow. She had saved enough money so that she could provide herself with food and this meagre onefroom basement flat, and thus is not dependent upon charity. The only ones who come to see her besides myself are an old lady acquaintance and the grocery man. Where are all the children she once mothered and cared for? Gone, and how soon they have forgotten her! How she would appreciate seeing some one of them! My visits with her are different from other visits, in that I converse with her by writing that which I have to say to her and she then answers. just recently she referred to my first visit to her on that dark rainy day- and with tears trickling down her wrinkled yet kind face she said: It made me so glad. There are many such old ladies who do not ask for temporal help- but would so appreciate a smile, a word of cheer and a little visit. Are there any in your community? Can you spare a few moments to bring a Bit of sunshine? Wlio Is Responsible? One very, very cold clay, I received word that M1's. A. in -- street needed help, so I set out to investigate. I knocked at the front door, there was no responseg I knocked at the back door-and there was no response. I looked around and it appeared to me that I must be mistaken as to the place, as it had all the appearances of being empty. Thinking that the neighbor might be able to give me some enlightenment I went over there-but the only answer I got was I really couldn't tell you. I never associate with my neighbors. just as I was about to leave, three children ranging from seven to twelve years of age made their appearance. They were Mrs. Afs children. They took the key out of a crevice and opened the door. I asked if I might come in and they said 'kYes. Once inside I saw a much neglected homeg stockings, shoes, and papers were strewn on the floor. Cn the kitchen table were the remnants of the previous meal, a few slices of bread partly eaten, scattered over it, a jar of jelly, a pound of butter Page Ten

Page 14 text:

Lift Up 'Your Eyes The Parish Deaconess A few of the privileges inf eluded in the life of a Deaconess and especially the parish sister are the many and varied opportunities she has in administering to the sick, comforting the sorrowing, and helping the needy-and in doing this she has the door opened to her by which she brings these souls closer to the Master. She is often needn't come to I'rn too far gone, of this Jesus you In . - . p -af-1' '1:: ' JP., f- - 7 -:la . S' ' ' ,, ,A .I ,V ' QQ,- , f - 'bl met with you pray for me- I have no need speak of- and yet often, very often these same individuals greet her later with a cheery HI am so glad you came -won't you read a message to Deaconess Magdalene Klippen Page Twelve si Deaconess Lillian Groh me from God's Word? Thanks for your prayer and singing. Thanks for your kindness in help' ing me. Come again. God bless you, dear Sister. She comes home late at night but happy-for hers has been the privilege to visit a dying patient who was hungry to hear the Word of God and longing for eternal life in heaven. Hers too has been the privilege to bring comforting words to several members of a family who have just had a dear one taken from them, messages strengthening their faith and hope for eternal joy through the merits of our Savior jesus Christ.