‘Musings of an Old Man’
I know all Church Home Alumni will remember with great fondness Chaplain Paul Dawson. Chaplain Dawson was a friend to everyone and through his years at the hospital was known, admired, and respected for his compassion, empathy, and love.
Most notably, Chaplain Dawson was instrumental in the development of hospice care, and a Hospice Unit, the first of its kind in the United States.
In retirement, and his life in Edgartown with his daughter and grandchildren, this widower writes, “I learned a lot about human nature and relating to people at a deep spiritual level when they are at their most vulnerable.” This thinking led Chaplain Dawson to spend his days enjoying music, painting, and poetry. His book, Musings of an Old Man, was personally signed and sent to the Archives. Whether you enjoy poetry or not, this is a beautiful collection to enjoy. Thank you to Margaret “Peg” Armstrong, ’55, who put the Alumni in touch with Chaplain Dawson, as he is her cousin!
Here is a sample of Chaplain Dawson’s musings…
Gratitude
The passion of a grateful heart is molten gold,
Poured to fill an emptiness,
Its shape confirms to the limits met-
Precious, warm, not to be wasted…
detached from its source when given…
handled with imagination and art,
its beauty is enhanced.
Resistant to tarnish,
it holds its value,
lending itself to gift rather than trade.
Archives
Thank you to the family of Anita Price Massey, ‘58, for the donation of student notes, books, photos, and nursing memorabilia. All of the items were turned over to the Allan Mason Chesney Medical Archives for the Church Home Collection. ◼
In Memoriam
Anita Price Massey, ’58