All the girls were happy, each learned about women in the past that shared their names. Catherine said, "The women you have told us about were strong, brave and caring. The women all did different things, and the things they liked doing. Grandma, your name is Anna, who do you share it with?" Grandma, still rocking in her chair, let Rosa off and began, "I was named after a relative that was born long before I was. She was a midwife and helped deliver a lot of babies."

"One more push, you can do it...here she is, a healthy baby girl." Helping a baby to be born can be the most wonderful and exciting experience. I can hardly wait until my training is over. My name is Anna, I was born in 1842 and I am twelve years old. I am learning to become a midwife. A midwife is a woman who helps mothers give birth to and care for their new babies. For centuries, midwives have delivered babies in Europe. It is called Midwifery and is a very important job in both the city and the countryside. Besides helping mothers and babies, midwives make sure that needy families have food and clothing. When many people are sick at the same time it is called an epidemic. During an epidemic, a midwife's job is to help doctors care for those who are very ill. Midwives work very hard to keep babies and families healthy and are needed very much. My mother is a midwife and I am very proud to be following in her footsteps. To become a midwife I will spend years watching, learning and helping my mother. This is called apprenticing. After my apprenticeship is over I will make an oath or promise to help others and then I will receive my license. Perhaps I will deliver a baby one day that will be a part of your family tree.

The girls were satisfied with each name. Grandma got up from her rocking chair. "Girls, " she said, "it's time for lunch." Following Grandma, Catherine and the other girls went into the old farmhouse.