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Chapter Ninety-six
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Acts of Kindness
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With a basket of Christmas cards in her hand, Allie held the door for Elizabeth who was carrying the cookie platter, and they entered the Home for the Aged while Nathan parked the car.
Barbara Barrows greeted them in the entryway, happy to meet Elizabeth. She offered to hold the platter of cookies while Elizabeth shed her coat, then pointed to the coat racks. "Mrs. Thornton, Allie, let me introduce Miss Annie? She is the Director of the Home and has kindly allowed us to have services here each month. We missed last month, but hope to return to regular visits in the New Year. Miss Annie? Will you show them where to place their cookie platter?"
"Of course! Welcome to the Regina Home for the Aged." Miss Annie motioned for them to follow her, but froze as she saw a tall, handsome man enter with the bluest eyes she had ever seen.
Turning to see it was her father, Allie spoke up. "Miss Annie? This is my father, Staff Sergeant Major Nathan Grant. He is an instructor at Depot and is courting my former teacher here, Mrs. Thornton."
A bit dazed by Allie's father and confused by the differing last names, Miss Annie took a deep breath and welcomed the Sergeant, inviting them all to follow her to the dessert tables. "The food tables are in the back hallway behind that door that says 'Kitchen and Dining room.' We won't let the residents in there until after the concert. They will be excited to sing along so we don't want to distract them with the food!"
"Here, Elizabeth, let me carry the platter?" Nathan offered without taking time to remove his overcoat and following his ladies.
"Oh, this will be lovely!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she saw how many different platters and cookie choices would be available. "Every resident should find a favorite with this selection."
Laughing, Miss Annie agreed. "From here I can see a half-dozen of my favorites! Thank you for bringing these. Is your platter labeled? We don't want to have you inadvertently lose it."
Nathan spoke up. "A 'G' is scratched into the bottom, so that will distinguish ours from any other." He smiled at Miss Annie. "Tell me, please? How many residents live here in the Home?"
"Well, we can house approximately seventy to eighty residents at any given time. The variant is the number of men or women or married couples. There are a few double occupancy rooms, but most are small, single rooms located on the second and third floors. Although unusual for homes for the aged, we have less women than menfolk because we have former Mounties, although that may change as Headquarters is fully relocated. The men's section is on the second floor so that the women can feel secure. We've had wanderers in the past who are confused or feeble-minded. With two elevators we can accommodate residents who can no longer take the stairs."
Proud of her employer, Miss Annie led Nathan and Elizabeth into the main gathering room and, as Allie joined her friends, Miss Annie explained that the offices and individual rooms for the infirmary, the chaplain, the reading room and visiting rooms were all on the outer edges of the main floor in which they stood. We have full time medical staff and also have some Catholic nuns who are nurses." She walked Nathan and Elizabeth over to the library and showed them one of the reading rooms that was furnished like a formal parlor with an eclectic mix of furniture that appeared to have been donated when residents left their own homes. Paintings adorned the wall-papered walls, heavy drapes bordered the tall windows and knitted blankets were draped over every chair and settee they saw. The rooms held a homey charm if not an organized or coordinated design plan!
"Very nice." Nathan commented. "It looks as though this place may offer residents a family community and feel like a family home to them as well."
"Exactly, Sir. We are a family so when we lose someone it affects us all. That is one of the difficulties of working here. We become attached and well… you know… this world is not our home in reality…"
Elizabeth noticed Miss Annie was getting emotional, so reached out to touch her arm. "It must hold both sorrows and joys for you. And I imagine there is a great deal of history shared and even some humor?" Elizabeth smiled as she tried to redirect the conversation.
"Yes, and it is wonderful that you provide this type of special event so the residents can interact with young people as well. Do people ever volunteer to visit at other times or is it just family?" Nathan inquired, as an idea began to form in his mind.
"We have different churches bring their choirs or youth groups on different Sundays so the residents have services each week, and then we have events like this one for Christmas and Thanksgiving, Easter and a Summer picnic in the garden. Most visitors are family members though." Miss Annie explained. For those who don't have family any more or don't have local family, we have a few missionary societies whose ladies come during the week to visit one-on-one. We encourage interaction amongst the residents though as we cannot always depend on those from outside."
"I see." Elizabeth responded. "Well, I think today's program will be lovely for all the residents and staff to enjoy. Should we parents sit in a certain spot or intermingle with the residents?"
