Childhood Memories Marlizbeth Giffin

Mary Elizabeth had the rare ability to help Dr. Will relax:

“Sitting in the bow, as the boat moved gently downstream from Wabasha, they were trying to see who could spit watermelon seeds the farthest out over the poop deck. The child had only what clothes were necessary; Dr. Will was stripped to his B.V.D.s. Each was holding a good-sized slice of watermelon.

“Dr. Will was never quite as remote to his visitors after watermelon time. To the child he seemed more her friend than ever.” Mary Elizabeth Giffin

'I'll bet you can't hit the wake, Marlizbeth.' 'Can too. It's you who can't.'

Dr. Will was never quite as remote to his visitors after watermelon time. To the child he seemed more her friend than ever. Only after three summers on the boat had she learned his art of cupping the seed in a furled tongue and whistling a mighty blow from the depths of her alveoli. At least he said that was where the blow came from. The word meant nothing to her, but that was all right. It wasn't the word that was important; it was the feeling.

Dr. Will recognized the aptitude that Mary Elizabeth displayed from an early age.

Except for her smile and their brief exchange of words, they had been silent for a long time, then Dr. Will said, 'You know, Mary, I'm beginning to think you'd make a good medical secretary.' He always called her Mary when the message of his conversation was important. It was a signal that she was to take special note. Mary answered promptly, 'If you don't mind, Dr. Will, I'd like to try being a doctor first.'

She was not aware of the startled look on his face. Her remark had somehow opened a door because he went on talking about a world she could not comprehend but which held her enthralled.

He spoke of symptoms and what they could mean, of the importance of being sure about a diagnosis; he mentioned catheters and sutures, teaching problems and medical ideals. She couldn't grasp the concepts, but she sensed the feeling and she knew that he liked her. She basked in the warmth of his affection as she sat back and listened to his voice, to his assurance, to his inner questioning. She sat back, that is, until it was time for her to go for her afternoon swim.

In the years that followed, Mary Elizabeth Giffin went far. She became a pioneering physician who specialized in child psychiatry. She credited much of her successful career to the encouragement of her neighbor, friend and boating companion, Dr. Will Mayo.”

>> Oronoco 1910-1917