A birth begins a baby's life.
But it transforms the mother's.
There's twin number one.
Forever after she will say,
"It happened at that time. It took that long. It hurt that much.”
The event is unique...
...but the experience universal.
She is one more woman among uncounted others.
Every one profoundly different.
Every one the same.
Nigh on the plain, in many cells prepared.
That underneath had veins of liquid fire.
It is hot, isn't it? I don't care much for the heat either.
Will somebody please tell Nurse Corrigan to stop leaving
these eye-popping periodicals strewn all over the house.
Of course. O sun, to tell thee how I hate thy beams.
What's that from? I recognise that. Is that the Ancient Mariner?
Poor child. The heat must have addled thee.
We wouldn't be complaining if we were heading to Brighton beach.
But we're not.
It's the Poplar Pier for us, ladies. Time we were off.
Baby number two is on the way.
Good morning. Oh, it's Mrs Cawder, is it not?
Yvonne Cawder, that's right.
What time is your appointment?
I don't actually have an appointment.
I came to ask about my sister, Ivy.
She went into labour last night. She's having twins. Of course.
I'm delighted to tell you that Mrs Jepson
has just delivered baby number one, a boy,
and we await the arrival of the second.
Is anything wrong?
I don't believe so. Doctor expressed no undue concern.
Twins run in our family.
Mum had a few complications when me and Ivy were born.
Do you mind if I stay, just until the second one arrives?
Yes, of course.
Oh, perhaps you could peruse this information
while you await the good tidings.
The inaugural post-natal group is launching this afternoon.
All mothers with babies under eight weeks are invited
and there's no need to book.
Is it like a class?
Nurse Franklin assures me the purpose is "social and supportive”
and even that "fun" might be had.
Another boy.
Yesterday you didn't have any and now you have two.
I'm always game for a challenge!
Would you like them both?
Oh, yes, please.
Midwife calling. Enter, please.
Hello, I'm Sister Hilda.
I'm the midwife, from Nonnatus House.
I'm looking for Orli Rosen?
Forgive my manners.
If the skin dries out before I finish stretching it,
it will be ruined.
No. Please, carry on.
Did you make this beautiful coat?
Fox, is it? Yes.
Well, it's exquisite.
My wife, Orli, her grandfather taught me the trade.
Oh.
Come. I'll take you upstairs.
My first sons.
My first twins.
Well, sort of.
I have a proud auntie come to visit.
Ah, look who the cat's dragged in.
I shall leave you to get acquainted with your nephews.
Well done, Ivy.
I can't say it wasn't a slog.
But it was worth it.
They're beautiful.
And Jim's going to be over the moon.
Is he all right?
The smaller one.
Yvonne, why do you always find something to fret about? Not now.
Twins can be a bit Laurel and Hardy. One big, one small.
When we were born, Ivy was twice my size. For God's sake.
It can happen with twins apparently.
One takes all the nutrients,
the other one's left fighting for the scraps.
That's not what's happened here, I promise you.
It's not like one's swallowed the other.
There's barely a pound difference between them.
You heard her.
I'm afraid I have to be quite frank
and admit I'm a little hesitant to allow a home birth here.
Why? I've lived here all my life.
My business has been here more than 80 years.
Please, Zayde. Your own father was born here, in this flat.
May his memory be a blessing.
He passed away a few years ago.
Sammy's been running the business all by himself.
It's hard work, long hours.
It's the nature of the business that's giving me pause for thought.
Fur skin dressing counts as an "offensive industry”
and may concern the Board of Health.
We've waited a long, long time for this baby.
It means the world to us.
We just want things to be perfect.
Please. Sammy never brings any fur or skins upstairs.
He would not dare. Hmm?
Very well. If you promise me
you'll continue to keep the business completely separate...
...I will sign you off as suitable for home delivery.
I promise.
Are you feeling quite well, Mr Rosen?
He keeps having these attacks and he just won't see a doctor.
I'm fine.
It is the heat, caught me in my throat.
You must make an appointment at the surgery.
If you are ill, you could be putting a newborn baby at risk.
Reggie, I am a genius.
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Not even Mum? Especially not Mum.
