The Stranger in the Garden

Easter Sunday, 1890

In the early light of dawn, Joseph Merrick was already awake and excited. All through
the dark days of Lent and Holy Week, hed been looking forward to this day. While he loved
Christmas most of all, nothing held more promise of eternal joy than Easter.
In his short years on earth, Joseph had already suffered more than most had in an
entire lifetime. Jeering derision and cruel mockery had dogged his steps all through
childhood. Then there were the years of horror in the workhouse, and traveling in the
sideshows, baring his twisted body to gawking audiences as the Elephant Man. That had
been tolerable, as he had been able to save a good bit in hopes of buying his own little house
someday. Then a cruel manager had taken Joseph to Belgium and stolen every penny he had
after their exhibit was closed by the police. Penniless and starving, Joseph had made his way
back to London. His only hope was to find Dr. Frederick Treves, whose card he had after
being exhibited to a group of anatomists two years before. Treves had rescued Joseph from a
raging mob at Liverpool Street Station and had taken him in at the London Hospital.
Sheltered in his comfortable rooms here at the London, visited by royalty and lesserknown friends, Joseph had learned to fit into his new life. There were times when he yearned
for the old life on the road, especially with Tom Norman, the Silver King. Tom had
watched over him like a father and treated him as a friend. Joseph missed that independence
and wished he didnt have to live on charity, but times had changed. He needed constant
physical care now and he was growing weaker with each passing day.
These days, Joseph was always weary and perpetually in need of rest. Some days he
was tempted to go to his eternal rest. It would be so easy. All he would need to do was lie
flat on his back. The weight of his head would most likely snap his neck, and God would
take him home.
Meanwhile, today was a day of celebration. Joseph turned back the covers and
carefully maneuvered his bulky feet onto the floor. He reached for his walking stick and
slowly stood up. His huge head lolled to the right and nearly threw him off balance. Lately
it had felt so heavy he could barely walk straight. Everything was a struggle nowadays.
Eating, dressing, even walking in the little hospital garden took a supreme effort.
The floorboards felt chilly as he hobbled to the washstand. Splashing cold water on
his face made him gasp but thoroughly woke him up. He made little wheezing noises that
passed for chuckles. For the thousandth time, he wished he could laugh and smile like other
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people. It was so hard to show his pleasure because of his constricted jaw and mouth. He
had to convey his feelings through his eyes and voice.
Someone knocked at the door, and he called as clearly as he could, Come in.
Nurse Ireland came in with a breakfast tray, neat in her cap and apron. She was his
favorite nurse, for she took the time to talk to him and didnt scurry off as soon as possible.
Good morning, Mr. Merrick. How are you? Her kindly blue eyes smiled at him as
she set down the tray on his table.
Im still here, Miss Ireland.
She laughed. It was his usual response. Yes, I can see that. Im glad, to be sure.
As Joseph ate his bland hospital porridge, the nurse prepared his morning bath. When
he had first arrived, baths were a terrifying and embarrassing ordeal. He had struggled
against being handled so intimately by women. It was even more humiliating because his
flesh gave off a revolting stench. But the nurses calm, efficient ministrations had settled him
down and the frequent baths themselves had miraculously rid him of the terrible odor.
Now he looked forward to the warm, soothing water. The nurse helped him climb
into the wooden tub and sluiced the water down his back. As she ministered to him with deft
hands, he closed his eyes. He never told her that sometimes he would imagine she was his
wife, tenderly massaging his tortured skin and whispering words of comfort in his ear
The bubble always burst when she handed him the brush and said politely, Ill see to
your linens now, Mr. Merrick.
As he finished washing, he could hear the nurse moving about, changing the sheets
and piling up the pillows he needed to prop himself up at night. She called, I expect youll
want your Sunday best suit.
Oh yes! With a sloshing of water he stood up and laboriously dried off. Piece by
piece, Nurse Ireland helped him don the specially tailored suit he was so proud of. Trousers,
white starched shirt, vest, coat, tie, and to top it off, a spotless handkerchief in the left breast
pocket. She stood back to admire her handiwork.
Youre quite the gentleman, Mr. Merrick. I wish I could escort you to the services
today.
Not today? he asked in dismay.

