Poem: The incomparable Linda Hurrell

By Stanley Collymore

Words can be skilfully crafted and stylishly choreographed to

present a marvellous or even a spell-binding impression but

when carefully scrutinized are sadly found, as the initial

intention of this fake oration always was, to be utterly

meaningless. Also, presents vaingloriously given,

can themselves be nowt more than narcisistically engaged-in

acts of public exhibition. However, noble praiseworthiness

cannot be marginalized, denigrated, compromised or

ever diminished by any wanton display of false

exuberance. So from none of these things,

or other concerns of a similar nature,

you’ve categorically nothing to

worry about or fear Linda,

but instead a great deal

to tremendously be

comfortable with.

For your personal mien and overall character: both

professionally and individually so, are of such

an exemplary disposition that it’s really

unnecessary to even mention what’s

self-evidently apparent, that you

are quite an outstandingly proficient nursing

sister Linda, conjoined, of course, with the

superbly endowed qualities of being a

massively extraordinarily gifted,

charismatic, truly personable,

impressively well educated

woman, and definitely a

most remarkable lady.

Therefore in choosing, as you’ve consciously done, to

retire in your youthful years – a respectful decision

that we fully understand and are very supportive

of – we nevertheless do openly confess that

you will definitely and most sorely be

enormously missed. But in spite of

the innermost pangs of sorrow that your impending

departure will leave in our hearts, minds, fondest

affections and deep-seated recollections; even

so with eternal gratitude all of us, separately

and communally, wish you Linda, your

loving husband and precious family

every single happiness, coupled

with a long future together and

comprised of the very best.

© Stanley V. Collymore

5 February 2019.

Author’s Remarks:

The essence of true friendship and authentic human worth are unquantifiable; but what is genuinely known and readily accepted, is that their marvellous and enlivening conceptions are unquestionably the outcome of an astutely, well-rounded and inspirational environment in which these salient qualities are both assiduously nurtured and supportively reinforced. Thus causing the exceptional and fortunate recipient of these laudable attributes to be distinguishably, and markedly so, vastly separated from the average run-of-the-mill, easily manipulated and invariably strikingly unthinking – due to a pronounced and deeply ingrained inability to either acquire or deploy the requisite skills to be otherwise – compliant conformist.

That’s why no one can or would ever dare to crassly accuse you, Linda of being the latter; and why among your many other outstanding attributes you’re so highly and justly regarded. Accounting too, for why as a former British NHS nurse myself, prior to leaving the service and then subsequently becoming an Academic, having always unalterably been a staunch devotee and distinct, deferential admirer of Mary Jane Seacole: herself an unchallengeable proponent and diligent innovator of what have long since been universally recognized and decisively acknowledged as the foundation of modern day, nursing techniques, the significant contributions that you yourself  have also and subsequently made to the nursing profession, Linda will, I’m absolutely sure, forever and most gratefully be remembered and revered as your outstanding legacy.

So heartfelt gratitude to you Linda; have a happy and enjoyable retirement; and may God’s bountiful blessings be eternally bestowed on you.