Original subtitles

WWW.MY-SUBS.CO

1 How do we begin when we take our first breath?

When we shape our first word?

We don't know,

because we can't remember!

But throughout our lives,

for others, we begin when we arrive,

when our face is the new face...

..when our past is untold to them,

our shared future still unknown.

One day we'll look back

and say, "Do you remember when...?"

But we're always beginning somewhere,

in somebody's eyes.

I'm going to have to grease this desk to get it through,

it's that big. Can't she make do with something smaller?

No! She cannot.

Sister Catherine is a postulant,

simultaneously studying for first vows

and her part-two midwifery exams.

She's going to need the biggest desk you can find her.

No grease required.

Sheets, blankets and a choice of two bedspreads.

Two? Isn't that rather luxurious?

The weather's been changeable, and she needs to sleep well,

with all the work she has to do.

We're ready for the mattress.

No rest for the wicked.

Did you find that copy of

the London A-Z, Nurse Clifford?

She isn't coming till tomorrow, is she?

No,

but perhaps you could go and find it,

- now you've finished the curtains. - Of course.

Sister Julienne!

Greetings, Sister. I'm Catherine Cantwell -

Sister Catherine.

I think you were expecting me.

Yes, of course we were expecting you.

Just... not until tomorrow!

Oh!

Morning rounds completed.

One ambulance sent for

and one urine sample.

Dr Turner, whatever is this?

Twin-tub's broken.

I went home to collect the laundry.

Shelagh is going to drop by, pick it up

and take it to Mrs Wallace for a service wash.

That all seems exceptionally convoluted.

Why didn't you take it straight to the launderette?

I wouldn't have known what to ask for.

Shall I put it in here?

Um... once you've turned your mind to medical matters,

I would like to draw

your attention to the measles vaccination clinic.

We thought it best I came today

because of the strikes that are going on.

Nice of you to bring us chocolates, though.

Oh!

I was on my way to the station

when a patient's father spotted me

and ran into a shop to get them.

I don't think I'm supposed to accept presents, though, am I?

We shall put them in the comestibles section

of our charity b...

We shall be leaving for our Tuesday clinic shortly.

You can take the afternoon to settle in.

It's a very disappointing response.

These are the lowest numbers

I've ever seen booked into a vaccination clinic.

It's so often the case with voluntary procedures.

Women remain reluctant to sign up for cervical cytology,

and mothers are slow to arrange the measles vaccine.

This is worse than slow.

They've almost stopped booking altogether.

It's the case in almost every practice,

even though some GPs have accepted the financial incentive

from the Board of Health.

I am not going down that route.

If you ask me,

it's not the GPs who need the incentive, it's the parents.

In the meanwhile, we shall simply redouble our efforts.

Good afternoon.

My name's Peggy Wrigley.

- I've an appointment to see Dr Turner. - Oh, yes.

Of course. We were just able to fit you in

before Doctor leaves for St Oswald's.

Will we see you at clinic with Gail this afternoon, Mrs Wrigley?

Not half! She's having me first grandchild.

We haven't missed an appointment yet.

Whoa!

Ooh!

Oh, dear.

Mrs Turner! Good afternoon. Let me take that from you.

Thank you, Mrs Wallace.

Could I have a service wash? My machine is broken.

Of course.

It's a bit loud, darling. Mum!

I'm so sorry, I really am. He's not been right today.

Andrew, be quiet, darling. The lady's trying to work.

Hello, Mrs Trottwood.

Hello, Andrew.

Let me give you a hand.

If you're good, I'll take you to the rec after,

so you can watch the swings.

Andrew!

Oh, he's caught his hand.

So, Mrs Wrigley, what can I do for you?

I'm...

..about to say something out loud

I haven't said out loud to anyone else yet.

You can take your time.

I'm 46...

..and I think I'm in the family way again.

I've got seven kids already.

And what you can do for me is get me an abortion.

Just let me take a little look, Andrew.

Come on, darling. Mrs Turner's trying to help.

Just show her your hand.

Andrew, you want a banana?

Something sweet always cheers up a child

when they've hurt themselves.

Banana, Andrew, your favourite.

Thank you, Mrs Wallace.

Oh, it's a nasty little cut.

It doesn't need stitches,

but it will need cleaning and a dressing.