"If you are willing, sitting amongst them would be wonderful. I would just recommend you wait in the back for a while as some people have their favorite chairs!" Miss Annie giggled. "Just like a favorite pew in church! Once most of the folks are seated, I'll invite you visitors to find a place and join us, okay?"
"That sounds wonderful, Miss Annie." Elizabeth assured her. "Thank you for your information, but don't let us keep you from your responsibilities."
"Yes, thank you, Miss Annie. We will wait over there for now if that is alright?" Nathan nodded to a couple straight chairs along a back wall.
"Perfect. Thank you." Miss Annie bowed slightly. "Enjoy the program."
Allie had hurried to her friends and greeted them all. "Where do we stand?"
Jared spoke up and pointed to the baby grand piano where there was an empty space alongside. "We line-up there to sing, then afterwards disperse two-by-two to distribute the food and meet the residents. One person carries the platter and the other, hands out a cookie in a piece of folded paper. I'm not sure what the plan is for our greeting cards."
"Ah ha." Allie took in the information. "Thank you, Jared." Setting her basket on a small table behind the piano, Allie returned to her friends as Sally and Rachel arrived. She moved to stay near Jared and, since he was doing the same to be near Allie, they were certain to be close!
Approaching the group, Mr. B. gathered them together. "How was your concert last evening? I am sorry we were unable to attend."
Numerous giggly and excited voices contributed their opinions and what they had heard from their parents.
"It sounds like a success then! We have Miss Bell coming to lead you all while Mrs. B. plays the piano, so please follow her lead? Most of you are used to that anyway, right?" Steve Barrows, known to the students as Mr. B. stood and caught the eye of Rachel Bell who was entering the room from the double doors in the back. "Ah. Here she is."
"Hello dear young folks!" Rachel joined the young people. "Have you recovered from last evening? Wasn't it a wonderful success? I have all of you wonderful singers and musicians to thank. I was so impressed!"
"Thank you, Miss Bell, for leading us. It was really fun." Allie spoke up immediately.
"Yes." Jared added. "The program was beautiful and our parents are just as enthusiastic this morning as they were last night!"
"I am not surprised! Those who sang and played special numbers were wonderful. Now this afternoon, I have invited a couple of you to play instrumental pieces and I'm thinking that would be good background music while the refreshments are served. That also frees Mrs. Barrows to circulate. Today we will sing the traditional carols that most people know from singing them in church and in their homes at this time of year. Hopefully the residents will feel comfortable enough to sing along! We have only one special number right after Mr. Barrows concludes his message. Rachel and Ellie will sing a duet of 'In the Bleak Midwinter.' Thank you, ladies! We will sing for about three-quarters of an hour, but interspersed with Mr. Barrows reading some verses or sharing some thoughts." Rachel Bell looked around, then seeing that the room was filling rapidly, suggested how the young people should stand beside the piano.
It was no surprise to Elizabeth that Jared stood right behind Allie, but she hoped that Nathan hadn't noticed how that had happened. Elizabeth sometimes forgot that Nathan Grant was an observant Mountie and didn't miss much. He had seen, but chosen not to let it bother him! He and Elizabeth had been conversing with the Blake's, Ellwood Huntley and Jon Samuels as they waited for Miss Annie's direction.
After a welcome from Miss Annie, she invited the parents and visitors to find seats in the central section and as they did she explained the group was from Knox Presbyterian Church and they had brought refreshments for later in the afternoon. Once Miss Annie introduced Steve Barrows and his wife Barbara as the Youth Group leaders, Steve stepped forward, introduced Miss Rachel Bell and announced the first carol, "O Come All Ye Faithful."
Having found two chairs between two elderly gentlemen, Nathan and Elizabeth expressed quick hellos then listened to the young folks sing.
Steve Barrows read a Bible verse from the book of James. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (*52)
He continued. "This afternoon I would like to read a poem I have discovered that speaks of the greatest gift of Christmas."
Nathan thought nothing of it during the introduction, but suddenly inhaled sharply. He knew those words because he had written them.
Elizabeth glanced at Nathan with concern, but as she saw his cheeks color and his startled look, she immediately recognized this was one of Nathan's poems. She watched him until he glanced at her at which time she gave him a beatific smile.
Steve Barrows read.
"Good Gifts."
"The gifts may be on display for all to see,
bright twinkling stars or snow like feathers floating down,
or a welcoming lantern alight in the window of home.
They may be hidden gifts, wrapped in questions
or tied with ribbons of sorrow or pain—
the "good and perfect" in disguise.
