Call the Midwife

Mature Jennifer: Not every parting is a sorrow, and not every ending is a time for tears.

Who does not recall the joy of the close of summer term, the running out of school, the absence of a backward glance?

It was a conclusion, but also a commencement, the start of empty days, an unaccounted time of something wonderful that beckoned, awaiting our embrace.

[Door opens] Hello?

Mrs. Baldwin?

Hello, Sister.

How can I help you?

Ah.

Reggie, are you home for the summer?

For 6 weeks.

Mum said I have to help feed Cyril's cat.

If he stays in Jamaica any longer, that cat is going to forget who he is.

I've got my truancy hat on, I'm afraid.

I'm told that Tracey and Sylvie missed a lot of school last term, and I've been asked to have a word with you about their attendance.

Mrs. Baldwin: I'm sorry, but it's the holidays now, isn't it?

Man: We'll turn over a new leaf in September.

We know how important school is, Sister.

I'll make sure to put that in your notes, but it does seem that I was sent at an opportune time.

I didn't realize you were expecting, Mrs. Baldwin, and I don't believe you're on our books.

Would you like me to arrange you a midwife visit?

Thank you, Sister, but no.

That won't be necessary.

Are you sure?

I've got a chance at a job in Birmingham, so we'll be gone in a few days.

Phyllis: Sister Veronica has brought a new case to my attention.

Would you like to fill us in on Mrs. Eva Baldwin, Sister?

The whole family are squatting in a disused warehouse on Queen's Wharf, no electricity, no running water.

Mrs. Baldwin looks to be full term, but when offered a midwife visit, she declined.

We need to visit again.

She may not think she needs care, but she does, and it's our job to persuade her.

Woman: I'd make you a cuppa, Mrs. Turner, but I'm afraid I overslept, and now our morning routine has fallen by the wayside.

Not to worry, Mrs. Desmond.

We have plenty of time.

Good morning, Mr. Desmond.

I'd make you that cup of tea if I could, and I'd also dance you around the room in a Viennese waltz.

Oi, stop your flirting, or you won't get your teeth brushed.

[Chuckles] Sorry, Sister.

I said I don't want no visit.

We can keep things very simple.

It won't take very long.

No, thanks.

A blood pressure reading and a listen to Baby's heartbeat can tell us so much.

Man: And she's telling you she's not interested.

She's got a right to say no to a checkup, hasn't she?

You can't force her against her will.

No, Mr. Baldwin.

Of course we can't.

Very well.

You'll find details of how to send for us when the time comes.

We're always happy to answer questions.

We have done this before.

Oh, Mrs. Baldwin, have you hurt yourself?

Oh, I tripped up, put my hand out to stop myself.

I get clumsy when I'm in the family way.

You know where to find us.

The telephone is always answered, day or night.

Thanks.

Shelagh: I've dressed the bed sores on your heels.

They're only superficial wounds, but we don't want them getting any worse.

I've brought some sheepskin pads to keep under each foot, and I'll need to keep changing the dressing until they're on the mend.

I have been trying to change his position more often.

She's been very diligent about it.

You're doing an excellent job, Betty.

We may only have one pair of arms and legs between us, but we've got two brains and two hearts.

We muddle through.

Oh, you do a lot better than that.

Two years after our wedding, he caught polio.

I'm not a churchgoer, but I made a bargain with God.

I said, "If you save my Owen, I will never complain about anything again."

He may be paralyzed from the neck down.

He can't even breathe without this contraption, but he's never once complained, nor have I.

Don't listen to her.

She complains all the time.

That's enough lip from you.

[Iron lung wheezing] You're looking at me funny, Mrs. Turner.

Have I mucked up my mascara?

I see what you mean.

Next to you, I do look a little bit yellow.

I could be mistaken, but I do wonder whether it could be jaundice.

I've had jaundice before when I had gallstones.

I'd say it's worth getting checked just to be safe.

Shall I have a word with Dr. Turner?

Oh, I can't leave Owen on his own, but our neighbor comes on a Tuesday so I can get to the library and the shops.

Let me see what I can arrange.

Phyllis: Oh, now, that's a good shot.

You think that's supposed to be a javelin?

Yes, and those are hurdles.