Right, very important job, Reg,
we've got to get these in the freezer as quickly as you can.
Hello and welcome. I'm Nurse Franklin. May I ask your name?
Yvonne Cawder.
And who's this little sweetheart?
Melanie.
Ladies, thank you all so much for coming.
And just to make sure you're in the right place
and weren't expecting Advanced French or anything like that,
this is a brand-new post-natal group.
An opportunity for new mothers to talk about their experiences
and hopefully make some new friends.
And eat some cake!
So, you will tell the sister that I am all right?
That I am not infected, yes?
I can hear some odd sounds in your chest.
It doesn't sound like asthma, you're not wheezing.
Have you coughed up any blood? No.
Have you experienced any weight loss recently?
I work long hours.
I don't always have time to eat.
Any night sweats?
I think the best thing to do
is to get you to St Cuthbert's for an X ray.
There are a couple of things we need to rule out,
including tuberculosis.
No.
No hospitals. No tests.
I've had tuberculosis.
I know what that feels like and it's not that.
You've had TB?
Well, there's nothing in your notes about it.
It was a long time ago.
Before I came to this country.
Which country did you come from? Poland.
What type of treatment did they give you?
I was a teenager. I did not ask questions.
Times change and treatments change, but TB can recur.
Let's get you seen at St Cuthbert's.
It's perfectly normal for nappies
to be a rainbow of colours in the early days.
And they should settle
into something more, shall we say, consistent.
The baby might be hungry, love.
She's always hungry. She ain't a boy, is she?
How is everyone getting on with their feeding?
Have you all managed to settle your babies
into the four hourly feeding routine?
My little Jason still has his days but, overall, we're doing all right.
Good.
Well, we're always available at Nonnatus House for advice,
if you're ever having any problems.
Hold still, please, Mr Rosen.
Mrs Cawder, would you be a sport
and help me put these chairs away, please?
Thank you.
Oh, I'm afraid that was all a bit raucous.
I'm sure it will settled down.
You never said how you were getting on with feeding?
I shouldn't complain. My sister Ivy's just had twin lads.
She's the one with her work cut out.
Of course. You're Ivy Jepson's sister.
You came into clinic together once or twice.
Aren't you twins, too?
We don't look it, but we are.
Mum always said I was the lazy one.
Ivy turned up first, walked first, talked first.
Ah, but the clever ones watch and learn.
How are you finding being a mum to Melanie?
Getting her into a feeding routine isn't easy.
Or any routine, in fact.
There's no rhyme nor reason for what she seems to want right now.
Some babies just take a little longer to settle, that's all.
It's still early days.
I could visit you at home if that might help... I don't need help.
Like you said, it's still early days.
The prayer meeting.
It completely slipped my mind.
Don't worry. I'm almost finished setting up.
And how was your day, Nurse Robinson?
Long and very hot.
All me want to do is lie up on the bed with me foot upon an ice pack.
One day we'll have a place that is ours and only ours, I promise you.
In the meantime, we will keep on saving up
and thank the Lord every day for what we have.
Soon, we might be thanking Him for even more.
You remember I wrote to Mason and Hodges, the construction company?
They've invited me for an interview tomorrow.
Tomorrow? I'll have to iron your shirt.
It's civil engineering work.
The first real opportunity I've had
to talk about my qualifications or my ambitions.
I'm not sure I'll know what to say or where to start.
We'll start with prayers tonight
and I carry them on by ironing that shirt.
Sooner or later, this chance was to come.
And you must seize it.
I thought I'd be mending cars for the rest of my life.
I still think that. Or still fear that.
People like us, not everyone sees in a collar and tie.
That can change.
Everything can change.
There might be other changes heading our way soon.
Knock, knock, only me.
Good evening, Mrs Wallace.
Good evening Pastor Robinson, Mrs Robinson.
The Holy Spirit is going to move among us tonight.
I can feel it already. Amen.
Just think, they're the first boy twins in the family.
Fraternal too. I know, that's so special.
Jim reckons they're going to be six-footers, like his brother.
He might be right.
They're only a few days old
and they're nearly the same size as Melanie.
Two boys though. You probably won't have enough milk for both of them.