I've got my first-aid box,

and as we've got a nurse on the premises,

we'll soon have the little fella sorted out.

I would say that you are

slightly less than three months along.

Is that good, though... if I want an abortion?

Peggy, abortion may be legal now,

but it's not simple.

Having another baby isn't simple!

I've got seven beautiful, healthy children,

but I feel like I'm working every hour of every day

just to feed them and keep them clothed.

I can't have another one,

not with Jimmy and the dockers' strike.

I can't. It'll kill me!

It won't kill you,

but it could cause you a lot of distress.

Can I have an abortion because of that?

It isn't up to me.

The law makes sure that every termination is thought about

really carefully.

And by more than one doctor.

Oh...

I don't want to put you on the spot, Doctor...

..but please...

please tell me where to go,

who I need to talk to. Please!

Come along, Peggy, lass.

We can't put it all right on the spot.

But it isn't the end of the world.

I am going to send you to Mr Wilkins at St Cuthbert's.

What I am also going to suggest is

that he discusses the prospect of sterilisation with you.

Sterilisation?

If you do have the termination,

you can then have an operation

which means that you would never conceive again.

I think that might... be good.

You take your time with this cuppa.

You work hard looking after the little fella.

I try.

It's best not to get this dressing wet.

I'll pop in to check up on it.

And I second Mrs Wallace's advice about the tea.

You need to take breaks where you can.

I suppose I'm out of the habit.

The last time you were in the surgery,

it was because Andrew was starting to have more seizures.

Are they getting worse?

Not worse, but not better.

I lie awake sometimes,

just listening out for a fit starting.

I can't believe he was just like any other baby,

any other child till he was two.

And then what happened?

He caught measles and that turned into a brain infection.

And that made him the Andrew he is now.

I don't love him any less.

In fact, I think I love him more.

I tell you I love you all the time, don't I, cherub?

Mum, you're late! Where have you been?

What did your last slave die of?

- Gail Mason? - Yeah.

Nurse Crane's taking over from me.

She'll call you in in a minute.

Good. I can finish me fag.

Life can be very unkind sometimes.

Trotting along like a little pony.

That's what we like to hear.

You're a bit dark under the eyes, Mrs Mason.

Are you getting enough sleep?

Oh, I've been tossing and turning all night, every night.

I don't know if it's nerves or the heartburn.

That's because you're all on your own,

with your husband 1,500 miles away.

I can look after meself, Mum.

My Jeff's in Cyprus with the RAF.

She's on at me to move back home till I've had the baby.

You'd think she'd be glad to have one less on her hands!

Is anything wrong?

Your blood pressure's a touch too high for my liking.

You've no swollen ankles,

but I'd like to test your urine for protein.

Meanwhile,

you're just going to have to calm down

and let us keep an eye on you.

That does it. You're coming home. I've made my mind up.

- No, I... - No arguments! Not a word.

You'll find nothing of interest or merit in there.

It was just a few sewing things.

I expect it's something to do with recreation.

Well, I am not an admirer of embroidery,

unless for an explicitly...

..ecclesiastical purpose.

I have to say, I've struggled slightly with recreation.

My hobby was always trampolining

and there's nothing ecclesiastical about that.

- No. There is not. - There was also golf,

because my parents both played,

and it was assumed that we would, too.

Parents assume much, in my experience.

Yes. They do.

And you can't stop them.

I tried crochet

in the Mother House, but in the end

I settled on origami.

Doctor's content

that Gail's showing no signs of pre-eclampsia.

But I'm to call in regularly and take her blood pressure.

Oh, that's good.

I'm asking you now,

please don't you say anything to her about

what I'm seeing the doctor for.

Understood. You will need to confide in someone.

- Maybe your husband. - No. No point in that.

He wouldn't get any of it.

Oh! Why the long face?

I thought you'd be grinning from ear to ear,

now you've got your own way.

Come on. I'm going to buy us

a quarter of pineapple chunks to celebrate.

Mm! She pretends they're for me,

but she loves them just as much.

Come on.

Sister Catherine comes to us

from St Aiden's Children's Hospital.

I was lucky enough to have spent two years there.

Children are a gift from the Lord.

They are a reward from him.

Though you must admit,

some of them could try anyone's patience!

