One cold, miserable day, I decided to drive up to the Alfred
Hospital. It stands only five minutes from the school where I taught, and as I watched
the rear of the car in front, I wondered why, on this day, I felt
compelled to visit this place.
The new parking area was in full use, and it made me remember
the trouble my mother had finding space in previous
years. Sometimes you were lucky enough to be in the right place
at the right time, but more often than not, there would be a
long walk through Fawkner Park ahead of us. And the car lacked
air-conditioning, so after hours baking in the hot sun, it seemed
like an oven for much of the trip home. This made me feel more
queasy and Mum's day even more unpleasant.
I walked up towards the new entrance, and couldn't help but
notice the variety of people walking in either direction.
There were three young nurses, chatting and giggling their way
to the park for lunch. I thought of the nurses that were so
important to me, and the duties that they performed. Apart from
all of the obvious things that nurses do, their cheeriness is so
important, especially in wards where depression can be catching.
The confidence of position could be seen in the stride of two
young doctors who entered the hospital. An elderly lady with
a bandaged ankle and a walking stick looked up as they hurried
past. She had spent a great deal of time at this place. I could
see it in her eyes.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8