Rosalind: The Commonwealth Games haven't even started yet.

It doesn't start for another few weeks.

Well, that might be so, Nurse Clifford, but every elite athlete knows the importance of a good warmup.

Ha ha ha!

Mm.

Sister?

[Door closes] Betty: Am I late?

I'm so sorry.

I had to wait for my neighbor to look after my husband.

Doctor is waiting.

If it is solitude you seek, I will not disturb.

I seek only to inform you that a breakfast plate was set aside for you some time ago.

Thank you, Sister.

Or perhaps you have no appetite.

I have noticed you have not been praying of late.

You seem disquieted.

Something is awry.

You hide in your office.

You do not join us for recreation.

You seem... depleted in some way.

You're right, Sister.

I am depleted, and I'm frustrated by the Peel Report promoting hospital births over home births.

It seems to disregard our very purpose as community midwives.

But we have weathered greater storms than the Peel Report.

There is more to this malaise.

Did you want me in here for the study session, Sister Julienne?

I'm sorry.

I was waiting outside your office.

Hmm.

How long ago did the pain in your tummy start?

A few months ago, same as the pain in my back, thought it was all the typing I do.

I set my own business up after Owen had polio.

I haven't had to see Owen for a few months now, which is always a good sign.

He's doing a correspondence course in poetry at the moment, keeps us both busy.

I'm enjoying it as much as he is.

We're learning all about Shakespeare's sonnets.

Shared hobby is a wonderful thing.

Nigel, breakfast time Oh!

Cyril: Mrs. Buckle.

Oh, Cyril!

I'm so sorry.

I should have sent word of my return.

Yes, you should.

You nearly gave me a coronary.

Heh.

Oh, we've missed you.

Where've you been?

I had to extend my stay because Lucille's mother passed away.

Oh, my goodness.

Oh, poor Lucille.

Was it unexpected?

Yes.

It was.

She must have been so glad that you were there.

Yes.

I suppose she was.

Could your neighbor stay with Owen for a bit longer?

I expect so.

Sid's always very good.

In that case, I think we should send you to St. Cuthbert's for some blood tests and an x-ray.

Straightaway?

I think it would be wise.

Hello.

Who are you?

I'm Sister Catherine.

Who are you?

Reggie.

Yussuf's hurt his head.

Oh.

Come in.

Move the queen diagonally forward.

To the left.

Ha!

Ha ha ha!

You got me.

Ha ha ha!

While the cat's away, eh, boys?

Checkmate.

I was starting to worry about you.

I'm sorry... [kiss] I'm late.

Feel I've been poked and prodded all afternoon.

They had to do all sorts of tests and x-rays.

What sort of tests and x-rays?

Oh, liver and stomach and all the reasons a person might have for turning yellow, I suppose.

Well, that sounds serious.

I could stay a bit longer if you need to have a lie-down.

No.

No.

I'll go get the tea on.

You must be starving, love.

[Iron lung wheezes] It's only a graze, but you're a very brave chap.

Phyllis: He's lucky he didn't end up in casualty.

Right, Yussuf.

Your mother'll be wondering where you are.

I'll walk him home.

I'll come with you.

Perhaps on the way, you can deliver a sermon on the perils of throwing plastic plates at high speed across the forecourt.

It wasn't a plastic plate.

It was a discus.

Of course it was.

[Iron lung wheezing] Owen, they found something at hospital on the x-ray.

They called it a mass.

Why didn't you say?

I'm saying now, aren't I?

I don't know what it means.

They want me to come back in a few days.

What else did they say?

Nothing.

That's it.

They don't know any more yet.

Put your hand in mine, Bet.

I love you, Bet.

You're not wearing the same clothes as the other nuns.

I'm a postulant.

It means I have to qualify to become a real nun.

How?

Well, there are lots of things you have to do, but mainly, you have to demonstrate how much you love Jesus.

How do you do that?

By loving him, I suppose, and letting that love grow every day.

Did you always love Jesus?

No.

I was supposed to just be a nurse.

My sister Helen and I spent our childhood playing doctors and nurses.

She always said I was born to be a nurse, but then when I was doing my training, I discovered God.

What did Helen say?

She was surprised.

My whole family were.

