April 30, Tuesday

Dona Severina is an old lady now and she moves slowly, but she is still the best midwife anywhere. She delivered me when I was born and next month, God willing, she will deliver my baby. I visit her at home once a month so she can check on the baby and help me make sure everything is ready when the time comes. Even though I’ve helped prepare for many births with Madrasta, it’s different when it’s your own.

“Oi in the house!” I call the greeting and Dona Severina comes to the open door and gestures for me to enter. After she checks my tummy and says the baby’s head is at the bottom where it should be, we sit at her kitchen table and she gives me fresh orange juice. She treats me like a princess.

“Eva, is the baby active every day?”

“Oh yes, Dona Severina. He especially likes to jump around when I lie down to sleep.”

“Yes, they do that, don’t they? The baby is growing well and should be here around the end of next month. Do you have everything ready?”

“Yes, and I’m so anxious to meet him! I wish Luiz could be here but they are working seven days a week to build the new capital. He hoped to come home but he can’t be gone that long.”

“I know it’s hard, Eva, but we will have several sisters from church, and Sónia and Ana will all be there to help too.”

“Thank you, Dona Severina.”

“Eva, I know your mother would be so proud of you. You are so like her, always caring for others. You are making a wonderful new life for yourself. And this baby will arrive safe and sound, if God wills.”

“If God wills, Dona Severina.”