‘Twas the day before meeting, when all through the city
Not a creature was stirring, not even a kitty;
The nameplates were placed on the tables with care,
In hopes that board members soon would be there;
The staff were nestled, dug in at their desks,
With visions of progress and being the best;
And members in the rehab, dressed in their scrubs
Were on top of their game, just like the Cubs,
When down in the lobby there arose such a clatter,
Mollie sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the doorway she flew like a flash,
Flung open the doors and threw up the sash.
The light on the crest of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of midday to Wabash below
When, what to her wondering eyes should appear,
But board members coming fast,without any fear.
With a formidable Hank so lively and quick,
I recognized in an instant our Presidential pick.
More rapid than eagles, board members they came,
And Hank cheered and shouted and called them by name:
"Now, David! Now, Stacey! Now, Katie and Robert!
On, Joel! On Salim! Megan, Connie and Ash!
To the top of the floor! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the 14th floor the coursers they flew,
Their arms full of papers, and Power Points too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard at the door
The laughing and excitement, we’re ready for more.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the long corridor Todd came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all crumpled with traveling soot;
A bundle of papers he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler opening his pack.
His eyes — how they twinkled! His dimples — how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And he could barely wait to put on his show.
I’m “Crawdaddy,” he grinned and showed all his teeth,
And the excitement he held was worn on his sleeve;
It’s time for some progress, some fun and some perks
Change package, strategic plans and journals need work.
Everyone was chattering, laughing and scrappy
And I laughed when I saw them, all were so happy;
A pound of Hank’s gavel and a twist of his head,
Brought all of the group to a quiet stop dead.
They spoke not a word, but went straight to work,
And completed the agenda; then turned with a jerk,
And laying their pencils aside of their papers,
Work all done, now time for some capers.
Mollie sprang to her feet, to the team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight,
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL MEMBERS, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit From St. Nicholas," adapted by AACVPR Secretary Ruth Akers, RN, BSN, MS, FAACVPR