They were quite upset because, well, we don't really see each other anymore.

Nuns aren't allowed to live with their families.

Do you miss them?

Yes.

Of course.

I miss them every day.

You must really love Jesus.

[Indistinct conversation] Mrs. Buckle.

Violet: Ha!

Cyril, I wanted to speak to you regarding the Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games?

Oh, the people of Poplar are gripped with a mania for athletics, particularly the children.

They're all long-jumping and shot-putting all over the place.

Children do like to imitate what they see the grownups doing.

It's proving rather dangerous, so I was thinking, if the children are so determined to leap over crates and hurl objects at each other, perhaps they could do it in a more official and supervised capacity.

You mean as a council play scheme.

Exactly, as an official council play scheme organized by your department.

Ha ha ha!

I knew you would think it was a good idea.

Morning.

A mass means a tumor, doesn't it, and a tumor means cancer, and I can't have cancer because of Owen.

Betty, we're going to take this one step at a time.

When are you expecting the results from the blood tests?

They said they'd send a letter and then there'd be an appointment, but I can't bear the wait, and I can't go back there because I can't take my husband with me.

Take a moment or two to compose yourself.

Then go and sit with Owen while I make a telephone call.

I don't mean to be rude, Sister, but I did say I didn't want any home visits.

But you're entitled to them, and when you mentioned some clumsiness last time, I thought, perhaps, I ought to call again.

There's nothing the matter with the baby.

I can feel it kicking, so it's doing fine.

I'm doing fine.

I know you're just trying to help me, Sister, but I've survived a lot worse than a bruised wrist, including Holloway Prison.

I see.

It left me with a dislike of people telling me what to do.

Girl: No, no.

It goes like this.

We hold a clinic on a Tuesday at St. Oswald's Hall, Poplar.

We provide milk tokens and orange juice for children.

If you ever have any concerns, you can find me there.

I spoke to the hospital this evening, and they agreed that I could talk to you in person.

Thank you, Doctor.

The tests at the hospital did confirm a blockage or a mass in the head of your pancreas, and the problem has spread to your liver.

It is cancer, I'm afraid, Betty.

I'm sorry, love.

Me, too.

[Iron lung wheezes] [Approaching footsteps] [Can clatters] Eva: I thought you were working tonight.

You said you'd stay out at the pub.

You promised.

Yeah?

You promised you'd behave yourself, which means no whining and no backchat.

You're tired.

Why don't you go and lie down?

'Cause I'm in my own home and I'm not scared of you.

Please, Vin, don't.

You scare the girls.

You'll scare them.

Agh!

Oh!

[Thud] You don't expect a shock like this twice in one lifetime.

[Sniffles] I remember the first time they told me Owen had polio.

I was sitting in that waiting room, and I thought I'd never see him again.

Dr. Turner, what's the treatment?

This can't be treated with any real hope of a cure, so there won't be anything aggressive, anything to give you side effects that make you feel worse.

We might even be able to make Betty feel more comfortable... for a while.

Did we find out too late?

We so often do with this type of cancer.

Please don't make me go to hospital.

I can't leave Owen.

Betty, we will find a way through this-- you and me and Dr. Turner and Owen.

[Betty sobbing] It's her turn to need me now.

[Water sloshing] Oh... thank you, sweetheart.

This is what happens when you run about and you don't watch where you're going.

[Chuckles] It's why I'm always telling you both to be careful.

"Let me not to the marriage of true minds "Admit impediments.

"Love is not love Which alters "when it alteration finds, "Or bends with the remover to remove: "O, no; It is an ever-fixed mark, That looks on tempests and is never shaken."

[Sniffles] I know this sounds awful, but I never thought I'd go first.

I thought I'd end up in this house on my own.

I'd be an old lady with hobbies.

Maybe I'd have a cat.

You'd replace me with a cat?

A handsome cat.

Not too handsome.

How am I supposed to live without you, Bet?

You're the reason I keep going, the reason I take breath after breath after breath.

I could say exactly the same.

We've all noticed you seem... under strain.

I'm tired.

I'm worse than tired.

I am-- Sometimes only prayer makes sense because I feel I have mislaid any other purpose.

What good do we do?

What difference do we make?