They may be presents given, thoughtful and with love
to celebrate the greatest Gift, Jesus, who came to give us life.
So thankful, grateful and full of wonder." (*EMH)
Nathan shrugged at Elizabeth and in return offered his lop-sided smile, unaware that Allie had been watching him and noticed.
They all changed their focus to listen to Steve Barrows.
"God's gift of Jesus is truly our reason to celebrate Christmas. Although this is not a song we sing in our Sunday services, it was written long ago to convey Biblical truth in a symbolic or hidden way." Steve explained. "The young people will sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas" for us and afterwards I will explain their significance. Please enjoy." Steve stepped aside and the teenagers sang.
"On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree.
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Two Turtle Doves…
On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
3 French Hens…
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
4 Calling Birds…
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
5 Golden Rings…
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
6 Geese-a-Laying…
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
7 Swan-a-Swimming…
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
8 Maids-a-Milking…
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
9 Ladies Dancing…
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
10 Lords-a-Leaping…
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
11 Pipers Piping…
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
12 Drummers Drumming
11 Pipers Piping
10 Lords-a-Leaping
9 Ladies Dancing
8 Maids-a-Milking
7 Swans-a-Swimming
6 Geese-a-Laying
5 Golden Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree." (*53)
The residents applauded until Steve Barrows stood to speak again.
"Many consider this to be a fun holiday song but don't realize the origin or meaning behind this list of gifts. You see, long ago believers taught doctrine and reminders to their congregations using songs. For example in this song,
A Partridge in a Pear Tree reminds us of Jesus who hung on a wooden cross. Also, take note that a partridge will die to protect their young."
"2 Turtle Doves reminds us of the Old and New Testaments."
"3 French Hens stand for the virtues of Faith, Hope and Love as written about in first Corinthians chapter thirteen."
"4 Calling Birds represent the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John."
"5 Golden Rings reminds us of the Pentateuch, the Torah, which includes the first five books of the Old Testament."
"6 Geese-a-Laying stands for the six days of creation when God formed the world."
"7 Swans-a-Swimming. This reference is more difficult to figure out, but there are seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion."
"8 Maids-a-Milking. A milkmaid was a servant and Jesus blessed people of all circumstances in life. The eight types of people blessed in the Sermon on the Mount are: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake."
"9 Ladies Dancing are the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
"10 Lords-a-Leaping signifies ten judges, which allude to the Ten Commandments of the law."
"11 Pipers Piping stands for the eleven disciples that spread the Good News far and wide."
"12 Drummers Drumming represents twelve church doctrines found in the Apostles' Creed. Shall we repeat the Apostles' Creed together?" Steve looked around the room smiling and led as most of those present recited the Creed from memory.
"We have some special music prepared for you today." He nodded and Rachel Samuels and Ellen Blake stepped forward to sing, 'In the Bleak Midwinter.'
"In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart." (*53)
As they finished, Steve added. "Even if we don't have anything else to offer, we all can give our hearts to the Lord Jesus. Our young people will sing a few more carols for us now, beginning with 'We Three Kings.'"
After a few additional carols, Steve led a brief closing prayer that included giving thanks for the food. He then instructed the residents to please remain seated and they would be served various Christmas treats.
Nathan and Elizabeth turned to meet the two gentlemen seated on either side and were pleased to learn they were retired Mounties. When the elders learned that Nathan was also in the RCMP and Elizabeth was a Mountie widow, the gentlemen showed immediate appreciation, respect and interest.
Nathan pointed out his daughter who by then was making the rounds partnered with Jared who held the platter while Allie served a few cookies to each resident. The staff served small mugs of tea, making sure the residents had a table nearby to assist them as they ate. Once all the food was distributed, each of the young people took a handful of greeting cards and as they distributed them they conversed and showed interest in each elderly person. Although afterwards, Allie wasn't sure she had made a difference and felt she hadn't had any significant conversations, the elders were blessed. Just to have the attention and interest of these lovely teenagers did their hearts' good.
When Nathan and Elizabeth excused themselves to meet a few other residents, they were approached by Steve Barrows. "Sergeant Grant?"
Nathan turned and corrected Steve in a low voice. "Nathan is fine, please? No titles. How are you, Steve?"
"A little embarrassed, Nathan! Allie just informed me that you are the author of the poem I read, I had no idea! I guess the book by C.N. Grant is yours?" Not waiting for an answer, Steve continued. "A couple copies have been circulating amongst the church staff these past weeks, but the explanation of the authorship did not accompany the volume. Please pardon me for not mentioning you are the poet?"
