Great-Grandma's 'Black Bag'

In the 1940's, in the rural southern part of the US, my Great-Grandma was the only midwife for many miles around in any given direction. She had close to more births than she could contend with in our neck of the woods. The Coverted 'Black Bag' occupied a sacred place behind the front door. Great-Grandma always told me NEVER to touch or open the 'Black Bag' under any circumstances. I was little more than five years old then, and I really believed my Great-Grandma when she said that the 'babies' were resting in the 'Black Bag'.

One occasion I especially remember is when I was visiting with Great-Grandma and she had a patient to attend to. There were already five children in that precious family and they all were expecting one more addition. I was told to play with the kids as my Great-Grandma rushed in the bedroom with the mother. In a few hours, we heard some small squealing sounds. My Great-Grandma opened the door and said to the children, "You have another beautiful baby sister."

The three girls and two boys wanted to see their sister, but Great-Grandma said she wasn't finished yet. And, indeed, she wasn't. Another hour passed and we heard even louder squealing.

Twins! Even the mother wasn't aware that she was carrying twins. What a wonderful surprise!
The children and I were all jumping up and down. My Great-Grandma was stunned, but very happy. She felt she had had a real interesting and sucessful day. When the children were wondering among themselves where the babies had come from, I felt so superior. For had not my beloved Great-Grandma told me that she took babies with her in the trusty 'Black Bag'? Well, I felt the 'Bag' was two baby girls lighter!"