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Show 167 In her eighties, as she was giving a talk about her life's experiences, Ellis said that when she returned from medical school the family numbered "twenty one or twenty two." She was remembering incorrectly. A close scrutiny of the family records reveals that, counting Milford, his four wives, and their then living children, 19 there were only thirteen. Continuing the late autobiography published as part of Her Diary, she said, I was not really anxious to engage in a busy practice immediately for I had for all these years been longing for the joys of home companionship. Yet there truly existed a burning need of financial help, and how gladly I came to the rescue of those dear ones who had done their very best for me, and I was indeed thankful for the power to remunerate, as far as was possible, the much needed help I had received in gaining the preparation for a life of greater usefulness. My return home was blessed with the choicest home greetings and the flocking around of many neighbors and old and dear friends. One of my professional brothers, H.J.R., took a special interest in proving his true friendship and his confidence in my ability by sending many of his lady cases to me. Thus did I make the acquaintance of those of influence, which in my present circumstances proved a blessing. However, in this initial period one of my first resolves, my very first, was to do my duty to my home, my husband, my children. Another purpose was ever to be efficient in my medical work and to give to all my patients, the rich and poor, an equal share of professional skill regardless of remuneration. I gained the wondrous blessings of seeing my patients become normal under my watch care. I know 'twas not of me, but throuah the touch of One Divine, upon Whose mighty arm I leaned.™ |