To people like Eva Baldwin, needing everything we have to give and refusing to take it?

I have known so many Eva Baldwins.

I have helped so many Eva Baldwins, and yet still the Eva Baldwins keep on coming, and I am powerless.

They keep on coming, and we keep on going.

That is the pact we make.

And it's not easy.

No.

Is this the clinic?

[Winces] Oh, I'm too late.

On the contrary, you've arrived in what is known as just in the nick of time.

Harry?

May I take your name?

Eva Baldwin.

Mrs. Baldwin.

Sister, we have another patient.

Would you take her children?

Please, come with me.

[Thunder] I had a show this morning, but there was blood in it.

I don't remember seeing that with the other two.

Are you worried that the baby has been hurt?

I can see someone has hurt you.

I can stand all sorts of things, but the baby can't.

[Winces] Everything seems to be as it ought to be, but your cervix is dilating, and the baby is on its way.

I want to take you straight to the maternity home.

I can't have it there.

I have to get home.

Vin doesn't even know I'm here.

He will kill me.

Oh!

Mm!

She was as sick as a dog again, the same as yesterday.

I haven't got Owen anything to eat yet.

Joyce: You leave him to me.

Nobody starves on my watch.

Ha!

It's all right, Betty.

Let's just concentrate on you.

[Thunder] Julienne: Eva.

Eva, stop.

The maternity home is not far.

I told you, if Vincent finds out I've been with you, he'll think I told you everything.

He'll kill me.

Eva, you're in labor.

You can't walk all the way home.

I won't let you.

I told you, I don't like being told what to do.

And I don't like mothers willfully putting themselves and their babies in danger.

Childbirth brings inherent risks.

If you refuse my help, I can't answer for the outcome.

I'm not asking you to.

I'm not asking you for anything.

[Wailing] Go!

This blood sample should give us a few clues about what's going on with your liver, and then you are to rest.

Owen is under orders to snitch to me if you don't.

Owen: I shall be filing a full report.

You are to lie on this bed where he can see you.

This isn't a fair fight.

It's two against one.

Uh, 3 against one, if you don't mind.

Ohh!

Ah.

I am going to give you something for the pain before I go.

Where have you been?

Why's she here?

Mr. Baldwin, your wife is in labor.

I bumped into her on the street, and I brought her home.

We will need newspapers, clean towels, and, in due course, hot water.

What have you been telling her?

I told her nothing.

I couldn't shake her off.

But she's my wife.

This is my home.

I'll decide what goes on in here.

Your wife is my patient, and I will decide what is best for her and her infant.

And I suppose you think it's best for her if I clear off out of here, do you?

On balance, yes.

I do.

Eva: Ohh!

Oh!

I'm going to the pub.

[Door opens] [Door closes] [Thunder] Oh...

There is a breathing device called a cuirass.

It's a hard shell that locks around the torso to expand the lungs and move air in and out.

Like the iron lung?

Oh, yes.

It's the same idea, but it's portable.

Now, we haven't considered it for Owen before because there were risks involved and, well, he was stable as he was.

Do you know how this works?

I think I can work it out.

The experts, they're all at St. Thomas' Hospital.

Can you find out who the senior consultant is and arrange for me to speak to him?

Of course, but, um-- [Click] [Both chuckle] but if Mr. Desmond is paralyzed from the neck down, then what difference would the cuirass really make?

Medically, none, but it would mean that he could be in a wheelchair and hold his wife's hand while she lies in bed.

And dies.

Yes.

I held my father's hand in his last days.

It could not cure him, but it felt like medicine for both of us.

Baby's head is coming closer with every push.

The girls, are they all right?

The girls are playing in the corner.

You're bringing them a new baby brother or sister.

Eva, you're doing so well.

[Wailing] Remember, save your energy.

Keep it low down.

Breathe and push.

Keep it coming.

[Moaning] [Crying] You have another beautiful daughter.

[Crying continues] [Crying continues] That's your cardie.

It will wash. Thank you for staying with me.

I'm sorry.

Don't apologize.

All is well.

[Laughing] [Crying] Oh!

Oh... Oh, I reckon it's the afterbirth.

[Telephone line rings] [Ring ring] Petticoat tails!

Thank you, Auntie.

