“You’re on water duties” I read in my letter from Lourdes. Water Duties? “What’s that” I thought? Having had no previous experience in this field, I did all I could to prepare for the week ahead of me. My homework took the form of the film “The Waterboy” starring Adam Sandler. For all I knew, water duty in Lourdes would involve hydrating the masses with some “high quality H20” – which wasn’t far from the reality as what we were serving was Holy Water! But no amount of research and wise words from Bobby Boucher could have prepared me for what was in store.
Upon arriving in Lourdes, we were informed of all the health and safety measures we would have to be aware of. It was emphasised to us that no two pilgrims should use the same cup due to the recent pandemic of swine flu. Being on water duty meant that we were required to attend all of the ceremonies. Quenching the thirst of Pilgrims would be hard work! We wore white aprons over our uniforms which had two pockets in the front; once for the clean cups and the other for the used cups. We carried around 3 litre bottles of water when we were on duty. Coughing attaches were our priority – but during the Torchlight Procession putting out fires took centre stage! 10,000 people carrying burning candles are a fire hazard! Water Duty was most enjoyable and I thought that was all that I would be required to do during the Pilgrimage. How wrong I was. It all changed with a picnic.
Bad weather had been forecast but it couldn’t have been sunnier in Lourdes. Everyone was outside on the Prairie, Pilgrims, nurses and helpers alike, and we were all desperately seeking shade from the blazing sun. For the afternoon’s entertainment a talent show had been organised. All were involved with the Pilgrims and helpers both offering up jokes, dances and songs. Some of which were slightly inappropriate to say the least – but hysterical all the same! Fleur, Rosalind and I put our names forward to sing. We had prepared one song – “Somewhere over the Rainbow”.
From that moment on our lives changed. We had won the ‘X Factor Prairie Picnic Talent Show’! We were thrilled but thought little of consequence would come of our victory. But our band manger, Auntie Pat (a.k.a. Frau), had never been so inundated with requests she began to feel like Louis Walsh. Fleur and the Fleurettes, as we became known, were a hit – and a one hit wonder at that!
Straight after the picnic we were asked to sing again for a lady named Brenda. Brenda, being too sick to even leave her ward had missed out on all the laughter and fun of the day. We were more than happy to sing our song again. To our surprise Brenda’s face lit up as we sang at her bedside. Never had we come across a person who was so appreciative of our singing to tem, and we had never been happier to do it. It was an incredible feeling. I couldn’t get over how such a simple gesture could lift someone’s spirits and our own. None of us knew what to say afterwards as Brenda shed a tear. Eventually, Brenda herself broke the silence and asked if “Fleur and the Fleurettes had any albums out as she had never heard of us before?” We all erupted into fits of laughter.
If we sung the song once, we sang it forty times. But the Pilgrims’ appreciation never once diminished. We sang our song in numbers wards, as a Birthday gift and even at the farewell show. Sharing music and song in Lourdes with the sick Pilgrims was an extremely rewarding experience. By putting aside our own insecurities and anxieties we were able to enter intot he real spirit of Lourdes, by giving of ourselves and bringing joy to others.
Lourdes for me was a truly uplifting and inspirational experience. One which I know I will never forget. The place and more importantly the people had a profound effect on me. It is a unique place where for once, you forget about your worries and woes. You come away with a different perspective on life.
I don’t know why I was chosen for Lourdes but I am grateful that I have been given the chance. Like so many girls HCK, I’ll definitely be returning next year.
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