There was a bit of hustle and bustle in the air and on the streets of Poplar and especially around Nonnatus House where pre-holiday cheer meets the quiet and tranquil moments of reflection during the advent season. Sister Julienne restocked her work bag in the work room replacing tools and supplies and putting the used items in the autoclave to be cleaned later that afternoon. After a short stop in the chapel to intercede blessings for the new life she had just assisted into the world. She retreated to her office for some much needed time of reflection.
Holiday preparations are well underway here at Nonnatus House. Nurse Noakes is keeping herself and the young children of Poplar busy with preparations for the Annual Nativity Play. Nurse Lee and Sister Evangelina have been busy attempting to improve the living situation of Mrs, Jenkins, a rather care worn member of our community. She seems to be thriving under Nurse Lee's tender care. Nurse Lee has also taken on the project of finding out what happened to Mrs. Jenkin's family after being mistaken by her for her daughter Rosie. Her determined dedication to her patients yet again showing through. In this case however it seems to be doing them both some good.
Sister Julienne closed her journal and began the paperwork she needed to get done before it was time to get ready for dinner.
It was several days before the sister in charge could once again open her journal. By this point she definitely had thoughts to put into writing. In hindsight the exercise truly helped her to take a deeper look at the events of the past few days.
It seems like yet again when it rains it pours. Here at Nonnatus House in this case it happens both literally and figuratively. A burst pipe ruined the costumes for this year's Nativity Play which caused some stress amongst those in our midst, especially Nurse Noakes, and this came just after learning that the Mayor was to attend this year's production. We have also had an unexpected first at our house, in the form of an abandoned newborn which was left on our front stoop and gave nurses Franklin and Miller quite a scare several days ago. The infant as since been identified and reunited with its mother. It was decided that anxiety and immaturity in the situation were what caused the child to be abandoned and no charges of endangerment have been filed.
Nurse Lee was quite successful with her research and able to bring Mrs. Jenkins some much needed closure as to the fate of her family. Mrs. Jenkins has shown her gratitude by volunteering her sewing skills to assisting in making replacement costumes for the Nativity Play. The production was a great success and was throughly enjoyed by all. Including the Mayor. The holiday season often has a way of bringing with it, it's own surprises. A little something to remind us of who is really in charge.
Sister Julienne closed her journal with a flourish and left her office. Pausing to glance out the window at the folks rushing to and fro she spoke "Merry Christmas, indeed!" then continued on to join the others in the sitting room and their own holiday festivities.