I've been waiting for ages.

The afterbirth just comes out with a big squelch usually.

Eva, I want you to lie on your back for me.

Oh...OK. Keep very still and hold her close to keep her warm.

[Panting] [Baby fusses] It seems Baby has brought a brother or sister along with her for the ride.

You're having twins, Eva.

Twins?

No.

No.

Uh!

Ohh... [Baby crying] Oh... How can it be twins?

How are we gonna look after them?

Vince'll go mad.

[Panting] Baby seems to be lying across your womb rather than head down.

Is that bad?

Not at all, but I want you to move further down and open your knees so I can do an internal examination.

[Gasps] I'm so sorry.

I'll do this as quickly as I can.

[Wincing] It seems Baby's hand and foot are going to be coming first.

It should be the head, shouldn't it?

We're going to work together-- you, me, and the baby-- but I'm going to write a note for the girls to go and fetch help.

The girls?

We need help.

We have no choice.

[Thunder] You must stick together, but hurry.

It's very important.

Go.

Please hurry.

Cyril.

Oh.

You look like you're going somewhere special.

I'm meeting some friends from church.

I've been meaning to come and find you, but I've been rushed off my feet ever since I got back, and now Mrs. Buckle has me organizing the Poplar Commonwealth Games.

Ah, yes.

I heard about that.

Sounds like great fun.

Yeah.

Poplar must look a bit gray after Jamaica.

It rains there, too.

I suppose you're too busy to join us back at the homeless shelter.

I've been looking out for you.

I'm sorry.

There's just too much on my plate.

I hope you have a lovely evening with your friends.

[Fusses] [Baby crying] Eva: Oh...mm...

I'm afraid Baby won't be moved.

I'm going to have to give a helping hand.

You're gonna try and pull it out?

I wouldn't describe it quite like that, but I need to work internally to try and line Baby up.

If it doesn't work, will the baby die?

Will I die?

Oh... you don't have to worry about any of that because this is going to work.

Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it.

Just breathe when I tell you and push when I tell you.

Aah!

Aah aah!

Oh!

Oh!

Aah!

[Whimpers] Aah!

[Splash] Oh, that was the waters breaking.

Well done.

Baby's moving.

Baby is feet first.

Now I want you to push with the next contraction when you're ready.

[Wailing] Ah...ah... Oh, well done.

Your baby is coming.

We need to move you over so that your bottom is on the edge of the sofa.

[Whimpering] I need you to push now with everything you've got.

Well done.

Well done.

Baby's body is out.

We're almost there, Eva.

We just need the head to come down using gravity and a few small pushes.

Small push now.

Nngh... That's it.

OK. Nngh... One more.

[Grunts] And head.

You done it.

You have another daughter.

Is she all right?

Is she all right?

[Crying] Oh.

Oh... Ah.

There she is.

There she is.

[Crying continues] Keep her warm.

[Crying continues] Why is she so small?

Is it because of Vincent?

Is it my fault?

It's not uncommon for one of them to be smaller than the other.

Sometimes one of the babies takes more of the goodness, leaving the other with very little.

This little one will have to go in an incubator.

[Crying continues] And this one, too.

Keep both your babies warm.

I'll go and see that help is on its way once we've delivered the afterbirth.

[Crying continues] I have just had a rather extraordinary conversation with Dr. Padfield from St. Thomas'.

What did he say?

Do not keep us in suspense.

He has a cuirass that could be a good fit for Mr. Desmond, and, given the urgency of the situation, he has even agreed to come up to Poplar tomorrow.

Joyce: Nothing like a peppermint water when you're feeling queasy, such a nice, fresh taste.

Thank you.

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

That's a long time.

With the device, will she see me sitting up?

I could be by her side?

Shelagh: Yes.

I could do more to help her.

Yes.

I want to try it.

Julienne: Oh, whoa!

Wait!

Whoa.

Uh, uh, stop, stop.

[Brakes squeak] I found them wandering around on Blackwell Street.

We phoned for the ambulance.

I was just bringing them home to you now.

There we are, tucked up together like bunnies in a burrow.

Hee hee hee!

[Door opens] Uh... I just come from St. Cuthbert's.

Twin number two is stable and in an incubator.

