'Morning babe'

Monday 8.10am

 

‘Morning babe, how was your shift?’

 

‘I love it that you call me babe, even though I’m 54.’ She smiles.

 

‘You’ll always be my babe, even when you’re 94.’

 

‘Sweet talker. Anyway, yes, shift was fine. Good, good. Three little ones delivered in the night. One of the births was a bit hairy, all a bit last minute. Mum so worried about ‘bothering us’ she nearly didn’t get to the hospital in time. Shattered now, so looking forward to bath and bed. What about you? You’re obviously all set to go. Remind me what you’ve got on today, I forget.’

 

‘A quiet day in the scheme of things really, two home appointments and one funeral. An elderly man; much loved by the sounds of it.’

 

‘Well I know you’ll do him justice, you always do. Have a good day my love.’

 

‘I will. Sleep well, babe. I love you.’

 

‘I love you.’

 

Tuesday 8.20am

 

‘You’re late I thought I was going to miss you.’

 

‘I’m sorry, yeah. It was a tough night. I was on shift with Emma and you know we aren’t the best of friends and all the labours were long. My highlight was the set of twins I delivered around six. They are beautiful, a girl and a boy. There’s two more at home apparently, so the hard labour's only just begun there.’ She laughs.

 

‘ Anyways, enough about me. Tell me about you, did you sleep ok?’

 

‘I did, but missed you of course. The bed is always so cold and empty when you’re not in it.’

 

‘You’re such a softie, you missed your vocation as a Hallmark cards verse writer. Speaking of verses, any good ones on your agenda today.’

 

‘Yeah actually. Three funerals today; including one child. They’re always the hardest of course. It’s a young boy and the coffin is covered with paintings of racing cars. His dad’s reading ‘Driving Through’ by Mark Vinz’  ‘Tell yourself it doesn’t matter now, you’re only driving through’; what a line.’

 

‘Umm, his poor, poor family.’

 

‘I know. I know’

 

‘I love you for what you do, your care for others, the empathy you show.’

 

‘You’re a fine one to talk. . . .  I must go, love you so much my beautiful babe, I can’t wait until we share the bed again. Dream of me today, I love you.’

 

‘I love you.’

 

They smile and chuckle softly.  

 

Wednesday  8.12am

 

‘Morning handsome, did you have a good night?’

 

‘Had a late call out to a newly bereaved husband but slept a full seven-and-a-half when I did get to bed. I’m ready for the day which is good cos it’s a busy one, I’ve several appointments and two funerals. I’ll be back late I expect.’

 

‘That’s ok, I guess it makes it easier for us to understand the others’ responsibilities as we both have to work beyond our regulated hours sometimes. I’ll miss you though.’

 

‘Me too, I love you.’

 

‘I love you.’

 

Thursday 8.05am

 

‘Morning babe, good shift?’

 

‘Yes yes all OK.’ She appears a little agitated.

 

‘You ok? You sound….’

 

She interrupts.

 

‘I’ve got some news. I’ve done a swop with Sheena which means I’ve got three nights off in a row. I’ve already bought a ticket and my plane touches down at 6.20 this evening.’

 

‘I’ll be waiting in arrivals.’