I reckon you'll have to give them powdered.
Oh, no, your sister's doing a fine job. We've no worries on that score.
But it's certainly not easy feeding two. Breast is best.
For mothers who have a natural milk supply, it certainly can be.
Why are you in such a mood?
You've got no lippy on, your cardy's all buttoned up wrong.
What you got a cardy on for anyway? You must be sweltering in this heat.
Are you all right, Von? It's Melanie's feeding time, that's all.
Hmm.
Fred's a genius.
Thank you, Reginald. It's nice to know that someone appreciates
my entrepreneurial vision.
What vision? You've spent a fortune on ice lollies.
He's crammed the freezer full of the things.
I felt the heatwave coming, in my water.
We are going to make a killing.
Well, you'll never sell them all.
There aren't enough people living in Poplar to get through that lot.
I am a natural salesman, Vi. I can sell anything.
Al right, then, I'll make you a wager.
If you can empty the freezer of ice lollies by the end of today,
I will make you a steak dinner.
You're on.
And if you can't, then you have to scrub my shop from top to bottom.
You're on, my love. You are on.
Reginald, we have got a busy day ahead of us.
But first of all, I think we should test the merchandise?
It's not cold.
The freezer's broken.
Reg, some jokes ain't funny.
Forgive my intrusion.
The radiologist's report for Mr Rosen has arrived.
No indication of tuberculosis?
No sign of pneumonia either.
The x-ray's clear.
Does Mr Rosen have a telephone?
I will look in the directory and ascertain.
You're right. Dead as a doornail.
And now everything will melt.
She said "empty the freezer". She didn't say how.
Come on.
Let her rest on the bed and we'll be with you shortly.
Marvellous. Mrs Rosen is having regular contractions
and I think two of us should go.
Shake a leg and let's hop on those bikes.
Well done, Orli, you're doing beautifully.
Nice slow breaths.
I just need to examine you, see how close we are.
Are you sure you don't want me to stay?
We'll call you as soon as there is any news.
That's it.
Push again with everything you've got.
I can't.
I need a break.
Just rest between contractions, precious. Save your strength.
Progress is very slow, might need forceps.
Here you go, kids, get your free lollies before they melt.
It's a hot day, isn't it? Hey? There you go fella. One for you.
Reg.
Quick. Got to go.
Oh! Oh, Sister, you nearly gave me a heart attack.
I cannot sleep.
I cannot stay awake.
I am as the desert is.
Dusty?
Parched. Oh.
Oh, well in that case,
I've got something that might perk you up a bit.
Fred.
I prayed for the intervention of angels
and I have been answered.
Thank you. You're welcome.
There you are, little man. Hold it nicely.
Nicely.
I'm not sure I approve of ice cream before bedtime.
I'm sorry, I couldn't resist.
It's such a lovely day.
It's glorious.
This was a wonderful idea.
Jonathan's having a lovely time.
I am, too.
Thank you for bringing the picnic. It was my pleasure.
I'm absolutely hopeless at that sort of thing.
I'll let you into a secret. So am I!
Oh.
What we need is a really big push now.
I've got nothing left.
You have, precious.
Every mother always does.
Come on now, you dig deep and use this pain.
Get away from her!
Just get away from her! You're hurting her!
We're not hurting her. We're helping her. Then why is she crying?
Don't worry about him.
Let's just concentrate on the little one for now.
Good job it wasn't chocolate ice cream.
I think for our next date,
I might just wear an anorak and a romper suit.
So, is Matthew your boyfriend now?
Sort of.
That doesn't sound very exciting.
We've been friends for such a long time.
And now we're still friends and it's all very 'nice'.
It's just not very...
Romantic? Well, no. Not really.
I've always thought one should have a bit of fireworks
at the start of a romance.
But then, I suppose Matthew's already had the love of his life.
They're here.
Can't you hear them screaming?
Who?
All of them.
He was in a concentration camp.
Extermination camp.
No-one was meant to come out of Auschwitz alive.
But you did.
You did.
And that is the sound of your baby crying.
A baby that's about to be placed in its mother's arms.
It's all right, Sammy.
It's all over.
