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Chapter 139

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Christmas Eve Day Part I

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Excitement was in the air!

The day of Christmas giving that the Bradfords looked forward to each year had finally arrived. And to be celebrating their special day with the Grants, Archie and Sophia, their best friends, and soon-to-be new official family members along with Nathan and Allie, made this particular season of giving all the more dear.

"You know, there is an old Scottish proverb that says charity begins at home, but should not end there," noted Archie. "Today we get to put that proverb into action!" (*169)

"Right, Arch, and believe me, it will be us who are more blessed than those we are giving to. Amazingly, year after year, that never fails," assured Edward. "Those in need are the very ones who fill our hearts with the true spirit of Christmas!"

"Okay, you two philosophers, very wise words, indeed! But we need to get started everyone," called Victoria. "This is the plan for us to cover Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, the oldest hospital in all of Montreal whose lobby we are now standing in. I'm afraid we must particularly focus as we have a total of six hospitals to visit today, giving us approximately an hour at each facility. We'll do three this morning, then take a quick break for lunch and resume to finish the last three. All are English and French-speaking, except for the Montreal Chinese Hospital, so we will all have interpreters with us there. As to our game plan for today, Sophia and Pippa will oversee the children and cover the Children's ward at each facility. William will take Millicent and Nathan with him to cover the surgical units. Arch, Edward, Luciana, and I will cover the adult units as they tend to have the most patients. Margaret if you don't mind, I've got you and Richard down to cover the Obstetrics units, and I must warn the one here is also quite large." (*170)

Margaret smiled and nodded, always loving her work with mothers and babies, and appreciating that her mother-in-law remembered to always place her there.

"Love doing that, Mother!" grinned Richard, who also was a complete sucker for babies.

Victoria smiled maternally, then continued with her directions.

"The tiny Christmas trees of dwarf pine, fir, and spruce have all been watered, so be careful when delivering them. Hopefully, the ornaments will survive transport, as they are tied securely. The trees are sitting on carts along with the gifts according to each unit and they will be transported to the various wards by our Security team members under Maximus Bernard's direction, for which we are most grateful. Thank you, Maximus as well as all of your team, for giving your time on this holiday! But for all of us, more than the refreshments and gifts we will be leaving, don't forget to give a part of yourself, for that's the most important gift of all. Just show each patient all the love you can, proving to them they aren't forgotten this Christmas. Show them they are loved and cared for, not just by the hospital staff, but by us as well. Be sure to wish them brighter days, but also let them talk, if they wish, about what's important to them currently, whatever that might be. Remember, they are experiencing a quite foreign environment which is vastly different from their normal lives, not to mention the health obstacles they've encountered. So be sure to truly listen and allow them to be heard as best you can. Also keep a list of any special concerns that need to be followed up on later, whether they be financial, medical, housing, or even family-related. If we see a problem, we will review it together after our visits. Please make notes in these black notebooks, making sure to jot down the name and need. But I can't stress enough: always, always leave each of these patients with hope and a smile, along with wishes for a Merry Christmas!"

The family quickly began to gather into their assigned groups.

At the same time, a large team of Hospital Volunteers, excited and honored to be a part of the Bradford gifting, who had gathered specifically for this occasion, lined up, each coming forward to meet the groups of Bradford and Grant families with welcoming smiles and handshakes. After brief introductions, these knowledgeable volunteers proudly began the task of leading the family members to their pre-assigned wards throughout the massive hospital…


"Gramma, may I pass out my drawings, please?" asked Allie, shyly pointing to her stuffed satchel in the hallway outside of the Children's Ward.

"And I have candy canes to pass out, too," announced Maggie.

"That would be lovely, Allie and Maggie. Such a sweet thing for you both to do! Perhaps the two of you, along with Jackson, could help the boys and girls get started drawing using the art supplies we've brought for them after we serve refreshments and play a game or two. We just want to do whatever we can to cheer these little ones up. Getting them as active and creative as they can be, will be a great start! Remember, they're in the hospital for this Christmas, away from their families for most of that time, and many are scared. So, we just want to make their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as bright as we possibly can!"

"As Sophia mentioned, don't forget the tea sandwiches, Christmas cookies, and punch Cook sent with us!" reminded Pippa. "Security will help Sophia and I get those set up as soon as we're inside the ward to help start the party, while you three get acquainted with the children. Also, I've learned from years past, that the children are usually a bit sad to see us leave, so getting them interested in doing their own drawings just before we leave helps keep their minds off feelings that the party is over."

As the doors opened to the large children's ward, at first there was silence, with all eyes curiously on Sophia, Pippa, and the cousins, but especially so on Allie, Maggie, and Jackson.

Although there was a moment of uncertainty, Jackson, gregarious and never shy, just like his father, accompanied by a broad radiant smile, whooped out a loud "Hi, everybody! My name is Jackson, and this is my sister, Maggie, my cousin Allie, my Auntie Pippa, and our Gramma Sophia! We're here to have a party and celebrate Christmas with you!"

