Rounds
When it was my turn to be on call, I usually went to the hospital at least once on the weekends… to do rounds on our admitted patients. If I went on a Sunday, I loved taking my three young daughters with me.
They would be dressed in matching outfits and had their hair fixed up by their mom. I think they were ages three, five and six at the time. They were all very well behaved, as well as being very cute.
We arrived at the hospital parking lot, and then the four of us would go up the elevator. They each took turns pressing the buttons. When we exited the elevator onto the ward, there was a large nursing desk in the center. The nurses were very used to this routine and definitely loved these occasions. Sunday, in the late mornings, was best… Since all was fairly quiet and it was before visiting hours.
If the patients were well and would enjoy the visit, I’d bring the girls with me to say hello. They were very polite, and everyone we visited were very happy and seemed uplifted by the occasion. If a patient were very ill, or in any significant stress, the girls were left at the nursing desk to draw, color, or just talk to the staff.
The three of them reminded me of baby ducks following their mother. When we exited the elevator or walk down the halls, they would make a small parade behind me. The nurses love this. I remember, on at least one occasion saying to them “watch this”, and then proceeded to walk in circles or figure eights or any number of nonsensical patterns. True enough, they followed me step-by-step to the great delight of our audiences.
After rounds I take them for lunch… I think Taco Bell was one of their favorites. “Soft taco supreme with no hot peppers” please.
I’m one occasion, two other little girls, their cousins, joined us. There was me and five little girls… And I had to keep them entertained. After buying each of them a large wad of bubble gum that was shaped like a miniature hot dog we headed off to Willistead Manor. This is a 36 room mansion on a 15 acre park ,built in 1906 ,in the middle of Windsor. It was the home of Edward Chandler Walker, son of Hiram Walker of whiskey fame.
It is a cultural gem and is a perfect location for weddings, receptions and all manner of special events.
It has a very regal appearance, with a large a coach house. It’s all surrounded by a tall fence. It is very easy to drive around the entire circumference. This was in August……. I told the girls that this was a summer residence for Santa Claus Mrs. Claus and all the elves. The reindeer were kept very comfortable in the coach house.
As we approached, I asked him to be as quiet as possible, and to crouch down a bit because the Claus’s appreciated their privacy. As we drove by there were five pairs a little girls eyes peering over the base of the car windows. There of course were many oooh’s and aaah’s. I know it’s hard to believe, but there was no skepticism.
These excursions, looking back, were wonderful treats for the patients, for the hospital staff, the girls ….but most especially for me.