That is because

your patience is fragile,

whereas mine has been tempered by years of service

to the Lord.

We're just down the corridor if you need anything -

a chat or a cup of tea.

Thank you,

but I'm afraid I'm going to be a very boring neighbour.

I have a lot of studying to do.

You know what they say - the brain is a muscle.

It needs breaks, just like the other ones.

It does. Thank you.

No, I can't spare anything out of the housekeeping

for the dockers' distress fund, Jimmy.

I've had to put cardboard in Carole's shoes

to get her to the end of term.

You're a docker.

We're as distressed as anyone that fund is helping.

We don't accept charity in this house.

You're tired, Mum.

Well, you know what I always say -

can't afford mink, can't afford champagne,

and I can't afford to be tired.

All right, tea's ready. And if you eat it all up,

there's tinned syrup sponge.

The lies they print! "Most dockers

"are, however, being offered substantial increases

"coupled with measures

"to improve productivity." What measures?

We don't even get bleedin' sick pay.

I offered Mum housekeeping

while I'm staying, but she won't accept it.

I'll accept it.

Why don't you jack in the docks, Dad?

Get a job down the... toy factory or sugar works.

Wrigleys have been dockers for four generations.

What kind of man would your dad be if he ditched that?

I don't know where I'd be without your mother.

Hmm!

Well, you'd be starving and covered in fleas.

Wretched weather for...

- Morning! - Morning.

I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

Awake, psaltery and harp.

I myself will awake early.

I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people...

..and will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

Mrs Trottwood!

I've come to change Andrew's dressing.

Well, you're lucky you caught me.

I had to go out and collect a catalogue delivery.

They delivered to the wrong address.

Can you give me a hand with those bags?

Of course.

It's a bit of a performance today. The lift's not working.

Once Fred has sorted you with a bicycle, you will soon

familiarise yourself with every nook and cranny

in Poplar, and keep fit at the same time.

So, it's our first study session. Shall we?

The lift maintenance in these flats is disgraceful.

I'd call it nonexistent.

Anyway, it's a good job you came today.

Andrew's torn the bandage right off.

We'll soon put that to rights. I've brought my bag of tricks.

I'm afraid I never get quite straight.

I'm a rep for Gifford's catalogue.

I thought it was a job I could do from home -

I didn't factor in all the parcels.

I imagine it can be quite sociable, though,

when customers drop by.

Sometimes they stay for a cup of tea.

They never bring their kids.

Now, let's have a little look at your hand, sweetheart.

Oh, dear. It's looking a bit raw

and possibly infected.

The doctor will need to prescribe

some antibiotic cream for it. I can drop it in later.

He kept sucking the bandage.

I can't be standing over him every minute of every day.

I wasn't criticising, Jill.

I can only imagine

how hard it is looking after Andrew. And on your own, too.

You know his dad left us, don't you?

Even though I've never said.

I guessed.

And I also guessed you didn't want to discuss it.

People feel sorry enough for me already. Because of my boy.

I loved my husband...

..but he couldn't love Andrew.

So it was quite easy to let him go because of that,

even though it's so hard on my own.

We'd hoped the place

at the special school in Essex would help.

He was on that bus for hours every day.

He was exhausted,

but he was learning... or getting the chance to.

And then the council stopped paying for him to go there,

said he had to go to a special school nearer to Poplar.

- There isn't one, is there? - No.

There isn't.

And my child deserves better.

He does.

And so do you.

Midwife calling.

Oh! Hello, Nurse.

Thought I'd have a go at cleaning while me mum's out.

Your blood pressure's not going to thank you for that!

Get inside and get rid of that mop.

Oh...

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you

"and ordained you,

"that you should go and bring forth fruit

"and that your fruit should remain,

"that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name,

"he may give it you."

So far as this verse applies to the disciples,

it doesn't seem controversial...

..and yet there is controversy in it.

Where would you say that lies?

In the thought that... Jesus is the one who chooses you,

not the other way round.

Quite. It seems to pose the question

about how or if our own free will comes into play.

But, er, I'm curious about your own interpretation.

I-I'm not sure what my interpretation is.

In fact, the only thing I am sure of at the moment

is that I'm thinking and learning and...

wondering all the time without...

managing to be very sure about anything very much.