Although there was an initial look of shock, that look was quickly replaced by resounding applause and whoops of glee as the children began to understand they were about to have a real live party! Suddenly the entire ward was filled with excited childish chatter that wouldn't stop.

Those children who could get out of bed quickly did so, anxiously greeting this party of five accompanied by Security, arriving with individual Christmas trees, art and art supplies, candy canes, cookies, sandwiches, and punch.

There were even additional gifts, which had been individually wrapped for each child from a previously attained wish list!

Sophia and Pippa watched with pride while instantly, Allie, Maggie, and Jackson, as though they had done this all their lives, became part of these children's Holiday, bringing a party of festivity and Christmas cheer with them by first handing each child a tiny Christmas Tree.

"Hi, I'm Allie and this is Maggie! Where should we help you put your trees?"

"On our nightstand so we can see them, please," answered a sweet little blonde girl with the brightest of blue eyes. "Thank you! Look at the little ornaments! They're so pretty and shiny. I was sad because none of us had a tree. But now we each have our own tiny trees, and now we can have a real Christmas!"

"Wow! Look at how many there are!" exclaimed a little tow-headed boy on crutches, around eight, sporting what looked to be a very heavy cast on his right leg and another on his left arm.

"Now you each have your own tree to have here with you while you are in the hospital. But be sure and take them home with you when you leave. The nurses will help you water them each day, so they'll stay pretty and be ready to plant when you go home," explained Pippa. "I'm afraid they are small so each of you can have your own, but they're the real thing! And they'll grow really large with time."

"I don't know about you all, but I'm hungry," smiled Sophia. "How about let's start this party with some sandwiches and punch? We'll save the best part for dessert!"

"Yes, please!" chorused the children. "Hospital food…well, it's pretty awful!"

Both Sophia and Pippa couldn't help laughing at the myriad of scrunched-up faces that verified it was a consensus regarding the cafeteria food!

It wasn't long at all till all the sad faces were replaced with the excitement of making new friends and celebrating their own Christmas party, which was exactly what everyone seemed to need…


As William led Nathan and Millicent into the first Surgical Ward, Nathan, who was used to this type of critical care environment, glanced at Millicent, concerned that this might be a bit much for her. But those fears were quickly dissipated when he suddenly realized he shouldn't have been at all surprised to see that his fiancée was also perfectly at home in this sterile environment as well, after so many years of her charity work.

Even here, he couldn't help but notice she lit up the entire ward like a shining star with a smile that warmed each patient's heart, and he was so very proud to be the man by her side. He nodded to William to take the lead, as he was here to learn from both William and Millicent.

"Hello, I'm William Bradford, and this is my sister Millicent Bradford, her fiancé, and my soon-to-be brother-in-law, Chief Inspector Nathan Grant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. We're here to hopefully help make your Christmas Eve day a little brighter, and to celebrate Christmas the best we can, given our environment."

"First we have decorated Christmas Trees for everyone that can be planted when you go home!" smiled Nathan.

"We've also cleared a party diet for every one of tea sandwiches and Christmas punch as well as some special Christmas cookies and cakes, that we hope hit the spot to get our little party started!" explained Millicent.

Faces began to relax, finally able to focus on something other than their post-op pain, and the difference in mood was palpable, as patients asked their beds to be elevated so they could better see.

William silently asked the Nursing Staff for permission, and the professional team assisting them quickly began adjusting beds appropriately for each patient, along with their bedstands to hold their trays of food.

As the majority of patients were bedridden, William, Nathan, and Millicent, along with Security, began serving the food, at each bed, re-introducing themselves and learning the name of each patient, who they were, and why they were here.

It wasn't long till each patient was entering into conversation, getting to know their guests. But these guests were experienced at turning the tables and soon had the patients talking about their dreams, their problems, their hopes, and their wishes for a speedy recovery, followed by re-entering their normal lives.

Eyes lit up as they talked, as though they were suddenly realizing their situations, as horrible as some presently were, would only be temporary.

As this was a male ward, the most curmudgeonly of all happened to be a retired Judge whom Millicent immediately recognized.

"Judge Barnstable, I didn't know you had had surgery. How are you doing?"

"Aren't you going to ask me what they did to me?"

"Not at all, Sir! With all due respect, only hoping you are getting better, Your Honor!"

At the use of his title, he shifted in his bed, and scooted a bit, sitting up straighter, looking this beautiful young lady, whom he knew very well, directly in the eye.

"None too soon for me! What's this I hear about Montreal's social darling finally taking the big plunge?"

Millicent laughed but quickly downplayed her importance.

"Now, Judge Barnestable, you know I'd rather be known as Montreal's finest barrister!" she teased.

