I promised Tamara Witte two ghost stories so here is the second, not as good as the first but a promise is a promise. - During my first unit of CPE in 2010 at MCV while riding the elevators in North hospital I encountered a fellow who did not need doors to get on and off the elevator. The first time I met him I got on what I thought was an empty elevator and after the doors closed and the lift began to move I looked to my left and there was a man in a white lab coat with silver gray hair between 58 and 510 around 60-70ish. Although it was a very small car I assumed that I simply missed him when I got on due to fatigue and a stressful shift. It was about 3 am so it seemed probable to me. I gave him a nod and tried to engage in some chit chat and he just smiled and gave me a nod back. When we reached my floor I turned to wish him a good night and there was no one standing there. I rubbed my eyes and figured that I must be getting punchy and went on about my shift. I saw him a couple of more times but always in the same elevator (right hand elevator as you face west or the Egyptian building for those of you familiar with the building) and only between 1-3 am. On the second or third encounter I was brave enough to take a good long look and that was when I noticed his feet or lack there of did not reach the floor. Although this person projected a very loving paternal aura the doors could not open fast enough. As the summer progressed I saw him less and less and then not at all but still felt like he was in the elevator with me. On the nights that I saw him it was usually during a rough shift and I experiencing some anxiety about my aptitude for ministry. As my confidence and identity as a chaplain grew my encounters with this fellow diminished. Fast forward two years when I returned for 3 more units. I rode the same elevator, in fact it was the only one I would use, hoping that I might see this reassuring mentorish type guy at least once more. I only saw him once more and it was after a really bad night where you dont know whether to cuss, cry, or pray and was feeling pretty puny. I never saw him after that but often heard a shuffle behind or beside and an occasional glimpse out of the corner of my eye. I rarely felt alone between 1-3 am in the North Hospital. Since this a teaching hospital I often wondered if he had not been an instructor of some type when he was alive. I always felt reassured and more confident after these encounters as if he was saying you got this and I am with you, your not alone. Long after these encounters began I discovered that many of the staff including some of the chaplains felt that North Hospital was Haunted but they would never share any details but it was obvious that at least some had experienced something that made them feel uncomfortable. I have heard staff kid about it with nervous laughter and one nurse that said that refused to ride with me when i held the door for to board saying thanks but i never use that one.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 04:54:46 +0000