Is that permitted?

We journey in faith.

We must permit all doubt...

..for it is only through doubt that we can find its opposite.

Me and Jeff are both reading the same book about having a baby.

He's away and I'm over here,

but it means we can share it all.

Young fathers these days seem to take quite an interest.

My mum said she wasn't sure my dad even knew how we came out.

He headed straight for the Black Sail

as soon as she went into labour,

and he'd stay there till the all clear sounded.

That was the usual routine.

But many's the man made up for it once Baby arrived.

He never did.

Not only never even changed a nappy,

he never even stayed in the room

when a nappy was being changed.

Said it wasn't a spectator sport.

Are you planning a hospital delivery or the maternity home?

The maternity home. I can have me mum with me, then.

Is that you, Mum?

I'm in here with Nurse Crane.

Mrs Wrigley?

Mum! You're bleeding!

I don't feel too good.

I think I might be having a miscarriage.

Come on. Let's go to the bathroom.

Mum?

Here we are. Andrew Trottwood.

The last I knew, he was offered a place at special school

and started attending.

But then the place was withdrawn.

I wonder what happened there.

The cost should be covered by the council.

I am very concerned

for both Mrs Trottwood's welfare and his.

He's missing out on so much, being at home. They both are.

I'm going to look into this as a matter of urgency.

We'll get to the bottom of it.

Er, you said something like Tupperware,

but we've only got this.

It's the one she uses when she makes jelly.

Thank you.

It does seem as though nature is going to take its course.

Just to be on the safe side,

could you telephone Dr Turner at the surgery?

Wait. She never even said she was having a baby!

I'll get you a drink in a minute.

B586 and B587.

Medium.

That's large.

Oh, crumbs!

Yeah, I'm coming. Just give me a second.

Andrew, I said stop!

Stop!

Now, Andrew, look what you made me do!

You naughty, naughty boy!

Can you not just stop just for one minute?!

Just stop!

Andrew Trottwood,

20th of September, 1963.

Found him.

Everything seems to be present and correct.

Except a little boy who already has quite enough to contend with

isn't attending school,

as he has no access to transport.

I'm not seeing any evidence of proof of need.

What evidence does there have to be?

There are forms to fill in.

I am a health visitor.

Forms are meat and drink to me.

The trouble with having a child like Andrew

is you don't know anyone else like you.

And soon you don't know anyone

who isn't like you. He can't join in.

And it breaks my heart.

It's broken my heart from the word go.

But after years and years of this, it's like...

..I can't join in, either...

..with anything...

..that normal mothers do.

It's broken my spirit.

Oh, Jill!

You shouldn't have to feel alone.

But I do. I feel...

..so alone...

..even though I'm not,

because I've got Andrew.

And I love him.

I love him more than I can ever express in words.

I understand.

I know you want to,

Mrs Turner, cos you're kind.

But I don't think anyone can understand

who's never stood in my shoes.

I'm sorry, Peggy.

It's a miscarriage.

Sadly common in women of your age.

I feel there's a bit more blood

than we'd like to see, Doctor.

You need to go to hospital straight away

and have a procedure

to make sure that your womb is clear.

I do need to talk to you about the referral, though.

I wonder, Gail, would you step outside for a moment?

No, I'm not leaving her.

Doctor may need to discuss

confidential matters with your mother, Gail.

Is this about me getting me tubes tied?

Yes.

- As we previously discussed. - What?

When did you discuss getting your tubes tied?

When I went to him and asked for an abortion.

There. I've said it now.

An abortion?

- Mum, well, what did Dad say? - He would never have known.

And I doubt it would have bothered him.

There we go, darling.

I'm sorry I got cross.

It's not your fault.

Mummy's just tired.

And we both get tired, don't we, soldier?

You know I love you, don't you?

You be a good boy. I'm going to get on with my work.

In Dr Turner's referral letter,

he suggests we discuss sterilisation.

That was when I was thinking of...

..going down a different route.

Indeed.

But we could do it at the same time as your D&C.

My what?

It's when we remove any parts of your pregnancy

that remain in your womb.

Unless, of course, you need more time to make up your mind.

What do you think, love?

I think I don't ever want

to see you go through anything like this again.

You put yourself first, for a change.

