Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author.

“Human beings thrive on the known and the predictable. We like our routines, our calendar, and the clock. We like the familiar and the expected. Human beings are foolish….. Life is full of other plans.”

In episode seven the world for Call the Midwife characters was rocked on several levels within the personal character storylines to the entire Poplar community. The midwives showed their strength and leadership; however, we also saw human vulnerability. There were multiple storylines; however, the show reminded me that our lives do not play out in a silo. When we look we note true interconnections. These interconnections are not always visible in the moment. As a Modern Day Midwife living in the timeframe of a pandemic; instability with countries at war; climate change; challenges to women’s reproductive options and rights; issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion — I watched the show and felt the sway of life and its realities as they move back and forth. Life will bring ups and downs, moments of regression, stagnation, and progression—it is always moving and fluid. The show reminded me of this web we call life—with its multiple threads connecting humanity. The show made me reflect on these connections and interconnections. I reflected on the power of one person, the power of caring and kindness, the power of empathy and sensitivity as we navigate our lives and share our lives with others. I also reflected on the power of a good midwife!

Birth and death: the coming and exiting from this world are powerful, emotion filled events. One is joyous and one can bring us to our knees with the realizations of our loss within this earthly life. What a blessing to be a nurse and a midwife and to bear witness to both and to have the blessing of recognizing the privilege to be reminded on a daily basis of what is important in life. Life whirls around us at a fast pace and I have found midwifery helped me stay grounded within the power of helping one—which leads to the entire family and the community. As an administrator working within public health I felt the pulse of community and the interconnections needed to strive to optimize community health. And now as an educator I feel like I am midwifing the next generation of midwives and nurse practitioners as they begin their journey down that path as well.

I loved the scene where Sister Hilda spoke to Sister Julienne about Nancy Corrigan and that she felt negative words or chastising her for her lack of focus would undermine her confidence while positivity and challenging her would help her to see what she could accomplish.

Then we see the work of the midwives such as Sister Hilda as she worked with Adina Corbett with her symphysis pubis pain and assisting her to transition into the maternity hospital for some rest prior to her labor and birth.

Sister Francis was that friendly familiar face as Carol Reese walked into the clinic with her baby (Dean) and her foster mother. She was that steady person that was there to support her through her transition from foster care to independent living and the challenges ahead. When Sister Julienne told her she needed to maintain a professional distance – you know this is true; however, it was that extra mile of going out of her way that actually had such an impact. I found the interaction of the hospital midwife as compared to the community midwife poignant. One was acting within her regimented silo and then Sister Francis saw that this birth would impact her feelings going forward. Carol needed kindness, respect, and caring. She saw the 16 year old in preterm labor without prenatal care and saw that she needed that moral and emotional support. It is the power of one just steadily holding someone’s hand as they walk their path that can make a difference.

Mrs. Carney had true joy in seeing Sister Julienne on the train and reminiscing and recounting her 9 births. Even Dr. Turner was present at one of them that necessitated forceps. “The teas are on me” was a nice way of saying thank you – you made a difference in my life. The show reminded me that each day we have the opportunity be that beacon that reaches out to help someone on their journey. The extra mile that you go for someone is remembered and you become a small thread in the fabric of their life. We never know what the final connections will be. In an instant our path can alter.

“Sometimes the sky rips open and the earth erupts beneath our feet. We stand if we can stand at all - exposed and vulnerable, pathetic in our frailty, bruised and bleeding. We are rendered merely human. Never more fragile -- never more at risk …. never more in need of all the strengths that we can find.”