She shook her head. No, today Im going home to spend the holiday with my
family.
Oh. Well, I daresay I cant blame you. I would too.
The nurse looked at him closely. She had learnt his speech almost as well as Mr.
Treves, but lately it had grown harder to push the sounds out of his distorted mouth. Joseph
tried again.
I cant blame you, Nurse. He tried to keep the disappointment from his voice but
she heard it anyway.
Im sorry, Mr. Merrick. I promise Ill take you next Sunday.
The words rose to the tip of his tongue. I may not be here by then. But she was his
good friend, and he didnt want to upset her.
Nurse Ireland gave his tie one last tweak. Youll hardly miss me, not with all those
other lovely ladies.
Youre right. Joseph went along with the joke for her sake.
The nurse held out her left hand. Good-day, Mr. Merrick. Have a very Happy
Easter!
They shook hands warmly, and he said, Thank you, Miss Ireland. Happy Easter to
you too. Then she was gone.
Joseph sat down in his special armchair and opened his Bible. In the pink light from
the window, the words glowed like a medieval manuscript.
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
And suddenly an angel of the Lordcame and rolled away the stone.
Do not be afraid; I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said.
Suffering and death. The glory of the risen Christ. Memories of Eastertide in his
mothers humble church came back to Joseph. Despite the stares as he limped in with the
family, he was always blissfully happy there. The peaceful hour seated next to his mother,
her familiar scent filling his nostrils. The hymns of celebration rising to the rafters. His
favorite one was Christ the Lord is Risen Today.

Lives again our glorious King

Where, O death is now thy sting?
Made like Him, like Him we rise
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!
A gentle knock at the door brought Joseph back to the present, and he called, Come
in.
A young man in a crisp tan porters uniform stepped into the small room. Joseph
didnt recognize this one, but that wasnt unusual. They came and went more quickly than
the nurses. Some were rogues and drunks, but most were decent.
Good morning, ahMr. Merrick? He spoke with a faint accent that Joseph couldnt
quite identify. Im to take you to Easter services this morning. Will that be all right?
Joseph nodded. His visitor had gentle brown eyes, not unlike his own, and dark curly
hair. With steady hands he helped Joseph don the voluminous black cloak and mask he must
always wear to protect the world from his deformed features.
Shall we? The porters speech was surprisingly refined for someone of his station.
He held out his arm.
They went outside and made their way up the steep steps to the courtyard known as
Bedstead Square. Here the hospital stored its broken beds that needed cleaning and
refurbishing. It was not the most direct route to the chapel but it kept Joseph from view of
the other patients.
Beautiful morning, isnt it? remarked the porter. The rains let up just in time.
Joseph felt too shy to speak, so he nodded agreement. They made their way towards
the back wing of the hospital, but instead of going indoors, the porter paused.
Its early yet, he said. Would you like to walk in the garden?
In the daytime? Joseph had never been allowed to go outside by day. Mr. Treves
was afraid he would cause a riot similar to the one at Liverpool Street Station all those years
ago.
Why not? The stranger smiled. Im with you today.
He steered Joseph onto the path towards the back garden. As they passed under the
windows of the patients wards, Joseph shook with apprehension, feeling as exposed as a
crab on an empty shore. He could almost feel the horrified stares cutting into him like
daggers.
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They made it to the garden successfully and Joseph allowed himself to savor the dewy
air. A faint hint of green along the box hedges made his heart beat faster with joy. Every
winter he wondered if he would ever see spring again, and here it was.
Along the path, the first crocuses were poking up, but Josephs favorites were the
fragrant yellow daffodils. They could be beaten down by a fierce storm but they always
clung to life and bravely bloomed.
The porter followed his gaze. Nice little flowers, daffodils. You can tell spring is
really here when they come up.
Yes.
You know, Ive heard good things about you, Mr. Merrick.
Oh?
His companion smiled. Folks say it cheers them up just to be around you.
Joseph shook his head in disbelief. How?
Youre so well-read and have such interesting things to say. Must be all the books
you read.
With a hint of irony, Joseph answered, I have all the time in the world. The porter
nodded, though Joseph couldnt tell whether he had understood or was merely being polite.
Instead, he remarked, Theres more to it than that. Youre a special person.
Joseph thought, Thats one way of putting it. Hed had enough of being special when
it came to people screaming and running away at the sight of him.
As if reading his thoughts, the porter went on. Oh, I dont mean because of your
well, your condition. Its more like a light of goodness in you that touches people he
tapped his chest. Right here.
Astonished and a bit embarrassed, Joseph stammered, I try my best.
Listen to me rambling on, the stranger said. Sometimes I dont know when to
stop. He chuckled.

