Joys of Motherhood

by reddit user KMApok

“Did you know, many ancient civilizations thought that women were literally divine? Goddesses even, for the ability to grant life?”

I iterated this to my patient, Katie, as the sedatives took hold. It killed her pain and ability to move, but kept her conscious for the procedure.

“Western medicine has dispelled most beliefs like that. But my wife, Mary, thought it was true.” I smiled fondly, remembering her as I cut into my patient’s abdomen.

“She believed she was a Goddess, as she became pregnant with our child.” I explained, as I opened my patient. Katie looked at me, confused, drugged, as I used my instruments to spread her stomach, exposing her uterus.

“We decided on a home birth. Unfortunately, she delivered prematurely. Two months early. ” I continued, I opened my patient’s uterus at this time.

“Despite all ‘modern advances’, my wife died. And my daughter, Julia……wasn’t ready for this world.” I reached over, grabbing the last thing I needed for the procedure.

“But you…have a wonderful opportunity here. The chance to finish something miraculous!” I take the final object, and place it in my patient’s womb.

Katie becomes more aware, more active, as I finish the stitches. Soon, her incisions are closed. As the drugs continue to wear off, she becomes more alert, and more panicked.

“Shhhhhh!” I tell her. “This is a good thing!”

She looks down in horror at her now swollen abdomen.

“Julia just needs a little more time. Women are Goddesses, and Goddesses grant life! In two months, you will see!” I exclaimed.

I smiled gently at Katie as she started screaming. In time, she would see.