1985 and the Summer of Candy Striping

Ahhhh the Summer of ’85. I was on the verge of turning 16, and I had plenty of time to volunteer. I chose to volunteer instead of work, because I wouldn’t be 16 until October. Anyway, I volunteered at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL. I don’t have photo proof, but I did have a real candy striper uniform. It was a pink and white stripped jumper-type smock. I wore a white shirt underneath. And from what I remember, gym shoes.

I did a lot of things as a volunteer. I sorted and delivered mail, delivered flowers, and served meals. It was so much fun delivering mail and flowers. Some people were so happy to receive correspondence! The food however, I can’t remember one patient happy to get that. Hospital food sucks.

I would have to say, the Geriatric floor was my favorite. Older people were so happy to have a visitor. Even if it was just me. I delivered to all floors. But saved the Geriatric floor for my last. This way, I was able to spend more time with them. I’ve heard stories of their families, their lives, and why they were hospitalized. I often volunteered in the evenings during the week. The nurses on the Geriatric floor kind of took me under their wing. I often spent breaks with them. They genuinely cared what a 16 year old had to say. And they thought I was funny. Even then, I told bad jokes. For example…”How much does the chimney cost? Nothing. It’s on the house”. I still giggle from that one. I remember one patient in particular. She needed help getting her housecoat and slippers on. I got her all taken care of, and she asked me to visit her again. I happily obliged. Her name was Myrtle. I saw her for a few more times before she went home on a clean bill of health. I even got to meet her son, wife, and children. I remember bringing her the daily Tribune on my visits to her.

The Pediatric floor was fun too. It was a whimsical setting, and the kids were so excited to get mail with their name on the envelope. I did have the task of delivering to the Psychiatric Ward too. I specifically remember the west wing was behind lock and key. Any deliveries, the nurse took care of. One time, a nurse turned away a beautiful flowers/plant combination. She told me the patient could not receive plants. I found that sad. Flowers cheer people up. The East side, I had free reign. I delivered mail to these folk and it was as if I had the Golden Ticket. It brought them so much joy to have gifts and mail.

Between mail and flower delivery, I’d have to say flowers were my favorite. Many arrangements had balloons attached. Try getting a cart full of flowers into an elevator! Many of the doctors were cool. They took time to chat with me. I even met the doctor delivered me way back in 1969. I was invited to take breaks in the cafeteria by some of the new residents just getting on their feet. THAT cafeteria food was actually good!

I only spent one summer and part of the fall of ’85 volunteering. I am so honored to have had the opportunity. Now that I’m older, I hope to volunteer again. I love talking to people and giving back. Once Covid is over, it’s on my to do list!