And it has just begun.
You have a beautiful son, Mr Rosen.
I don't believe it!
You've sold all of them?
0 ye, of little faith.
Well, I'll be honest, I didn't think you had it in you.
But I'm very impressed, Fred Buckle.
You've earned your steak dinner.
Will you shut that baby up?!
Ah. Good morning, sleeping beauty.
What time, is it? I must have slept through the alarm.
Ten past seven.
You looked so peaceful, I thought I'd let you sleep.
Even your snoring was delightful.
I don't snore.
I'll have my coffee first.
From Mason and Hodges, the construction company.
I can't open it.
Can you do it, please?
"Dear Mr Robinson. Thank you for attending the interview
"for the position of Civil Engineer.
"Unfortunately, despite your excellent qualifications,
"we feel your lack of experience
"would be a disadvantage in this role."
How can I get the experience if I can't get a job?
There'll be other opportunities.
The Lord provides.
If he would provide people with the ability to look past the colour
of somebody's skin it would be a start.
Nonnatus House, Nurse Franklin speaking.
Please. Please, you have to come.
I can't take it. Please, come.
Please.
A bit of sunshine brings out all sorts.
Who wants to look at all that pasty skin and wobbly bits?
Put it away.
I am not looking forward to being in the delivery room all day.
Imagine having to give birth in a furnace.
Oh, lass.
What's all this?
It hurts so much.
I know I'm supposed to push through it. I know the baby needs me.
But I can't.
Sometimes, Mrs Cawder, feeding can be difficult.
Not because you can't, but because there's something medically amiss.
Are both of your breasts painful?
I can see what this is straight away. You poor thing.
Mrs Cawder, you have something called mastitis.
No wonder you're in pain.
I'll arrange some antibiotics immediately.
I'm so glad you've asked for help.
I've wanted help for so long,
but it's supposed to come naturally, isn't it?
Cyril and I want to have a family, very much.
But not yet.
Not until he's found a proper, professional position
and we've saved up enough money for a deposit on a house.
Sounds like a sensible plan to me.
I've been taking the contraceptive pill since we got married.
That's sensible, too.
And I felt so confident and so sure everything was under my control.
But something must have happened
because I'm not sure it's worked.
How does Cyril feel about that?
I haven't told him yet.
I'm hoping I might be wrong.
Well, first things first.
You do me a sample
and I'll see to the rest.
Swiftly and with all discretion.
I'm afraid Melanie's not gaining as much weight as she should be.
Is it making her poorly?
Right from the start, I knew something didn't feel right.
I knew something was wrong. It's not meant to feel like this, is it?
I don't think she's latching on correctly,
which is why your breast isn't emptying properly
and the milk ducts can get blocked.
I'll apply a dressing to your nipples and bind your breasts.
That will make you more comfortable.
My sister's feeding two babies.
She's doing all right.
If she can do that, then I should be able to feed one.
Some women can't breast-feed, through no fault of their own.
It does not mean that they're failing as mothers. Not at all.
I know your husband's at sea, but do you have any family who can help?
No.
Only Ivy.
She's got her hands full with the twins.
You are recovering very well from the birth.
And I'm pleased to say that Samuel's chest is now perfectly clear.
I wonder if I might trouble you for a cup of coffee?
Of course.
Sammy.
He hasn't slept. He hasn't eaten.
He just won't take off that stupid coat.
What a delicious aroma.
It's a very welcome change from instant.
Isn't it just?
You must be hot.
Are you going somewhere?
I, erm...
I don't know.
Maybe.
Must be ready to leave.
You think you may need to travel somewhere at short notice?
My family...
...some got away, but...
...we left too late.
They emptied the ghetto...
...put us all on the train.
Where did the train take you?
There was a...
...strange smell in the air when we arrived.
A sickly, foul smell.
We'd had a hideous journey.
We were dirty and tired.
The officer who met us off the train promised us showers.
But...
...some were sent to the left...
...and some to the right.
I was almost 13, but I looked older.
I was sent to the right...
...with my father.
My little brother and mother...
...sent to the left...
...to the showers.
That were not showers.
It was a gas chamber.
And afterwards...
