In Honor of Nurses (All)
Probably one of my first memories of a nurse was my 2nd cousin Elaine Montgomery Parsons going to work on the 2nd shift at Saint Lukes Hospital in Kansas City. Sometimes my mom would pick up Elaine’s boys (my 3rd cousins) as Elaine headed to work, until their Dad Jim got home from his own work day.
As a child I recall the crisp white traditional dress with the white cap, white rubber sole oxfords and of course those white nylons that made a hissing sound as she walked by. Elaine was smart, witty and gorgeous! Her thick brown hair was 
always perfect in arrangement and her make up as I recall was understated…she was a natural beauty. Elaine was the first on mom’s side to enter nursing but 4 cousins that she inspired would follow and enjoy long careers caring for the loved ones of many fine Kansas City folks.
Of course not all nurses look like my dear cousin….some have facial hair and are fathers. My job in college was at a mental health center where one of our charge nurses was male. Ken was a bearded burly giant who was one of the kindest people I ever worked for but suffered from sexism as a male in a woman’s word. Yes in those days they were often identified as “male nurse” Seriously!
Regardless of sex let’s raise a glass and give thanks to one of the greatest professions on earth….those who are always here comforting, treating, loving us when we need it most!
Kevin Kirkpatrick is Director of Community Relations at Elmwood Terrace in Suburban Chicago