Nathan smiled. "No pardon required. I am glad the poems are resonating with people and my authorship is not necessary. As a matter of fact I am a bit embarrassed that Ellwood Huntley has requested that I read one of my poems each Sunday rather than just reading them himself." Nathan shrugged, "By the way, today's program was lovely and it was good to be reminded of the significance of the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' song. Thanks for sharing that."
"You are welcome and thank you, Nathan." Steve added. "I will read your poetry more attentively now."
While Nathan had been speaking with the Youth Group director, Elizabeth had been approached by Johanna Blake. "Hello, Elizabeth. Lovely to see you today! Have you recovered from our noteworthy concert last evening?"
"I confess, I will be pondering that delightful event for a very long time. Your children sang so beautifully. I can almost be envious that you get to hear them practice frequently."
Laughing, Johanna, commented. "It doesn't sound as though you have children, Elizabeth! There is a particular parental challenge when your child takes music lessons, learns an instrument or prepares for a special concert. In the beginning, the squeaks and out-of-tune notes can cause us to cringe or groan, but the repetition when they get older can make you long for a dedicated, and sound proof, music room!" Still grinning, Johanna confessed. "Yet, that said, there are many times I love to hear them play and sing!"
Laughing, Elizabeth contributed as she turned aside. "Well, my son is still four, so the lessons haven't begun, but I do have some idea of your challenge as I have led my students in musical performances in our little frontier town." She lowered her voice to a whisper. "God-willing, Nathan and I will marry and I cannot wait to hear him and dear Allie sing and play guitar and fill our home with music. Living alone or with a crying toddler is not the same!"
Leaning in conspiratorially, Johanna responded quietly, "That is something to look forward to, and by the way you two look at each other, I believe God will be granting your prayers, Elizabeth. You make a lovely little family!"
Turning back towards Nathan, Johanna spoke so he could hear her. "Nathan? Josiah and I are inviting some of the young people to our home for hot soup and sandwiches between now and our caroling this evening. Would you allow Allie to join us? We could drop her off at your home to add more warm layers or you could meet us at our home or at church so she could change there before we gather to sing? We thought it would be nice for the children to talk about the concert and today and the end of classes. They will all miss each other over the two-week vacation since there is no Youth Group on Boxing Day or January second."
Nathan looked at Elizabeth and, seeing her nod yes, he responded. "That is a thoughtful thing to do and if Allie is agreeable, I will gladly let her join you. Shall we follow you home so we know where you live?"
"Allie can ride with our family so why not meet at church? Not that we don't want you to come to our home!" Johanna laughed. "We intend to invite you soon but, today, let's make it easy okay?"
"Sure. Thank you, Johanna." Elizabeth agreed. "That gives us a few more minutes to discuss our plans in private since I depart on Tuesday morning."
"Oh? I'm sorry so soon, but that will give you some additional alone time! I'll go invite Allie, if my daughter and son haven't already done so!"
"I'll follow you to tell Allie I am okay with the plan." Nathan reached out his hand to take Elizabeth's and they went to find Allie.
Nathan was pensive as he and Elizabeth drove back to the Cottage. "Is everything alright, Nathan? You seem particularly quiet."
"Me? Uh. I'm fine. I had an idea in there and I was just pondering how it could work. I'm wondering if we could incorporate the Cadets volunteering to visit the Home to converse with those retired Mounties. I'm guessing most of them are alone and don't have family nearby. It would give the Cadets an opportunity to learn service and compassion in a practical way that would be a blessing to our elders. What do you think?"
Elizabeth was quiet as she observed her wonderful man. "Nathan, that right there is what makes you such a stellar Mountie and why Hope Valley was so blessed to have had you over these past years. That is a wonderful idea. With whom will you discuss it first? Peter? Tim?"
Ignoring Elizabeth's compliments, Nathan answered her question. "I think I will go directly to Tim as we might need to incorporate it into the community service training. We could present it and ask for volunteers. Maybe I could even ask the Mounties in the Regina office if they would be willing to function as volunteer drivers. It would allow them to interact with the Cadets and the retirees. I would drive and maybe could get a few other faculty members to join us? It wouldn't have to be coordinated all at one time. We could space out the visits according to the availability of the Cadets. Miss Annie said about half the residents are men, so that means thirty-eight to forty Cadets would be needed over the course of a month."
"You are getting excited by this, Nathan, aren't you?" Elizabeth smiled admiringly.
