Hello Geraldine, I am Steph from New Zealand although I am originally from the UK and have been here 14 years. I am 59 and am 'ONLY' here on this forum to let you know that I sought solace on the web today browsing photos of WW1 nurses after 20 years of quite bad Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to the loss of all immediate family in the 90's inclusive of children and I was browsing military forums and the photograph of your Grandmother gave me such warmth and peace today and She shone out like a bright star among all the photos of nurses on the Google pages I turned to.
She reminded me of my dear Nan who lived in Hampton, London although Nan would have only been a child at this time. I do not know any of my family from these times but I have served 5 years in the Royal Navy in the 1970's and there is a strong military background on my Mother's side. I felt 'obliged' to let you know as I didn't want to come across as intrusive to your Grandmother's good name but wanted you to know that the photo brought me great comfort and solace today at a time of utter despair, purely by seeing the love and warmth in Her eyes of which radiated so caring and vibrant.
I sincerely hope that you are not offended Geraldine but when one has no 'faith' in a time of distress then one has to turn to worldly avenues for solace. I only know what I see in the media about the times of WW1 but I feel the Nurses of that era had a Unique quality that could never ever be emulated. Perhaps a Unity of Hope and Compassion reigned. Thank you for sharing this photo and have a most wonderful day back in England. Steph Sancia, Waikouaiti, East Otago Coast, NZ.
