Árdís - 01.01.1955, Side 28

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ÁRDÍ S
to return home for a rest. But she would not. At the close of
hostilities she took charge of two camp hospitals. The following
winter she established libraries, gave lectures and conducted
classes, took care of the convalescents generally, saw to it that they
wrote home and sent their pay home. She had erected a marble
cross called Nightingale Cross in memory of the men and nurses
who gave their lives.
In the spring of 1856 she returned home, broken in health.
She spent most of her remaining life in a wheel chair or in bed.
This did not stop her active mind from working. Under her direc-
tion the first training schools for nurses were established. She
continued writing and brought about, despite almost insurmount-
able opposition, the appointment of a Royal Commission to in-
vestigate and improve the health and sanitary standards of the
army. Barracks and hospitals were remodelled and made properly
ventilated, heated and lighted. In fact, the whole military depart-
ment was reorganized. She was also instrumental in bringing about
similar improvements throughout Europe.
Modern civilization owes much to this courageous pioneer who
dared to have the courage of her convictions. She truly had a
“Call” and brooking no obstacles she carried on, holding her lamp
high, until its light shone around the world.
She died at the age of 91 years. An interesting and not too
well known fact concerning Florence Nightingale should be of
interest to Canadians. There is in the little Anglican Church at
Netley Marsh at the mouth of the Red River, a beautiful silver
Communion set, a gift from Florence Nightingale to her one-time
suitor, Rev. John Smithhurst who, like his sweetheart, never
married.
The night comes on, my weary eyelids close,
The time draws near when I must seek repose,
I kneel to Thee, O Father of us all,
And pray that Thou wilt hear my pleading call.