She's being tube-fed.

Meanwhile, twin number one has been breastfeeding like a champ.

Mother is recovering by the minute.

[Exhales] Reminded me of delivering babies in the Blitz, squalor and deprivation everywhere, and nothing but training and faith to get us through.

She did get through.

Now go home and rest.

Oh, for the first time in a long time, I'm not tired at all.

Is he all right?

Owen?

You're doing heroic work there, Mr. Desmond.

Are you sure he's all right, Doctor?

Padfield: Yes.

He is breathing well.

It's the same as the lung, Mr. Desmond.

Yes.

I-- Is it working?

Yes, Bet.

I've come off my trusty iron horse, and I'm still here.

Well, you gonna come over here and see me, or what?

Are you going to say thank you to Sister Julienne?

She saved my life and the twins' lives.

How long are you going to keep her in for?

We recommend another 10 days.

10 days?

No.

I need to work.

Eva: No, you don't.

You need to drink.

Watch it, Eva.

Or what, you gonna hit me again, throttle me?

I look after you.

Do you?

I nearly died last night, and now you need to take care of your daughters.

If you can't do that, then just go.

We don't need you, and we don't want you.

If I go, I won't come back.

I think that's for the best.

[Door opens] [Door closes] [Cuirass wheezing] I gave her that crystal butterfly when we first met.

I didn't know she still had it.

I thought I knew every inch of her face, but even Betty looks new from here.

All these things I didn't know.

Joyce: But so many things you do know, Mr. Desmond.

You know when she's thirsty, when she's cold.

You accurately predicted just now that she needed to sleep.

We are here to be your arms and legs, but it is you who is in charge of her care.

There's a pair of bed socks.

She always wears them, even in the summer.

I used to make fun of her.

They're dark blue.

I shall go and look in her chest of drawers.

[Chuckles] Look who's back from hospital.

She was born with so little, but she fought and fought.

She's a fighter.

That's what they said at the hospital, Mrs. Baldwin.

They said she's a fighter.

I never had a family growing up.

My mum died young, and had no brothers or sisters, no one to tell me where I was going wrong, but you girls, you have each other, no matter what.

[Baby fusses] Never gonna hear her voice again, am I?

Wish we'd known someone with a tape recorder.

When she would read, she had the most beautiful reading voice you've ever heard.

Joyce: Now you must keep reading, Owen.

She can still hear you.

[Thunder] "Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments."

[Sobbing] [Sniffles] [Telephone line rings] Man on phone: 445, Cantwell residence.

Hello?

Is anybody there?

Can I speak to Helen?

Sandra?

Dad, please don't hang up.

I just want to speak to Helen just for a minute.

[Click] [Cuirass wheezing] [Owen sobbing] [Owen exhales] She's at peace now, Owen.

Now I'll have to keep on breathing.

And you have started already.

She is right there in your heart.

It makes me so happy to see you again, but why are you still here?

It's late.

I have not yet finished writing tomorrow's sermon.

Something's troubling you.

Ever since you returned, it seemed like you're worrying about something.

What is it?

I'm not sure if I can serve as a pastor here for much longer.

Why?

When I was in Jamaica, Lucille asked me for a divorce.

Oh, Cyril, I'm sorry to hear this.

She does not wish to return to London, and I do not wish to live in Jamaica.

Many couples are faced with this predicament these days.

Is there not a compromise you can reach?

I'm afraid not.

How would the congregation view me if I am a divorced man?

They will view you as they've always viewed you-- as their pastor.

Don't worry about what other people will judge to be right or wrong.

You can only do as you judge in your heart.

Flags of many nations, all present and correct.

Morning, ladies.

Good morning.

Fred: Ahh!

Oh, those medals look just like the real thing.

Edinburgh, eat your heart out.

I think we all deserve a gold medal just for handicrafts.

Phew, speak for yourself.

I've never really been one for cutting and sticking or doing things with chalk, so you can stop where you're looking hopefully in my direction.

My running track got washed away by the rain.

I need to mark it out all over again.

I'll help.

I remember doing this on sports days.

Thank you.

Feet.

Ahh.

Harry, I'm impressed with your commitment to your studies.

Yes, but there's something I want to let you know.

What is it?

