The CBB :: View topic - Margot’s Choice.

#1: Margot’s Choice. Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 3:29 am

The old school building was hot and airless. Overhead, a ceiling fan ticked ‘round slowly, scarcely moving the humid air.

Margot Maynard sat opposite an woman whose skin was sallow and deeply lined by the sun, her eyes were kind, and her hair covered by a black veil.

“Welcome Dr Maynard, we are pleased that you have taken the time to see us. I am Sister Joseph.”

Margot smiled and shook hands with the Sister as they exchanged greetings

“I see from your application that you have specialised in tropical medicine and have a strong secondary interest in paediatrics, as well as a desire to work in developing countries“ Sister Joseph continued. “You speak fluent English, French, and German as well as some Italian. Your supervisors all give you excellent reports. Please, if you could, tell me why you want to join us in our mission?”

Taking a moment to collect her thought Margot considered the path which had brought her to where she was today.

“I know it seems like I had a very privileged childhood – educated at Swiss boarding school and all that implies – however, it was always taught to us that because we were privileged we had a duty to our fellow man. We spent time raising money for charities, especially for the TB sanatorium, which was close to us, and for a poor parish in Innsbruck. The pastoral care system at school was very strong, imparting in many of us a deep caring and I personally want to apply these lessons to the wider world.”

Margot grinned suddenly and continued.

“Easy enough to say I was brainwashed into my calling – but I did work in private practice for some time and I really have gained far more satisfaction from working in a public clinic than I ever did tending to the diseases of the idle rich. Now, now I have experienced something of the world, I feel that it is time for me to follow my initial call”

Sister Joseph returned Margot’s smile “Just one more thing Dr. Maynard. I know you are a very committed Catholic of course. Do you have any compunction about working among Muslims? Or providing birth control or advice on birth control?”

“I wouldn’t be here if I felt scruples of that nature. That was another thing I learnt at school – tolerance for the beliefs and standards of others” responded Margot "My God is a loving and understanding God. On my oath as a doctor, I will provide what unbiased medical treatment and advice is necessary for the recovery of my patients. "

“In that case my dear, I think we can safely say your interview is over. I look forward to having you as a member of our team”

The nurse stood and shook Margot’s hand across the desk again. “Our mission leaves for Niger in a fortnight. Here is a list of what you will need to take, as well as details of your stipend. I will be the administrator of this mission, please contact me if you have any questions. Welcome to Médecins Sans Frontières”

#2: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 6:58 am

That is lovely, thanks Miss Di. How nice to get a better idea of the reasons behind Margot's decision, and her life after university.

#3: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 6:59 am

Wow! I can imagine Margot doing that! I've got enormous admiration for that organisation.

Will we get more of this? Please? *Promises chocolate*

#4: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 7:27 am

Nice to see the reasons set out so clearly.Makes her decision so much easier to understand.

Thanks Lady Di.

#5: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 8:58 am

Thanks Miss Di. It's good to think of Margot working for an organisation that does such good work and to see what she'd thought it through so carefully.

#6: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:23 am

Thanks Miss Di. A wonderful insight into Margot's motivation!

#7: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:25 am

Thank-you, that was a lovely look at Margot.

#8: Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:51 am

Thank you, a lovely insight to Margot there! But maybe you could be so kind and write some more? *smiles sweetly* I'd love to know more about when she went away! Very Happy

#9: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 11:49 am

A beautiful little piece, Miss Di. Thank you.

#10: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 12:05 pm

Hurrah for Margot.

Thankyou!

#11: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 12:49 pm

Thanks, Miss Di. It was really interesting hearing about Margot's reasons for why she had decided to do this line of work.

#12: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 1:47 pm

Doesn't Margot sound nice? Thank you Miss Di.

#13: Author: Róisín, Location: Vancouver for now

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 3:52 pm

Lovely Miss Di., thank you. Perhaps it's not complete and you could make a story out of it? ;)

#14: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 3:55 pm

Thank you Miss Di - that was absolutely beautiful.

If the bunny nibbles I definitely wouldn't say no to more of this.

#15: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 4:58 pm

Lovely to see Margot's reasons for going into the service. I will give the bunny lots of carrots if he/ she carries on! Laughing

#16: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:31 pm

Thank you, Miss Di. Good to see Margot evaluating her motivations.

#17: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 12:24 am

That was wonderful Very Happy

Thanks Miss Di

Liz

#18: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 8:28 am

Thank you MissDi, good to see how Margot's thoughts and reasons.

#19: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 11:05 am

Thank you Miss Di, that was lovely Very Happy

#20: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 11:26 am

Thanks, Miss Di.

#21: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 5:58 pm

Oh lovely! Thanks Miss Di. Very Happy

#22: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 12:59 am

Thank you for all your kind comments Embarassed

.

I was trying to explore options for Margot which would still see her in both charitable work and medicine without having to become a nun. I figured Médecins Sans Frontières (which was started in 1971) was a perfect option to allow her to get trained, see the world, and finally consider her true vocation.

#23: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 8:44 pm

Have you considered writing anymore for us, Miss Di? Very Happy

Please...

#24: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:45 am

Thanks, Miss Di. I can easily see Margot taking this route!

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