All language subtitles for Call.the.Midwife.S14E04.720p.iP.WEB-DL.AAC2.0.HFR.H.264-RAWR

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!

Or a fortress strong

you can't see

where the heartaches come

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.

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?