...I saw the smoke...
...and...
...smelt them...
...burning.
That was day one.
Ooh, hello, Sister Monica Joan! How are you?
Dreadful. Soon to expire, I fear.
Oh, dear, I'm sorry to hear that.
Is Fred about? I would very much like to see him.
I'm afraid not.
He's just popped down the cash and carry, and I'm...
...I'm covering for him. But perhaps I might be of service?
Oh!
Oh, I haven't slept a wink all week!
It's far too hot and not a breeze.
Oh, dear!
I did offer to impart my techniques to you.
So you did!
Do tell me again about all your wonderful ways to keep cool.
Well...
...I discovered the ice trick when I was but a child...
In fact, why don't you write me some instructions?
Then I won't have to keep bothering you.
What a splendid idea!
I sent a message to the mohel.
He did Esther's boys. All three.
Oh, he's a prince!
We don't want any fuss.
The boy has to have a bris, doesn't he?
Is a bris a circumcision?
One hears about the custom and sees the evidence,
but I've never actually seen it done.
Women don't go to the actual ceremony.
But would you like to come to the gathering, as my guest?
I would consider that to be a very great honour.
We want to keep it low-key.
We're not religious.
I keep telling the old man.
Have you settled on a name yet?
No. You must not say. It's tradition.
They can't reveal the name until
the mohel announces it at the bris, not even to me.
I want to give him a Hebrew name,
to honour Sammy's father.
He was Eliyahu. That's Elijah in English.
What is wrong with an English name?
George?
Henry?
Does everybody need to know he is Jewish everywhere he goes?
Hello, Prince Charming.
Hello, Nurse Corrigan.
May I give you a wee bit of advice?
Um, please do.
You don't start with pipe and slippers.
You start with fireworks.
I'm not sure that I follow.
You're not interviewing for a nanny.
You're trying to sweep a lady off her feet.
Get a baby-sitter, polish up your dancing shoes.
Make her feel like she's the only girl in the world.
This is quite wonderful work!
Maybe I never said enough.
You're a fine, fine craftsman.
Almost as good as me.
I would like you to hold the baby
during the ceremony. Very much.
It's a great honour. Thank you.
Your father would be proud of you, Sammy.
An apology from Jonathan for being such a hoodlum.
Tell him, "Apology accepted.”
I'd still like to make it up to you.
Let me take you for dinner.
Somewhere swanky.
Not a picnic basket in sight.
That sounds most acceptable. Great.
Friday? I'll pick you up at eight?
Perfect.
Did Reggie get off all right?
Yeah. That smells delicious!
I've been looking forward to this all week.
Yes, well, you must have worked up quite an appetite.
You must have worked your fingers to the bone,
selling all those ice lollies.
Yeah, I did pretty well, I suppose.
I'm quite looking forward to doing the books this week.
I mean, you must've made a fortune.
All that lolly.
Well, about that...
Oi!
Where's mine?
Oh, um, Sister Monica Joan popped into the shop earlier,
and she wondered if I had any more of those free ice lollies
you were so keen to give away.
Mm!
...Yoel, ben Shmuel.
Yoel, ben Shmuel.
It means "Joel, son of Samuel".
Joel Rosen.
Now, that has a super ring to it.
It's his Hebrew name.
He's going to be called George
for every day and going to school.
Is that what your husband wants?
He's so afraid, Sister.
He's so afraid of everything.
I'm worried breast feeding might be too much for Mrs Cawder.
Is baby getting enough nourishment?
No. Baby isn't, and she's lost too much weight.
We're having to top her up with bottles.
Sometimes, it can be the better way.
I agree.
Yes, but Mrs Cawder seems determined to breast-feed,
no matter how much she and the baby suffer.
Well, if it's causing distress, why is she so determined?
There's so much emotion in it all.
Yvonne seems to constantly compare herself to her sister,
who apparently shines at everything she does.
We do need to consider the mental state of
a mother when there are problems of this kind.
The mind is its own place and, in itself,
can create heaven of hell
or hell of heaven.
Paradise Lost, John Milton! Sorry.
Let's try and support Mrs Cawder as much as we are able.