Yeah, I'd like it done, please.

Very well.

- Hey, have you got me handbag? - Yeah, here, on me knee.

I got you some pineapple chunks.

They should still be in there.

Sister Catherine?

Perhaps you would like to join us for recreation.

I have quite a lot of studying to do this evening.

I thought I might bring this up to my room.

With your permission, of course.

I admire your dedication to your studies.

However, rest is equally important.

It would do you good

to have quiet time for yourself before compline.

Thank you, Sister.

I'm afraid there's something wrong with the aerial, Sister Monica Joan.

Oh!

If there is, you really need an engineer for that.

Oh, yes. If events keep unfolding as they are,

I might have to resort to such measures.

Could prove difficult, as the strikes are affecting everyone.

Until then,

I must endure.

All straightforward so far.

This shouldn't take us very long.

- A retractor. - Yes, Mr Wilkins.

Retractor.

Pack.

Pack in.

- One pack, Sister. - Noted, one pack.

Is our next patient in the anaesthetic room?

Patient's turning blue.

Can we stop?

I was just thinking what a long day you'd had

when I heard your car. Is that going to be a cheese sandwich?

I'm that ravenous,

it was all I could do not to eat dry bread.

If you can bear to sit down and wait five minutes,

I could turn these rather ordinary ingredients

into cheese on toast with a dash of mustard.

Oh, go on, then.

We vegetarians have to stick together.

What's happened, Gail? I need more than a note

on a table saying, "Me and Mum have gone to St Cuthbert's."

I left that note there hours ago.

I take it you've been down the Black Sail.

Union business. Where is she?

Which one of the kids has come off their bike this time?

None of them, Dad.

It's Mum.

She's in the operating theatre now.

She's been in ages longer than they said.

Why? She never said she was ill.

Yeah, she never said she was pregnant either.

Again?

Well, you say that like it's nothing to do with you!

Anyway, she's... she's lost it now.

- Oh, Gail... No... - Yeah.

That's why she's in here.

They're tidying her up

and making sure it never happens again,

seeing as you can't.

Mrs Mason?

I've been with your mother in the operating theatre.

She's my wife.

Would you like to come with me, please?

Please, take a seat.

- Sit down. - Can we go and see her?

I-I'm afraid not.

There were complications.

And I'm afraid to say that,

despite everything we tried to do,

she did not survive the procedure.

I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say

our thoughts are with Mrs Wrigley's family.

I prayed for them this morning.

It really is absolutely heartbreaking.

Seven children are left without a mother.

Do we know the cause of death?

Pulmonary embolism has been suggested,

but speculation serves no-one.

Gail Mason is already on my house-call list.

Her blood pressure was enough of a cause for concern

as it was.

I've just spoken to the Coroner's Office

and arranged to send Peggy Wrigley's case notes.

Ah, the postmortem should tell them all they need to know.

Indeed. I'd put money on an embolism.

Doctor, with regard to a different concern,

I'm afraid we still have only a handful of bookings

for the measles vaccination clinic.

- Still? - May I use some petty cash

to fund some posters and leaflets?

Please do.

People just don't seem to understand

how dangerous measles can be.

Right, I don't want any grease on these. They aren't ours.

Been all up and down the street borrowing funeral clothes.

You're making me ashamed that I can't buy new.

Putting yourself first, as usual.

No wonder Mum couldn't cope with the thought of any more.

You were the one that told her to go through with the sterilisation.

And that's why the operation took so long!

If it wasn't for you, she'd still be alive!

♪ If you could read my mind, love

♪ What a tale my thoughts could tell

♪ Just like an old time movie

♪ 'Bout a ghost from a wishing well

♪ In a castle dark or a fortress strong

♪ With chains upon my feet

♪ You know that ghost is me

♪ And I will never be set free

♪ As long as I'm a ghost, you can't see

♪ When you reach the part where the heartaches come

♪ The hero would be me

♪ But heroes often fail

♪ I never thought I could feel this way... ♪

♪ And I've got to say that

♪ I just don't get it

♪ I don't know where we went wrong

♪ But the feeling's gone and I just can't get it back. ♪

Nurse Crane is visiting Gail Mason today,

and I shall be popping in on the young children.

And how has Sister Catherine been settling in?

