Christmas Story by Fr Ralph de Hahn: A fresh look out of Ward E

A Christmas Story by Fr Ralph de Hahn – Saint Luke’s Hospital stands as a healing light on a hill overlooking the Canadian village of Lock. This amazing story begins in the lovely season of autumn. It was rather colder than usual that autumn. The trees were shedding their leaves, and everyone was slowly anticipating a snowy Christmas celebration — so many people truly love and welcome the snow.

Matron Joan’s first visit that morning was to Ward E. “And how is my Bobby doing this bright morning?” was her cheerful greeting as she danced into the ward reserved for chronically ill and disabled patients. The humorous response from young Bobby was as sharp as ever: “I am still here, Sister, and not likely to run away — not quite yet!”

And indeed there was no possibility of his ever leaving his bed, for Bobby had a deformed spine and very weak legs which were unable to hold his weight. He couldn’t even move his head from one side to the other, so his eyes focused only on the empty ceiling. However, he was fully alert and able to converse joyfully with his visitors — the few who came. “Well then, young man, don’t ever attempt to leave us in a hurry, because we love you so much,” matron smilingly responded as she ruffled the boy’s curly hair.

It was a penetrating lesson for all the staff and visitors how this lad, unable to walk to the window to view the outside world, had a lovely sense of humour and peaceful disposition. But it was a whole new story when Lorenzo came into his life. It was the month of November when the nursing sister Martha led Lorenzo into Ward E and introduced him to Bobby. The new unexpected visitor was in his forties, rather short with a lovely smooth voice. He was deeply touched to learn of Bobby’s condition, and they became friends after only a few words were exchanged.

The young patient had so many questions to throw at his older visitor. He learnt that Lorenzo was an only child whose parents were killed in a sudden snowstorm not too many years ago. Lorenzo was a motor mechanic by trade but was far more in love with his grand motorcycle. Entering the world of imagination, Lorenzo was able to take his young friend on a motorcycle ride through a number of colourful towns, over mountain passes, from province to province, and even among the stars and planets. He even painted a colourful picture of Christmas on the very top of a steep snowy mountain.

Time went so swiftly, and Bobby needed the usual medical attention, so his visitor was gently requested to leave. “You will come again, surely?” Bobby pleaded. “I sure will return, but first I need to assist a friend in Vancouver. But this I promise: I will be with you on Christmas Day,” Lorenzo replied. With a smile, he added: “So, Bobby, don’t go anywhere.” They parted in a deep spirit of friendship.

That promise came to life when on that Christmas morning, Lorenzo appeared again in Ward E, still cheerful but clearly not physically well, for his one arm was heavy in plaster. He wore a small neck guard and on his head he had an ugly scar. He explained briefly to the matron that he had suffered a terrible motorcycle accident. “I am lucky to have survived, but only by the grace of God.” Still, he was the same loveable Lorenzo. He whispered to Sister Martha to not mention his condition to young Bobby. The boy, of course, was super delighted to hear that familiar voice. “A very happy and joyful Christmas!” they greeted one another.

“Lorenzo, I just knew you would keep your promise,” Bobby said. “I have been counting the days and the hours.” Lorenzo expressed his joy at being with Bobby again, and mentioned that there was a glorious Christmas spirit out in the village. At once Bobby cried out: “Lorenzo, go to the window and tell me all that is going on out there. I am so excited to hear what you see.”

A moment of silence betrayed some profound mental activity. Then Lorenzo spoke: “Sure, Bobby, I’ll do that for you. I can see far more than most people see… It’s soft snow all over the village, but the sun is shining, not hot but there it is shining on the children playing around a snowman; I see the ducks at play, the babies following the mother one behind the other.”

Lorenzo paused for a moment, then continued: “And all the trees are dressed in lights, and lanterns of all different shapes and colours. It’s a beautiful sight. The trees are bare but the squirrels are chasing one another in delightful play. And look the many children skating and screaming on the frozen lake. I can even hear some music as the snowflakes now begin waltzing to the snow-covered earth. And then there’s the park.”

Bobby felt as though he was there. “What’s happening at the park, tell me!” Lorenzo began to laugh. “The adults are wearing their thick, furry coats and gathering in the park for a sing-song of some kind, I think, and then skate along Robert Avenue.” Bobby exclaimed with delight: “Robert is my real name, that is why they call me Bobby… Maybe that avenue was named after me!” Lorenzo laughingly agreed.

Indeed, the young patient imagined himself skating over the frozen lake on fairy skates, even though he never ever wore a set. Lorenzo painted the best picture possible; his young friend was thrilled with heavenly joy. And the matron and Nurse Martha stood there with open mouths, speechless. For not only had the motorcycle accident broken Lorenzo’s bones and scarred his face — it had also left him totally blind.

Fr Ralph de Hahn is a priest of the archdiocese of Cape Town.