My body had betrayed me and was beginning to beat my spirit. Joyous anticipation turned to fear as my womb trembled, threatening to exile its defenseless little inhabitant. And now I and all who waited were taunted, anxieties mocked as the days and weeks slid past.
False alarms rang out and then quieted just as quickly.
Sleep was evanescent and fitful, while my belly and breasts had stretched seemingly beyond capacity. I was hardly recognizable even to myself. Finally, feeling assured of the baby's health, I began to pray to God for true labor to begin. So I turned to Shelley for deliverance. With her great sensitivity and an empathic heart, she agreed to help.