Clara Hale

Clara Hale tending to a baby (Google Images)

"Love is shown in your deeds, not in your words." This quote by Fr. Jerome Cummings closely emulates the love and dedication Clara Hale displayed throughout her life. Born in North Carolina on December 18, 1905, was to be a second version of Mother Theresa. “Provider of love and care to more than 1,000 under the auspices of Hale House, Mother Hale enfolded some of the most troubled children New York could produce into her arms.” (Ferran Christine) Clara Hale had a passion to help others, and great love for children. With those two traits combined, Hale became the most well known and loved “mother” of New York with a larger than life personality. She was a mother to countless unwanted and crack addicted babies, and took them under her wings when no one else would. She was African American, but children of all races were loved by her, and as a result, many would acclaim she was a hero to those children. But only great people deserve the title of “hero”. Heroes are people who have sacrificed comforts, and have shown unconditional love. Clara Hale was an exemplifier of ultimate love and passion: an everyday hero.

Clara Hale, out of love, founded the Hale House; a well known institution that cares for unwanted babies with a drug addiction or AIDS. But it wasn’t always that prominent. It started with a passion for others and a great love for kids. It all began when Lorraine, Hale’s daughter saw an intoxicated woman almost drop her baby while in her stupor, and entreated the lady to bring her baby to Hale, while she sought treatment. Thus was the beginning of a life of service. “Hale took the tiny baby girl and nursed her through drug withdrawals. The young mother had other children, and when she returned to Hale’s residence, she brought others and left them too. Eventually she returned to take the children back. Hale sent the family off with her blessing and never charged a penny.” (Ferran Christine) Through this experience, Clara Hale found she had a calling to help others. The irresponsible behavior of some led to undesirable consequences for others to bear. Hale bore it with great fortitude. She loved children, and didn’t hesitate to help the needy ones. Her loving kindness didn’t stop there. Very soon, Hale found her hands, and heart, full with many more drug addicted or unwanted babies. Her place swelled with all the children who poured in from the streets, but didn’t have the heart to turn them down. “The younger Hales took as many jobs as was necessary to bring in the funds to support the many, many children who came into their home. “It wasn’t their fault they were born addicted. Love them. Help one another.” Hale explained to others, as quoted in the Chicago Tribune.”” (Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2004. Encyclopedia.com.) The whole family, not just Mother Hale, was dedicated to the cause. They loved the little ones so much, and were determined to the best of their ability, to make the world a better place for them. All Hale’s time and effort revolved around that goal; caring and loving children. To all the unwanted babies and toddlers, Clara Hale was their only source of affection and love in this world, and was in always a hero to them.

Hale holding one of the many children she loved (Google Images)

Round the clock, Clara Hale worked tirelessly and selflessly, tending to the babies who suffered from excruciating drug withdrawals. She would sing to them to distract them from the torture they were going through, and tenderly nurtured all those under her care. Their well-being was all that mattered. “Mother Hale kept the frailest of infants in her own bedroom, cradling them and walking the floors all night when necessary to comfort each one through the painful experience of detoxification.” (Encyclopedia of World Biography) Clara Hale’s passion for children was endless. Her heart went out to the suffering babies, and tried to ease their pain; even if it meant sacrificing sleep. The dedication of all her time and effort is indicative of her belief that it is better to serve than to be served. Little by little, day by day, more children streamed in. All the sick and unwanted were showered with love. “Slowly the Hales allowed their lives to become virtually consumed by the effort to instill hope and to inject healing into the lives of addicted parents in Harlem. The dedicated family worked day and night to support their cause.” (UXL Biographies) Mother Hale was so passionate as to devote her whole life to helping others. She put in so much effort into her model as a mother until she became too frail even to hold the tiny babies that she loved so dearly. Her passion was simple: to make life better for less fortunate children. Mother Hale’s efforts did pay off. Many of the children she looked after grew up and had their own families, and went on to become useful members of society. She had given these kids hope through her love and dedication to them, and no one and nothing would keep her from her mission. Her lifelong passion was in every way heroic.

Mother Hale (Google Images)

Mother Hale had an infinite amount of love, and an unwavering passion; she put them to use by helping and healing. Hale never considered herself heroic, and thought of her service as a calling. “‘I love children and I love caring for them,’ she said. ‘That is what the Lord meant me to do.”” (Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2004. Encyclopedia.com.) She never tried to glorify her actions. Mother Hale inspires the younger generation to go out with you little candle of love, and light up the dark lives of the less fortunate. She shows that anyone can be a blessing to others. Hale proved that all you need is love, and you’ll be a hero to all you extend a helping hand to. That was exactly what she did. Mother Hale was not just an inspiration, she was an example, and has improved the lives of others more than she would ever imagine. She was that little beacon of light to those sick, unwanted children. Even though Clara Hale’s kind soul was laid to rest on December 18, 1992, the legacy of her heroic deeds still lives in the hearts of the many children she cared for. She was someone who loved unconditionally, and had a passion dedicated to a good cause. Mother Hale was the ultimate everyday hero.

Source Citations

Ferran, Christine. "Hale, Clara (1905-1992)." Newsmakers. Ed. Louise Mooney. Detroit: Gale Research, 1993. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 30 Apr. 2010

"Hale, Clara (1905-1992)." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Jennifer Mossman. Vol. 20. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale Group, 2000. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 7 May. 2010

"Hale, Clara (1905-1992)." UXL Biographies. Online ed. Detroit: UXL, 2003. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 2 May. 2010

"Clara Hale." Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 21, 2010).