She's bright, diligent,

very professional, and eager to learn...

..although I have noticed she's particularly inclined

to spend time with the children

of the families we look after.

And she's certainly a natural with them,

but she must remember, mother first.

Indeed.

I wonder if there's some way of...

combining her natural affinity with children

with the ongoing care of Gail Mason and the Wrigley family.

Mrs Trottwood! I was just on my way

to see you. Hello, Andrew. How's your hand?

It's coming on all right now, isn't it?

He likes watching the children.

You planted sunflowers when you were

at the special school. Do you remember, Andrew?

They stopped his bus before they grew.

Is there any news? About the bus?

Sister Veronica is trying very hard, I know that,

but I'm afraid I've not heard any news.

Oh, Andrew, love!

Oh, his nappy's leaking!

I switched to disposables

cos they're easier, but they're not as good.

- And I don't have a spare one. - Come with me over to Mrs Buckle's.

She might sell them.

- Give it back! - Will you two give it a rest?

I don't know what's got into you!

Dad! They've just lost their mother.

I'll see you later. Excuse me.

Just ignore him, girls.

I wonder, would you take Mrs Mason upstairs

and make a start on her checks for me?

Now, Carole and Cheryl...

..do you know how to make bread and jam?

I want you to make some for each other.

I fetched her a nice soapy flannel

as well as the packet of pads.

Thank you, Violet.

The way poor Andrew looked at the other children

broke my heart.

At least when he had his place on the bus

he could go to school.

But what happened to his place on the bus?

I mean, the council don't send many children to that school -

it's out of our area.

But we do pay for travel

and for the place itself.

People seem to think so.

Even you seem to think so.

But I can assure you that that is not the case.

Perhaps Andrew has fallen foul of the fact

that handicapped children have no legal right to education.

Well, that is going to change, Mrs Turner.

There's a bill already going through Parliament.

But until then, it's all discretionary.

But how long do these families have to wait?

Shouldn't we all be doing better?

Yes.

We know those like Andrew and Reggie deserve so much more.

Nothing a nice slice of bread and jam won't settle.

How are we doing here?

A little slowly... but surely.

Listen, lass, you're grieving.

You're doing your best

in very difficult circumstances.

Yeah. Everywhere I look, I see her.

I see her shouting at me for the mess the house is in,

shouting at my dad for the mess the family's in.

Then, in my head, I start shouting at her.

She could sort it all out if she was here.

I think it's time to pack a bag.

You're coming with me to the maternity home.

Miss Higgins? I need a favour.

What is it, Mrs Trottwood?

I've got to be quick, cos Andrew's outside.

How many measles leaflets can you spare me?

Where's Gail?

Oh, she's gone to the maternity home with Nurse Crane.

She needs bed rest to prepare her for the birth.

Don't know about any of that sort of thing.

You don't have to.

It's the stork that delivers babies, after all.

When I was a nipper,

we were told that the sisters brought them in their bicycle bags.

I like that!

There are two tinned pies ready to go in the oven,

and I took the liberty of peeling some potatoes.

That's good of you.

It'll get you started.

I love my son.

I love my son as much as...

..any one of you loves your children.

And... and loving your child

means protecting your child.

Now, Andrew caught measles before the vaccine

was invented.

And I can't turn back the clock.

But I can say to you today...

..vaccinate.

Vaccinate.

You and your child

have a chance that me and Andrew never had.

So don't waste it.

Vaccinate.

Vaccinate!

Vaccinate.

It'll be teatime soon.

I hear it's custard slice for pudding.

In better news, there's no protein

- in her urine. - Excellent.

How would you proceed?

Regular observations?

Maybe some chloral hydrate?

Good idea.

You'll sleep well tonight, lass.

Shall we try and get news to your husband in Cyprus?

No... he'll only worry. I'll be fine.

You just tell us if you change your mind.

Lo and behold, the measles vaccination list is filling up.

What's brought this on?

Sudden interest since Jill Trottwood's efforts.

Well, it just goes to show, every effort counts.

She's a trouper!

It's high time this world paid her

the respect she deserves. It cannot come soon enough.

Come in!

I offer you the solace of my company...

..and some chocolate digestives.

I am grateful, Sister, but it's been drummed into me

that we never eat between meals.

