The Lady with the Lamp

The compassionate lady above is one Florence Nightingale, born this day 1820, in Florence, Italy. She was born into a well heeled, i.e. rich family, and was named after her place of birth (as were both of her sisters). I am pretty sure anyone with any sort of schooling whatsoever has heard of her, and knows why she is on the hero(ine) podium for today. I exhausted myself with my lengthy post earlier in the day, and am just too lazy/tired to do the good lady justice. She is laid the foundation for modern, professional nursing by founding a nursing school at St. Thomas' Hospital, London. Today nurses take what is called the Nightingale Oath as they enter their profession, and today is celebrated as International Nurses Day. She got her nickname "the Lady with the Lamp," and rose to fame for her tireless nursing efforts during the Crimean War. She was a bit of an odd duck, and for all her good work for the causes of women, held women generally in contempt, and even referred to herself as a "man of action." However, let's not let that little oddity overshadow a life well-spent devoted to good causes for mankind in general. So, for providing as much confront as humanely possible to numerous men who were in great need of it, Florence Nightingale (May 12th, 1820-August 13th 1910, at the age of 90), you are my (259th) hero(ine) of the day, and I apologize for giving you such an unworthy post.