Aged 4
A very shy country child, I attended a two teacher, twenty pupil school.
The building was a sturdy timber highset, built in the late 1800 era.
My mother did very well as a single parent, working to making sure all of her 5 children completed their schooling. This was no mean feat on a ‘woman’s’ wage.
I dreamed of being a dancer, although I knew it was an impossibility.
In High School I poured over Ballet books with a dreamy mind, and dotted on the likes of Dame Margot Fonteyn.... I was that lithe dancer on stage with the magic legs performing ‘Swan Lake’.
Passing the Intermediate Certificate in High school was all that was required in my time to attain a promising career. To be a doctor or lawyer meant 2 extra years and a pass in the Leaving Certificate. Since my chances as a dancer were extinct, my next choice was Hairdressing.
This was not to be either as my demurer nature simply did not suit.
So my mother decided I should follow the family tradition of Nursing.
Hospital Training was Nursing School and a Tutor Sister with Regimental Education.
A cap completely covered the hair. The uniform fell to mid calf length.
Stockings were worn and the back seams checked to be straight.
A petticoat underneath was a must (and Sister always checked).
Feet were clad in plain brown mid-heeled leather lace ups, well shone.
Discipline……. You had no opinion and NEVER answered back!
Eyes were kept down, and hands remained behind your back whenever spoken to by a superior.
It was a fitting choice and has stood me in good stead.
Years later I attended Uni and gained my Degrees.
My Primary Alma Mater is The Australian Catholic University.
Proverbs 3: 5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And don’t rely on your own understanding.”