"Well," he grinned, rather slyly. "The truth is…"


Fifteen minutes into their first Adult Ward visit, Auntie Luciana was already going rogue, leading the thirty-some-odd patients in Christmas Carols, formally directing them as though they were a practiced choir.

"Edward," began Victoria.

"Dearest, everyone seems to be having a grand time!"

"You and your sister! I do believe you and Archie are just as raucous as her, my Darling Edward, enjoying this exposition just as much. Though in your own more subtle ways, that is!"

"Archie and I both will take that as a high compliment, my Love!"

Victoria couldn't help but smile as she shook her head, waiting on bated breath for Luciana's next unpredictable move while listening to her belt out "Joy to the World" and directing it with a vengeance! (*171)

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love (and wonders of His love)
And wonders of His love (and wonders of His love)
And wonders, wonders of His love

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing (and Heaven and nature sing)
And Heaven and nature sing (and Heaven and nature sing)
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing (and Heaven and nature sing)
And Heaven and nature sing (and Heaven and nature sing)
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing (*172)

But the more Victoria listened to their harmony and even joined in, she realized Luciana had drawn from these patients the one thing they had literally hoped and even planned to elicit.

No, she hadn't used the traditional methods intended, but no one could argue that Luciana's unusual and dramatic methods weren't working!

And that one beautiful result was pure Christmas magic as the joyful notes reverberated throughout the hospital halls…


In the much-crowded Obstetrics Unit, women were either in early labor, about to be taken away to deliver, or being brought back for rest post-delivery.

Upon entering, there was a familiar mix of apprehension, fear, and excitement, intermingled with a different kind of life-altering joy that could only be magnified at Christmas time.

Margaret was intimately acquainted with all those emotions herself, having happily given birth four times in her young marriage.

But she also knew that for many women, there was a great let-down after the elation of expecting.

Often the new mothers felt inadequate, apprehensive after the birth even when things went perfectly, and after, a little unsure of how to care for their new infant.

Some were simply overwhelmed with the responsibility of their new role.

Richard busied himself charming the women who were quite talkative with him, while Margaret gravitated to the quieter mothers and soon-to-be mothers.

Her gentle spirit was one of reassurance and was most welcome to so many.

"Hello, I'm Margaret. What's your name and how are you feeling?"

"I'm Bethany. The truth? Terrified."

"Is this your first?" asked Margaret, gently.

"It is. And right now, I'd say for certain, my last!"

"I said the exact same thing," smiled Margaret. "And meant it too!"

"And was it?"

"Was it what?"

"Your last?"

"Well, technically, my fourth one was my last. At least until now. That wonderful man over there is my husband."

"He's very handsome, and by the looks of things, very charming too."

"Thank you. Yes, he is quite guilty on both counts," laughed Margaret. "But he's also very kind and considerate of my feelings, and that's a very important thing in a marriage. Even though, I must admit, he very much wants another child or two."

"After four children?"

"After four children! The thing is, so do I. Although I never would admit that right now. You see, I have two precious little ones at home who demand my attention and need to be out of the toddler stage before we even think about adding a fifth child."

"And your husband is okay with that?"

"Yes, he is, very much so. Having a second, third, fourth, or fifth child is truly a decision both the mother and father need to agree on and be on board with, together! But, I promise, after you deliver and see your beautiful little one, you somehow magically forget all the pain. Instead, you're filled with an overwhelming love and awe that's so fierce, that nothing else compares. Everything changes in the most beautiful way!"

The young girl seemed to calm down a bit.

"I do want to meet her so badly. I just know she's a girl. In fact, I'm just certain. Did you know too?"

"Yes, I most certainly did."

"But were you…were you right?" the expectant mother asked hopefully.

At that very moment, an intense labor pain hit Bethany as she gripped Margaret's hand till it turned blue.

"Do you truly want to know, Bethany?" teased Margaret serenely, but with the utmost compassion…


Nathan watched as the Judge pointed for Millicent to come closer.

"Don't tell anyone I told you because we men have a hard time admitting this. But we all know it's true, each and every single one of us. You, Millicent Bradford, are the finest barrister in all of Montreal! But most of us men are just too proud to say so out loud!"

Millicent beamed and gave the Judge a quick kiss on his cheek, which in turn garnered a genuine smile from the portly Judge, well as much of a smile as he had ever been know to give thus far.

"Thank you, Your Honor! That's very high praise coming from you, of all people! Here, I want you to meet my beloved fiancé."

Nathan laid down his last Christmas tree with a smile and handshake, excusing himself to go meet the Judge.

"Darling, this is Judge Barnstable, the wisest judge who has ever sat on a Montreal bench. Smartest too, in my humble opinion."

Judge Barnstable practically glowed, and Nathan could see he was putty in Millicent's capable hands. Even William glanced up, noting the patient's entire countenance had changed in a few short moments with Millicent.

