Everything seemed manageable, a little worrisome but manageable, when Marie went to the bedroom to give birth to child #8. Everything had gone fine with the first seven, with, of course, the usual worries and hiccups. You go to the bedroom, continue with the labor, push and moan and fear that you are dying. You cry and you scream. The midwife comes out into the living room to share the results. “Congratulations. It’s a girl.”  Everyone pumps hands all around and celebrates. The mom, deliverer of this latest miracle, takes the crying package into her arms, checks for fingers and toes, and settles into the embrace that both mother and child feel will last until eternity. The greatest moment on Earth. The birth of a child. It’s a miracle every time it happens.

Yes, ok, there were concerns this time. That ear infection. That persistent ear infection. But, still, expectations were high. And the alternative was unthinkable. Completely unthinkable. Dr Gustina leaves the bedside and steps slowly down the stairs, pausing at the landing to look out the window and trying to compose himself.  He takes the last flight of stairs to the living room and find himself facing the family but unable to speak.  The expression on his face tells them the news was far from the good news they were expecting.  And as bad as the lose of a daughter and sister could be, a week later, the doctor will repeat his visit and his trip down the stairs and his face will tell them an even graver story that Mother Marie has joined Shelia in heaven!!