Thanksgiving at National Jewish Hospital

Years ago, I worked at National Jewish Hospital (remember that I’ve had a varied and chequered work career) teaching children who had quite literally been kicked out of first grade.  The five children had rejected being in the classroom to which they were assigned; at that time, there were only two classes for the children (first through eighth and high school) who were all patients with respiratory disease, such as asthma.  Having been rejected by the children, the teacher was allowed to reject the children.  I was hired to teach these children in a separate classroom.

On the first day of school, I went to the girls’ floor and picked up the three girls.  Next, I went to the boys’ floor.  Danny came very willingly to the elevator that would take us to the basement where our classroom was.  The other boy, let’s call him James, was in the solarium, so I went there to get him.  He told me in no uncertain terms that, “I’m not going to any God-damned f*** school.”:  His words, not mine.  He promptly took the toy gun he was holding and swung it at me.  I grabbed the gun, his arm and the leg that he thought he could kick me with, picked him up, and carried him to the elevator.  Past the rows of nursing and doctor staff who had been wondering (I am sure) how I intended to get James to school.  Also, I must admit, I was much stronger then.

If any of the other four had any thoughts of resisting going to school, by the time we arrived at the elevator, they were ready to get on it.  One of the staff had held it for us.  In the elevator, James was allowed to stand, and we rode to the classroom without further incident.

I could tell you more about these students, and I will at some future date, but this is a BLOG about Thanksgiving.

The music instructor who worked with the children was a proponent of the Orff-Schulwerk way of teaching music.  In addition to having better movement expression, along with learning their music, children who experienced this approach were able to achieve better results in their other school work.  Ms. Grenoble was the teacher; she was an expert in Orff-Schulwerk having studied extensively to learn this way of teaching music.

Barbara was incredibly creative in everything that she did.  We had worked together in a public school for several years, so when it was possible to work with her at National Jewish, I can remember being thrilled.

Then, came the fall when Barbara thought we should all (I mean the entire hospital) celebrate Thanksgiving.  These children lived at the hospital 24/7 and were away from their families – sometimes for months.  They could not go home for a Thanksgiving celebration, so it was only natural that it should happen at NJH.

A meal would be planned.  Pilgrim costumes would be made.  Decorations would be set.  The gymnasium for the hospital, at that time, was within ten feet of my classroom.  Just around the corner, you might say.  We would celebrate there.

Barbara and the children planned the meals.  Our students (well, at least, mine) studied the foods of the first Thanksgiving.  They were ready with suggestions when Ms. Grenoble discussed the meal.  Of course, we couldn’t plan for venison, wild turkeys, or fresh fish.  But, the plans did include cornbread, and other foods available to the Pilgrims and Natives.

The hospital kitchen was very cooperative.  Counseling staff helped with costumes.  We had Pilgrims and Indians all around.  Adults cooperated by having costumes, as well.

The gym was decorated by the students with fall things, such as pumpkins, leaves, turkeys.  Maintenance brought in tables and chairs.  Housekeeping helped with table cloths, paper dishes, and eating utensils.

Barbara and the children had prepared special demonstrations of their music accumen (we did not say programs).  The children were able to show their skill with drums, recorders, and other musical instruments, as well as movement activties.  Those gathered for the feast were appreciative of the foods and music.  If my memory serves, we did have some of the administrative staff join the festivities.

When everything was over, students assisted with the clean up.  Pilgrims and Indians didn’t leave those things for others to do.

As I said, Barbara was incredibly inventive.  She taught from her heart.  I think she loved the children, as much as they loved her.

I can say, that a good time was had by all!

Be Safe and Be Well
The Cranky Crone
Thoughtful comments are appreciated.