To John G. Gekring
[March] 21, [1921]
And how are you, Padre? Do you find that there are those who can probe into the secrets within you and tell more than you as patient can tell yourself? Has a physician who follows the biblical advice, “Heal thyself,” a Fool for a Doctor? What has been taught you in the ill-smelling center of darkness, dreariness and torture, where there is more need for beauty than in any other place, and less of it, more need for gaiety, and less of it, more need for wholesome suggestion and less of it? … All hospitals should have bright paper on the walls, or bright pictures. To hell with the microbe theory! There are worse things than microbes. All nurses should be good-looking. They should paint and pad, if necessary, to give an imitation of good looks. Now, honestly, do you not agree? And they should not have doors open, nor ask perfunctory silly questions, such as “Well, how are we today?”
On examination nurses should be rated largely for things that don’t count—looks, cheerfulness, silliness, sympathy, softness of hand, willingness to listen to the victim-patient! …
I am going to Rochester, … my brother is going with me. Bless him! He’d be glad to take you back, and he can give you wood to chop, and a black-headed grosbeak to sing for you. Ever hear one? Better than Caruso.
May the Lord make his light to shine upon you and give you peace.