David L Taylor

The Miles Before They Slept David L Taylor

Eight young women were on the cusp of beginning what should have been a lifetime of fulfillment in careers of service to humanity. They were eight living, breathing, loving, beautiful and bright young women who shared hopes, dreams and ambitions; each of whom had felt a Divine Imperative to choose a career path which would not be easy, a profession of servitude requiring heartfelt dedication to an ambitious training regimen and rigorous classroom instruction. Two had completed their preliminary education in their native Philippines and had come to America seeking greater opportunities of technical learning and comfort of living. Six were three weeks away from graduation and the fulfillment of the dream they shared of entering the workforce in the ever expanding, complex world that was, and is, medical science; and the art of providing tender loving care to those on life's journey who are the sick, diseased and terminal sufferers of the mortal experience. They are the Chicago nursing students and exchange nurses whose lives of promise ended violently in a South Chicago townhouse on the night of July 13-14, 1966. Much has been written and broadcast about the events of the tragedy. While the crime made one individual famous, forgotten among the sensationalized pieces of coverage are the young victims themselves whose lives are far more worth remembering than the manner of their tragic end. Only if one is a president (JFK), a movie star (a la Sharon Tate), rock star (John Lennon) or of some other notable character does a victim receive ongoing public attention. Unfortunately, once the initial shock of the news event subsides, daughters of middle-income families in middle America revert to obscurity in the public eye. One can't help but think the nurses would want to be remembered for the 20 to 24 years of living they enjoyed and have the stories of their lives shared with the world. This volume is an effort to bring back to life the vibrant, happy young women so the world can remember them as exemplary young professionals on the brink of fulfilling their destiny.