Well, there are quite a number of digestives.

I think we may consider them a meal entire.

Well, maybe just one!

Or two!

I must have cycled 15 miles today.

Is this the life that you imagined?

Well...

..it... is the life I was called to.

I-I didn't dare imagine much. I just listened to God's voice.

And God is a persuasive speaker, is he not?

Well, he persuaded me.

But...

..what did he ask you to surrender?

Everything!

Isn't that the pact we make?

"Everything" is merely a word...

..a single suitcase into which we bundle all we are.

What did your everything consist of?

Indeed...

..what does it consist of now?

Erm...

Tights.

Pear drops.

My cat, Maude.

Mascara.

Trampolining...

..or driving my Mini...

..or waking up in the flat I shared with my friend

near the hospital...

..and putting coffee in the percolator...

..or my brothers and sisters...

..or choosing what to wear...

..choosing what to eat...

..choosing what to do.

Sometimes I think I miss choosing most of all.

Because the choice is made.

And... that's my everything now.

Isn't it?

Sister...

..it is so much more.

Mrs Mason?

I think I'm having twinges.

Thank you.

Patrick?

There's another rail strike...

..meaning that the measles vaccines

won't be delivered until tomorrow.

Tomorrow? That's too late!

I know it's too late!

We're meant to be vaccinating dozens of children today.

Interest at last, and now we have to cancel.

Or at least postpone.

I don't like letting patients down.

We'd be letting Andrew and his mother down, too.

And after all she's done, that would be too unkind.

I'll speak to the factory.

I have got just enough time to go there myself

and collect another batch... if I get my skates on.

Chop chop, Nurse Clifford. It'll be all hands on deck

at the vaccination clinic.

That's why I'm having more toast.

I need plenty of carbohydrates

if I've got to keep Mrs Buckle under control,

as well as protect 40 children against measles.

We are lucky to have engaged the interest of the mayor.

It might even lead to attention from the newspapers.

Will you be joining us, Sister?

I had better remain here...

..in case a television engineer makes an appearance.

That was Nurse Highland on the telephone.

It seems Gail Mason is in early labour.

More toast for you too, lass. It's going to be a long day.

Good morning. I wondered

if you and Andrew would be interested in...

..a little excursion.

It's a nice day, but... where are you thinking of going?

Look at this.

See how many mothers were encouraged

to vaccinate their children after listening to you?

Well, I just said what I felt

and... and what I know to be true.

Miss Higgins tells me they need help with refreshments.

Shall we go in and lend a hand, Andrew?

The vaccines haven't arrived.

They are on their way.

Dr Turner is collecting them himself.

That's it, lass, just breathe through it.

I don't remember Mum being in this much pain.

Oh, I feel dizzy.

Perhaps we should give this a break for a little bit.

Ohh, does the pain get worse now?

It says in the book it gets worse once your waters go.

I'd like to know who writes these books sometimes!

Gail? Gail, look at me.

It's not going to get worse if you stay calm and in control

and let me and Nurse Crane look after you.

My mum was going to be with me.

We can't be your mum. But we are your midwives.

We'll get you through this.

And that's a promise.

♪ Why are we waiting?

♪ We are suffocating... ♪

We appreciate your patience, every single one of you.

There's been a...

..a very minor delay in the delivery of the vaccines.

How much longer do you think Dr Turner will be?

They're losing interest.

If they lose interest, we'll lose them!

Are you suggesting that I deploy... cheap tactics?

Yes.

Ladies,

you will be pleased to hear

that we have made a fortuitous purchase

of foil-wrapped chocolate biscuits

from the cash-and-carry.

They will be handed out at intervals.

That's it. Lean on me.

One breath, one step at a time.

What are you doing here? You should be with the kids.

I found some knitted things for the littl'un.

Your mum must have been getting them ready.

Shouldn't you be in bed if you're having a baby?

We find that a bit of gentle ambulation

can help things along.

Oh! Good girl.

Oh!

- This will pass. - Blimey!

Mum did this seven times, Dad.

Can I go back to bed now?

This way.

There we go.

Thank you.

She's fully dilated,

but I think I can feel the posterior fontanelle.

Baby's head seems to be occipital transverse.

What? What's that?

Just that, right now,

Baby could be in a slightly better position for delivery. But...

