December 17, 2015
Story by Revere Journal Staff
by author Meloee Nazaire
The author read the following essay during the Robert Marra Sr. ‘Sounds of Christmas’ concert on Sunday in St. Anthony’s Church. It is hoped that this will be the first in a long line of students from the high school to read an essay on Christmas at the annual event.
Jane Todd Crawford, a 46-year-old mother of four from Kentucky, thought she had room for one more. As time went on, she grew concerned about her pregnancy. Understanding that she needed medical attention, she sought it. Given the unusual timeline of her pregnancy, doctors thought it’d be best to induce her labor. But they did not find a baby; Jane had been bearing a 22-pound tumor. There was nothing left to do but await death, but Jane was a woman of faith. She refused to believe that there was nothing left to do but await her last breath as her children watched. She sought the help of Dr. Ephraim McDowell, an American physician and surgeon. He only confirmed what others pointed towards, but unlike her other doctors, he suggested he perform an experimental abdominal surgery to hopefully extract the ovarian tumor. This was something that had never been successfully performed and doctors all over warned that trying it was a mistake. Ignoring the warnings, and refusing to succumb in fear of failure, Crawford traveled 60 miles to Dr. McDowell’s home to perform the surgery.
The operation occurred on Christmas morning in 1809 in McDowell’s living room. Dr. McDowell removed the tumor. It was the first successful ovariotomy. Crawford returned home 25 days after, and lived for another 32 years.
That very morning, Jane got her life back. That very morning, she earned 32 more years with her children, 32 more years of laughter, tears and freedom. Every Christmas, she was reminded of that experience – the miracle that let her celebrate her new life and new beginnings.
Even in times of War, Christmas means something, a positive something. During World War I, starting on Christmas Eve, German men would leave their own trenches and walk over the Britain’s’ side.
Unarmed.
They recited “Merry Christmas” in their own language. The British and Germans would exchange gifts such as cigarettes or plum pudding. At times they would occupy themselves with a few games of good natured soccer. They even sang Christmas carols together. This was known as the “Christmas truce.” On this day they were not enemies. They were merely brothers celebrating a day of Peace with one another.
See the Full Story and essay at the Revere Journal link here.