If you would like to be there for feeds for a while,
I would encourage it.
Midwife calling!
Oh, hello, Nurse Franklin! Long time, no see.
What about these boys, eh?
Donald and David. Size of them now -
they're not even two weeks old yet. They're marvellous.
Oh, they don't half guzzle their milk! First one, then the other.
Now I know how dairy cows feel!
Oh! She's trying to latch onto me.
Cheeky little madam!
This bar isn't open for you, lady!
Give her to me! Give her to me now!
Please don't upset yourself. She can probably just smell the milk.
I... I'm sorry, Von. I didn't mean to upset ya.
I think it's best if you leave now.
You really like that coat, don't you?
Oh! You made me jump out of my skin!
I'm sorry.
In truth, my mother had a fox coat, just like this one.
It reminds me of her.
The coat was handed down to me.
But, of course,
I couldn't keep it when I entered the convent.
Silly, really,
how some things can just take you right back
to another place, long ago.
What are you doing, hiding down here?
I... I don't know.
I feel like...
...I don't belong up there, somehow.
Of course you do. It's your celebration.
I suppose...
...it's made me realise just how cut-off
I am from my heritage.
My father would have been the one to stand next
to me in shul.
Teach me when to stand, when to sit,
how to pray.
Prayer is the voice of your heart.
Nothing too complicated in that.
I...
...learned my Bar Mitzvah portion secretly in the camp.
I met a rabbi there - he taught me.
But no ceremony ever took place.
I never got to read from the Torah.
The Bible?
One day...
...the officers went through the camp.
They...
...rounded up a large group...
...my father and the rabbi among them.
My father looked up at me.
He saw me.
I was waiting for him to call me over.
But he didn't.
He never said a word.
That was the last time I ever saw my father.
The voice of my heart...
...has been silent since that day.
Oh, Samuel.
Why didn't he take me with him?
He left me...
...all alone.
Because he wanted you to live.
I'm worried I might be seriously ill.
But...
.| want to see my boy grow up...
...so much.
This is looking much better already.
The antibiotics are definitely doing their job.
I'm sure Ivy meant well.
She doesn't understand.
She's never failed at anything.
It's hard, but we must try not to compare ourselves to others.
We're all different.
We've all got our strengths, we've all got our weaknesses.
Try not to be angry.
I'm not angry.
I can't feel anything.
Just numb.
Oh, no more.
I'm so tired.
I wish I could sleep.
I want the clocks to stop so I can sleep forever.
Why don't you go and have a sleep?
I'm sure the world will look very different after a rest.
Well?
It's positive.
Phyllis, I'm pregnant.
Oh, it does me good to see you smile.
This is lovely news. Just lovely.
You and Cyril are the best parents a baby could ever choose.
I'm not sure what Cyril's going to say.
This isn't exactly how we planned it.
Lucille, he's going to be as happy as you are.
And I am happy.
I am so, so happy, Phyllis.
Now, the first thing he's going to say is "when"?
So, we need to work out when you're due.
Cyril, sit down.
I've got something to tell you.
This sounds serious.
We never do things lightly, you and I.
We work and we pray, and we plan.
We love and we dance, and we save.
We have ideas about our future.
We make arrangements for our happiness.
But sometimes God makes arrangements too.
What's He been doing now?
We're going to have a baby.
You're going to be a father.
A father?
I'm going to be a father?
Oh, I'm going to be a daddy.
Today in parliament, the sexual of fences act was passed.
Homosexual behaviour between consenting adults in privacy,
will no longer be considered a criminal of fence.
That's good, isn't it?
It's a huge step forward.
But changing the law won't change the public's attitude overnight.
I don't doubt I'll still be seeing distressed young men
or hear of them looking in some squalid clinic for a cure.
None of it should be necessary.
Difficult case?
Mr Rosen.
It's not asthma and there are no signs of TB on his X-ray.
But he's struggling for breath again.
His chest sounds even worse than before.
Is it related in some way to his past?
Not to his tuberculosis, but to the trauma he experienced?
I don't know.
Every patient is a whole person.
Past, present and future all wrapped up in the vessel we call "the body".
But this, I think there might be an industrial element
to do with his work with fur.