..they can be monkeys sometimes.

But things often put themselves right.

Well, when?

- When? - Soon.

You're doing everything exactly as you ought.

My mum should be telling me that.

Your daughter is in excellent hands

- and the tea is well sugared. - Thanks.

- Has she had it? - No.

Everything is proceeding perfectly normally,

but I don't think young sir or madam

is especially notable for their turn of speed.

I wonder...

..would you consider...

..doing your daughter a kindness?

Under normal circumstances,

I'm chary of men in the delivery suite.

I feel their presence doesn't always ease the situation.

But Gail has just lost her mother,

and I think she would benefit from seeing a familiar face.

My face?

You're each other's flesh and blood. That always matters.

And right now, it matters more than anything.

This will blow over in a moment, Gail.

Try to breathe through the discomfort.

Discomfort? Discomfort?! It's ruddy agony!

Dad!

You can stand here, Mr Wrigley.

It's all right. Go on.

Give it some welly. I'm tired, Dad.

What did your mum used to say? "I can't afford mink,

"I can't afford champagne..."

"And I can't afford to be tired."

I often give mothers

a barley sugar to suck on when they get to this stage,

but I'm clean out.

I've got some pineapple chunks in my pocket.

- Can she have one of those? - She most certainly can!

You might have to rub a bit of fluff off.

They've been on the floor.

At least it was the hospital floor, wasn't it?

Mrs Trottwood?

A little bird told me that I might find you here.

I thought you might like

to read this.

It's addressed to you, Mrs Buckle.

But it's about Andrew, so it concerns us both.

I took up the cudgels with the Education Committee,

who agree that the situation is not acceptable.

"We will be reviewing the arrangements

"for this child as a matter of urgency

"and hope to report a favourable outcome

"before the commencement of the new school year."

That's really quite encouraging.

Yeah.

Well, it's...

It's got the word "hope" in it.

It looks so small, typed out like that, but...

..it means so much.

Hope was the thing I lost.

We did it!

Baby's head's delivered. Don't push for the moment.

You're there, girl, at the finish line.

Now give it all you got. I'm trying, I'm trying!

Now, when you feel the next contraction,

one big push,

right down to your core.

A beautiful baby girl!

Listen to the lungs on her.

She sounds just like you.

Although I never heard you.

It's a beautiful sound, isn't it?

I reckon Mum can hear it up in Heaven.

I can hear her laughing at me. Well done, girl.

And well done, Grandad.

It seems that Mrs Trottwood and Andrew

have provided better health education

than a thousand posters.

But look at the difference today has made to Jill.

Children need to be with other children.

It's so nice seeing him play

with other boys and girls his own age.

In you go. Come on.

There she is, over there. Come on, boys.

Come on.

Hello, love.

Oh, from Jeff. I sent him a telegram.

Right. I guess you'll soon be moving

back into your own place, won't you?

Yeah, when he comes home. Not before.

We can pull together until then, can't we?

It's what family's all about. We'll find a way.

We're finding one.

What do you reckon, girls? Eh?

Oh, my, how handsome you look!

I must say, it fits perfectly.

You're as pleased as Punch, aren't you, hey?

I knew a word in Miss Higgins' ear would do the trick.

Thank you. This...

Well, it makes all the difference.

Come on, kids, outside. Come and see your sister.

Sometimes a new beginning

is unlooked for.

Seldom are things entirely pure and flawless.

Yet seldom are we left without any hope at all.

We say there's always tomorrow...

..but tomorrow can start today,

when we choose change,

when we choose connection,

when we choose a different path,

for that is how we meet each other

and the things we long for.

That is how we learn and move ahead.

We watch, we listen, we look,

we share.

But nothing is of consequence

apart from this -

simply begin and begin

and begin.

Ooh!

What do you think of my new face, by the way?

Pretty flexible, you know.

And then the story will unfold

exactly as it should.

You seem disquieted.

Something is awry.

Good morning, Mr Desmond.

Dad, please, don't hang up.

I will decide what is best for her and her infant.

Is there something going on

with you and Cyril Robinson?

I haven't been outside this lung for 17 years.

Will the baby die? Will I die?

Sub etxtracted from file & improved by Se7enOfNin9 for MY-SUBS.com