They walked slowly in silence. Joseph had never seen the garden by daylight before.
The tapestry of colors dazzled his wondering eyes. He felt like a newborn babe seeing the
world for the first time.
As they reached the outer border of the garden, Joseph grew nervous. Hed never
gone this far before. Weariness crept through his twisted limbs and he wasnt sure he could
walk much further. He turned to the porter.
Please take me back, he enunciated carefully.
Feeling tired, sir? Whatever you wish.
They turned their steps homeward. The porter offered his arm again and Joseph
gratefully accepted it. Usually he treasured his independence, but something about this
young man made him want to lean upon his strong arm for support and even comfort. How
could it be? Most of the porters treated him with friendly boredom or bored friendliness, not
tender concern.
The chapel bells rang out through the crystal-clear air as they drew close to the
hospital walls again. By now, the sun was high enough to bath the flowers and grass in
golden light. They could have been in Eden.
Who are you? Joseph asked his companion. Ive never seen you before.
Oh no? Ive been here all along. The young man smiled.
As they approached the entrance to the hospital, Josephs cane slipped in a patch of
mud and he lost his balance. He teetered precariously, terrified. One fall could snap his neck
and be the end of him.
In a flash, the young porter caught him in a strong grip and steadied him. Easy, Mr.
Merrick. Im here for you.
Joseph stammered, Th-thank you. As he drew deep sobbing breaths, it came to him
that he wasnt ready to die just yet. There was Gods blue sky above him, the promise of the
new flowers around him. There were all those loved him, and especially Mr. Treves.
They managed to get to the chapel without further incident, though Josephs knees
were weak and shaky and his steps were halting. The porter said patiently, You take as
long as you need, sir.
At the door, Pastor Valentine met them, resplendent in his white robes. Good
morning, Mr. Merrick, he said heartily. A very Happy Easter to you!
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And to you, Reverend.

The minister said, Im delighted youre here for our early service. But how did you
come here alone?
Puzzled, Joseph said, I didnt.
His spiritual mentor was usually adept at understanding him, but today his brow
furrowed with equal puzzlement. I see no one with you, Joseph.
Joseph turned to the young man who had guided him safely to Gods house.
He was gone.
All through the Easter service, as Joseph sat unseen by the others in the vestry, he
tried to make sense of what had happened. Someone had brought him to the garden and
caught him when he fell. As the beloved hymns of praise filled the chapel and Reverend
Valentines sonorous voice proclaimed the glory of Christs resurrection, Joseph kept hearing
the mysterious young mans words.
Ive been here all along. Im here for you.
During the Benediction, Joseph bowed his great head in prayer. A sudden chill ran
down his spine. Could it be? Impossible! And yethe could still feel the strangers strong
arms steadying him and that calm Presence around him. Tears began to stream down his
cheeks.
No matter what befell in the days ahead, he would never be alone.