You are beautiful.
Shall we?
Why on earth did you leave her outside?
How long has she been out there for?
It just got to the point where I thought
one of us might end up going out the window.
She's safer away from me.
Ssshhhh.
So, what did he say?
I've never seen him so excited.
Oh, I told you.
Now, we need to get you booked in, get you weighed,
so that we can keep an eye on how the baby's cooking.
We're going to take such good care of you both.
We've decided to keep the news to ourselves,
just for a few weeks.
We'll tell friends and family when we're ready.
They won't hear it from me.
Where's Sister Julienne? Erm... In her office.
Mrs Cawder needs more help
than I can give and I feel we must now intervene.
Perhaps we could get her admitted to the post-natal centre at Beckton.
They assist nursing mothers with feeding problems.
She can stay there?
There are staff on hand to care for the mothers and the babies
throughout the day and the night.
That sounds absolutely ideal.
And it might help Mrs Cawder,
knowing she's not alone with her feeding difficulties.
Places there are very limited, but I shall do my best.
'Ll be keeping everything crossed.
Mr Rosen?
I've spoken to Dr McBride,
a consultant chest physician at St Cuthbert's.
He thinks it's the beginnings of, erm,
you'll have to forgive the unwieldy name,
"extrinsic allergic alveolitis".
Apparently, it can be caused by years of inhaling dust
and fine hair from animal furs.
Is it serious?
If untreated, I'm afraid it can cause permanent damage to the lungs.
But we have caught this early,
and the consultant thinks you could make a full recovery,
if you gave up all contact with the fur.
You mean... if I gave up my work?
But I have a wife and a child.
Grandfather's always promised to make you a manager.
I'm going to make sure that he does.
And he will.
♪ Lord Jesus think on me
♪ And purge away my sin
♪ From earthborn passions set me free
♪ And make me pure within. ♪
I've been thinking.
This isn't such a bad place to raise a baby.
Oh, yes?
Well, we have the paper shop downstairs,
so we don't have to go far for supplies.
If you're happy eating sherbet fountains and jelly tots.
I believe I am.
And I'm pretty sure Mrs Wallace will step on all the other ladies
for a chance to babysit the Pastor's child.
You may be right there. And then there's the Gospel music.
Oh, my, there's nothing that gets a baby to sleep better
than voices raised up to the Lord.
It's OK to be a little worried.
I'm a little worried, too.
But we will get through this.
Together.
Good news.
They've found a bed for Mrs Cawder.
Oh, that's wonderful.
I know very little about Judaism.
But I do understand the importance of faith...
...and religious practice.
Especially in terms of identity and...
...well, peace of mind.
If you can right one small wrong of the past...
...I think it will give you strength for the future.
I've spoken to the rabbi
and he is ready to set you on your journey to...
.finally celebrate your Bar Mitzvah.
Only if you wish to, of course.
I think...
...I would like that...
...very much.
Thank you.
I have something for you, too.
The old man always taught me to use every scrap, never waste a thing.
But...
...I thought you might like this.
Thank you.
How are they going to help me if you can't?
There'll be someone with you all of the time.
You won't be alone, not for a moment.
And if you need help feeding in the middle of the night,
someone will be there.
Because I can't do it by myself.
Accepting help is the opposite of failing.
It's the only way to succeed.
You can do it, Yvonne.
The things that mean the most to us are never ours alone.
We walk always in the footsteps of the souls who went before.
Our joy is the joy they felt.
Our tears, the tears they cried.
Thus, lost hands clasp living ones,
and their touch is holy.
Honour the things that are not new, cherish the treasures we inherit
and listen for the ghosts of our shared and precious past.
We have not always been as we are now
and one day we will be the people in the shadows.
Beyond all else, we are the magic we pass down,
the beats of love that repeat and echo beyond us
into a future that we cannot always see.
Everything I do in this room is for you.
It's as though we're giving them a message
that this is all they can expect.
This is not good enough.
I promise you it happens to us all. Even nuns.
Is it nits or chickenpox?
I don't see any trouble brewing.
Sit tight and wait for the all clear.
It'll all be over by Christmas.
My life has just changed.