I've been thinking.

I want to change my course from dentistry to medicine.

I want to become a doctor, a family doctor.

Oh, Harry, in my view, that is quite wonderful news, but what will your mother think, and what will university say?

I'll book a telephone call to my mother, but at the university, the first year of medicine and the first year of dentistry are almost the same.

I've heard of other people changing.

Well, you have my absolute approval, and it may not be my place to say it, but I know you'd have your father's blessing, too.

It is your place, Grandma.

You know me now, better even than you knew him.

We are family.

There are hostels for families in your situation, and we can register you for financial support.

Sister Veronica will discuss this with you.

I know it's gonna take time to sort out our lives, get the girls out of foster care, but I'll do it, and I'm so grateful for everything you've done.

A nurse from the Leonard Cheshire care home will be traveling with you in the ambulance.

The iron lung will be moved and ready when you get there.

Owen: Mrs. Turner.

I wanted to give you this parting gift.

I'm afraid I took the liberty of borrowing Betty's typewriter.

Her poem in her voice... with the Ms missing.

Sister Julienne, may I ask you something?

You may ask me anything you wish.

That is the very reason for these lessons.

This isn't a theological question.

It's a personal one.

At least, I think it is.

I'm worried I keep mixing up the theological and the personal and that I can't tell which is which.

When one is about to embark on a religious life, it would seem strange if things were otherwise.

Is it all right to mind about the things I've given up?

What do you mind about giving up the most?

My family... been missing them terribly.

I know it's against the rules, but last night, I telephoned home.

My father answered, and when he realized it was me, he put the phone down.

He can't forgive me for choosing this life.

He said before I left that I was stabbing him through the heart.

Why would God ask me to cause my family so much pain?

God loves your family as much as he loves you.

He knows their pain and yours, and he will help you all to bear it.

You sound so certain.

Do you always feel certain?

No.

I don't.

Sometimes I feel lost.

Sometimes I feel exhausted.

Sometimes I feel I don't know where I'm going to find the strength to fight another day.

And?

It sounds as though there ought to be an "and."

And then I am reminded why I am here, how much I can do, and who sustains me.

It will happen to you, too, again and again, I promise you.

[Applause and cheering] Ohh!

Ohh!

Violet: And the next event is the children's long jump, followed by the running races.

The races!

The races!

Is everybody ready?

Then let's go.

[Children clamoring] First, I couldn't help noticing how you were spending a great deal of time together.

Then I couldn't help noticing how you were so down in the dumps while he was away, and now I can't help noticing that you are so distracted that you are unable to chop a melon.

Rosalind, is there something going on with you and Cyril Robinson?

What?

No.

Why would you say that?

Because I am your closest friend and we share a bedroom.

No.

There's nothing going on between Cyril and me.

He's married, for one thing, and a pastor.

...and the rest of you come to me.

So if he were not married and he were not a pastor?

But he is.

He's both of those things.

So you do feel something for him?

I was hoping that if we spent less time together, my feelings would die down, particularly if he went to the other side of the world, but, unfortunately-- It doesn't work like that.

No.

Him going to the other side of the world seems only to have made matters worse.

Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.

I don't know what to say.

I don't know what to do.

Cyril: On your marks.

Get set.

[Whistle blows] [Cheering and applause] Well, let's begin with you giving me the knife and letting me chop the melon.

[Giggles] [Door closes] Mature Jennifer: Sometimes a heart is shattered and yet must go on beating.

Brutal though the end may be, it is not silent, nor is the parting absolute.

The new beginning has arrived, and the rhythm will get stronger.

Listen for it.

Savor it.

Wait for what it brings.

We can never know what life will demand of us, how far we must travel or leap, what feats of strength or survival or skill will be required.

Our time on this Earth is not one race, but many.

We compete, we endure, we finish, and then too often we must start again.

These are the rules all humankind must play by, but faith in ourselves is our lasting reward.

Patrick: It is a serious risk to public health.

Everyone wants this resolved as soon as possible.

Come on, Nigel.

Room service awaits.

But I don't think he's very well.

Why don't you walk Baby to the nursery and settle her to sleep in there?

No.

It'll disturb us.

She's a bad influence on you.

Give me my baby and get out.