How as I take a look at my ideal nurse—observing from the viewpoint of letting her life be a mirror for mine and of wanting to develop a character like hers—many question marks form in my brain. These questions require definite answers. I find question marks at the end of the following thoughts:
Why is she so kind with that unreasonable patient?
How can she always smile when difficulties come her way?
Why does she always take time and pains to close the door softly when time counts more than anything else?
Why is she so accurate in counting her T.P.R.'s and in measuring medicines?
Why does she always make it a point to report for duty a few minutes before the scheduled hour?
Why does she answer lights promptly?
Why does she always rise for her superiors? How does she manage to stay so "spick and span"?
Why does she not use slang?
Why does she not tell things about her patients that would prove interesting to other people?
What makes the doctors and supervisors call for her on extremely critical cases?
Something tells me that her life has been cut out to a pattern—a pattern that has been specific in its requirements regarding the right kind of material, the way it is put together, and the kind of "finishing touches" put on to complete it.
So in trying to answer my own questions I wondered, in my analyzing, if her life could be likened to that of a garment. In doing so I found that:
Good Health would make up the front and back of the dress, which are really the most substantial parts.
Loyalty and Honesty could be the sleeves, which add virtue.
Poise is the white collar and cuffs that make her character look balanced.
Tactfulness is the darts and tucks that make her fit into every circumstance.
Her Simple, Consistent Christian Life is represented by the seams which hold her garment together.
Faithfulness is the thread—the kind that makes her firm and sure no matter what comes along.
Courtesy is the facings, which must go to complete the dress.
Punctuality would be the belt that makes her more precise.
Kindess and Self-Control are the buttons and pockets which add the "finishing touches."
"O dear God, please help me to perfect my character, so that I may clothe myself in a way that would bring honor and glory to Thy name."
