When Shelagh married Patrick and moved into the flat she was unprepared. After years of convent living, her new life with a man and another in training was foreign to her.
She had developed skills in the religious life that were very useful. The most important one being patience. It took patience to understand how men can ignore the most obvious. The best example would be the toilet. Shelagh found herself coming in behind them and needing to clean up after their poor practices...Patience.
It took patience to realize that Patrick found opening himself up difficult. He could explain medical information compassionately or console a patient in their time of need. However when he was hurt, he needed her patience and love to breakdown the wall that he was accustomed to building around himself... Patience.
Shelagh had grown accustom to the fact that she was expected to handle certain things without being asked. However It also took patience to realize that sometimes he would deny her offers for help because of his male ego. Even though he would rather she just handle it, he would attempt it on his own which typically leads to frustration...Patience.
She should have insisted more forcefully to take over immediately when Patrick set out the typewriter. She was after all the receptionist, but she had her own project for the evening.
"Hells bells."
"Patrick, I told you I'll do that."
"No, no, you're busy...mending your dress," he sniped mockingly.
"It is not a dress it is my uniform and I am not mending it. I'm letting it out at the seams so I
can look cool, calm, collected and professional during the inspection," as she spoke her mind trying to grasp the last of her patience, she looked at Patrick who was looking to her. At once they both realize how ridiculous they were acting and started laughing.
They both knew they were irritated by the stress of the maternity home inspection. It was not like them to behave this way. Shelagh typically plows ahead into challenges and Patrick...Well he plows ahead as well unless the emotional toll is too great and then he retreats into himself. They have learned through the years that communication is what makes their bond stronger. They are partners in life both in their marriage and in their professions.
Laughing Patrick reached out to her as his way of bridging the gap between the words that passed his lips and the way he felt.
She stood, walked forward to take his outstretched hand and sat on his lap.
"We could try being cool, calm, professional now really," he suggested.
"Yes, we could but I am not convinced that will speed up my mending or your typing," she replied.
"We'll pull through. We always do," he concluded and leaned in and kissed her. He hoped he could take back his rude comments with his lips.
Shelagh looked into his eyes and said, "I understand how important the maternity home is to you. It is important to me as well. We will do everything we can to prepare for the inspection. Whatever happens we still have this to look forward to."
Shelagh took his hand and held it to her expanding belly.
"I know...I am so lucky to have you and our children...all our children."
They sat together for a few moments and then each went back to their tasks feeling calmer. Once Shelagh completed her uniform, Patrick moved over and allowed her to take over at the typewriter while he dictated.
They were both tired the next morning for having stayed up so late. However by working together, they were ready for the inspection and they day ahead….or so they thought….