She Gave Birth to Twins for the Fifth Time in a Row—and Once Again, to Girls; This Time, the Archbishop Blessed Them Right in the Delivery Room

Many years ago now, Elizabeth was admitted to the local maternity hospital long before her due date. Her pregnancy had become difficult towards the end, and the doctors, not wanting to take any risks, decided to keep her in under careful watch. She wasnt just expecting a single child, but twins. Elizabeth was offered a scheduled caesarean section, though her heart was set on a natural birth, so the doctors agreed to try first they could always take her into theatre if the need arose.

Elizabeth and her husband, Thomas, had arranged for a partnered birth, which was something the doctors were happy to accommodate, provided it wasnt in an operating theatre; surgeons always preferred as few people as possible in those circumstances. Her labour started late in the evening, and Thomas was notified at once. He arrived within twenty minutes; we settled them together in the delivery suite.

This was not Elizabeths first time giving birth, so she knew what to expect and carried herself with a calm and sensible manner. At four oclock in the morning, their first little one arrived.

The baby let out a strong cry as soon as she was born, and the midwife congratulated Elizabeth on the birth of her daughter. Yet, instead of the usual delight, Thomas only managed a strained smile, quickly turning his concern back to his wife. Not ten minutes later, the second baby girl was born. Elizabeth beamed with joy, but at that moment, Thomas broke down into tears tears that didnt seem born of elation. Curious and slightly worried, we looked to Elizabeth for some reassurance. She waved her hand as if to brush aside the matter and said with a wry smile:

Pay him no mind, hell cheer up in an hour or so. Thats all five girls now, and twins again. He had his heart set on at least one boy, but it wasnt to be. Still, he dotes on his daughters, so I know hell come round. And indeed, the next morning, looking down from the maternity window at the crowd below, we saw a cheerful throng of girls, led by their father, tying balloons to the railings and calling up to their mother how much they loved her. It was then we realised all truly was well in that family though, truth be told, we all rather felt for old Thomas.