"I guess I am. The potential is great. I think I will seek out a meeting with Tim next week!"
Pulling into the Collins's property, Nathan stopped, braked and exited the automobile. It was getting noticeably darker each day and Nathan glanced around as he opened Elizabeth's door. "Do you notice how early the dark is setting-in these days?"
Laughingly, Elizabeth took Nathan's arm and agreed to an extent. "Well, at times I notice. But this week my focus has been diverted from the deepening winter and more focused on cozy conversations beside the fire!"
"Well, that is true! And I am ready for one right now!" Nathan stood aside to let Elizabeth step in to the Cottage first. "Is it too early to get that meatloaf in the oven?"
With their meal baking in the oven, Elizabeth suggested, "I think I need to go to my bedroom, Nathan, and collect some warm layers to add for tonight. Do you want to come say hello to Mother while I change?"
"Sure." Nathan responded as they donned their outerwear then, at the main house, knocked before they entered. "Hello! Elizabeth and Nathan here!"
"We're in the living room!" Carol's lilting voice called out.
"Hello! I am going to add some warm layers for our caroling outing, so please excuse me!" Elizabeth peeked in from the hallway, waved and disappeared.
"Good afternoon!" Nathan entered and sat on the edge of a chair. "Keeping cozy in here?"
"We are. We've been conversing about any number of things while enjoying multiple cups of tea!" Grace confessed. "Carol and Peter make me feel right at home with their friendship, even while anticipating my every need."
"You are right, Grace." Nathan looked at his dear friends addressing them directly. "You are extraordinary hosts and friends."
Chuckling, Peter responded. "Well, family members and friends of our dear Nathan make it easy. We already have something in common!"
"How was the visit at the Home for the Aged, Nathan?" Carol inquired.
"It was wonderful. Allie is at the Blake's with some other youth right now and we'll meet them all at church." Nathan explained. "They sang beautifully of course and interacted with the residents very sweetly. They are a great group of teenagers."
Elizabeth entered carrying an extra sweater, scarf, hat and boots. She sat on the arm of the chair where Nathan was seated. As the room got quiet when she entered, she asked, "Has Nathan told you his brilliant idea for the Cadets at Depot?"
Blushing, Nathan looked at the floor. "Uh, no, Honey. We were talking about the Youth Group just now."
Immediately curious, Peter leaned forward. "What idea is this, Nathan?"
"Well…" Nathan reiterated a summarized version of his idea for the Cadets to visit the elder retirees.
Peter was enthusiastic! "This idea has great potential, Nathan. I am sure Tim will love it. Do you plan to discuss it with him soon?"
"Sometime later this week, yes. I need to work out some logistics before I present it to him." Looking up at Elizabeth he continued. "Well, Lisbeth, I think we should go. Dinner is in the oven and we have some things to discuss ourselves!" Nathan stood and took her boots. "Have a good evening folks and we'll see you for church in the morning."
"We will indeed. We plan to attend Knox again this week, Nathan, so we will bring Grace with us. That way she doesn't have to leave as early as you need to depart for choir." Peter explained.
"Oh? That sounds good. We'll meet you at church then!" Nathan tipped his invisible hat. "Good night!"
Once he heard the back door close, Peter looked at Carol and Grace. "In case you ever wonder why Nathan Grant is as revered as he is, that idea of the Cadets interacting with the retirees is the reason. How many years have I worked here at Headquarters and Depot and that never occurred to me? Nathan is here for a few months and he finds a way to teach community interaction and compassion to the Cadets while serving the elders at the Home. He never ceases to amaze me." Peter shook his head. "Make sure to tell William about this, Grace. He will be impressed."
"Oh, I will. William is already impressed and neither of us could be happier that Nathan will be joining our family!" Grace laughed. "Don't tell the young people, but to us it is a done deal!"
"Oh, we know!" Carol added as she and Peter agreed laughing.
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(*52) James 1: 17, King James Version, Public Domain
(*EMH) 'Good Gifts.' Original Poem by E.M. Hunter, Self-published in 'Illuminations.' Copyright 2014.
(*53) 'In the Bleak Midwinter' Poem by English poet Christina Rossetti and published under the title "A Christmas Carol," January 1872 issue of Scribner's Monthly. In 1906, the composer Gustav Holst composed a setting of Rossetti's words (titled "Cranham".)
(*54) 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' Words first published in England, late eighteenth century. Best known melody, a 1909 arrangement of a traditional folk melody by Frederic Austin. Public Domain.
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