"Judge Barnstable, this is the most wonderful man in the whole world, Chief Inspector Nathan Grant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police."

"It's Nathan to you, Sir. But I'm afraid my fiancée is prone to exaggeration where I'm concerned," blushed Nathan. "A pleasure to meet someone Millicent regards so highly, Your Honor!"

"Chief Inspector! I don't know, she's pretty much always right. And that's quite an impressive rank, especially for a young man your age. But then again, I would imagine nothing less for our Millicent. Bend close, Son! The wife would literally take me to court if she knew this…"

Nathan bent over the Judge, who had lowered his voice to a whisper.

"But we men have to stick together. Do you like to fish?"

Nathan had not been expecting that question, but his face lit up despite himself.

"Actually, my daughter and I fish every chance we get, Your Honor!"

The elder man cackled till his rickety hospital bed shook.

"I knew it," his words came louder than expected as he quickly crescendoed from a mere whisper for all to hear.

"You knew that I fished?" asked a puzzled Nathan. "But how could you possibly know that?"

"I knew that fiancée of yours loved to fish. More specifically ice fish. Something she and I had in common before this old injury acted up. She came closer to beating me in numbers brought in than any of the male barristers who tried to finagle me into changing my court opinions the whole time we fished. She and I spent hours together in the icy cold, yet she never once said a word to ever attempt to influence me. So, I knew she was serious about her task. Her fishing task that is. I also knew that any self-respecting ice fisherman, er fisherwoman, who was committed enough to fish for fishing's sake rather than to pander to me, would choose a fellow fisherman to go through life with…"

Nathan was astute enough to tell the Judge was trying to tell him something, but he wasn't quite sure what, especially since most of the other patients in the ward were now listening intently.

But suddenly the Judge seemed to tire, mumbling something about "What the wife doesn't know won't worry her…and most certainly won't hurt her!" before dozing off to sleep a few winks.

But by the time Millicent had served him his food, he was alert again, gladly partaking of the delicious morsels. Yet his singular focus had seemingly changed to a case he had recently been consulted on, as sharp again as he ever had been.

"Millicent, I need you to be my ears," he explained conspiratorially. "Something questionable is going on in the West End Court. I have it on good authority the two Judges there are at odds, and you know me, I don't tolerate games, not at any level of the law!"

"No, Your Honor, nor should you!"

Although retired, Millicent knew Judge Barnstable still wielded quite a bit of influence and even power. She also respected his judgment enough that she took his concerns and opinions very seriously.

"Judge Barnstable, I'll be moving to Hope Valley for our daughter to complete the school year, which means I won't be back to my Montreal practice till summer. But I will pass your information on to my colleagues with the utmost confidence, and I'm sure they will be happy to be watchful. In all honesty, I have heard rumblings of some back-door deals being made as well. Here is the name of the person replacing me while I'm gone. He's from Toronto and highly recommended by Richard, my brother."

Millicent scribbled the name and number down for the Judge, who wasn't happy she couldn't take care of the issue herself, but reluctantly acquiesced.

"I suppose if you and Richard trust him, then he'll do. But you make sure he uses the utmost discretion," barked the gruff Judge.

"Of course, Your Honor. You have my word, as well as my colleague's. That goes without question."

"Now, can you do me another favor?"

"I'll do my absolute best, Your Honor."

"Don't tell Edna what I got for your Wedding Gift. It was the last thing I did before my surgery. And I was under strict orders as to what to purchase. Needless to say, I went a bit astray from my good wife's very cultured and traditional guidance. But let's just let that be our own little secret, shall we? Do we have a deal? One fisherman to another? Maybe be real general when you write the thank you note and just thank us for our generosity instead of the actual gift at hand?"

The question came so intently, that Millicent couldn't help but answer with equal gravity.

"From one fisherman to another, we have a deal, Your Honor!"

Nathan watched as Millicent held out her hand and firmly shook the Judge's hand, who seemed greatly relieved, which intrigued Nathan even further.

Someone, somewhere, was going to be surprised.

He just wasn't sure if it was going to be the Judge's wife, or he and Millicent…

169. "Charity begins at home but should not end there," thought to be a Scottish proverb, yet attributed to Thomas Fuller, a British clergyman and historian, 17th Century, the true meaning is often misinterpreted as he didn't mean we should only help those near us. The intent was to first deal with the needs of people who are close before thinking about helping others. It's that last portion that is erroneously often forgotten. Public Domain.

170. Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, the first hospital established in Montreal and one of the oldest in all of Canada, founded in 1644, burned down three times between 1695 and 1734 with a loss of all written records; became a teaching hospital in 1850. Born from the generosity of both lay people and Nuns. Public Domain.

171-172. "Joy to the World," English Minister and Hymnwriter Isaac Watts, 1719, Public Domain.