Family Doctor 32-xx-xx 08 Race with the Stork

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Family Doctor 32-xx-xx 08 – “Race with the Stork”
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: September 27, 2025

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Overview

This episode of Family Doctor, entitled “Race with the Stork,” invites listeners into a nostalgic slice of small-town life as Dr. Grant Adams and his wife Lou respond to an urgent call for a home birth at the Parkins ranch. Against the backdrop of the rural community’s hardships and tender domestic moments, the episode gently explores themes of resilience, marital devotion, and the quiet pride of working people.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Family Dinner and the Favor (02:24 – 04:38)

• The episode opens with Dr. Adams (Grant) complimenting his wife Lou’s cooking, hinting at an ulterior motive.
  • Lou immediately catches on: “Oh, I can always tell that whenever you start calling me mother and telling me how good my cooking is, you’re just about to ask me to do something. Or let you do something.” (02:54)
• Dr. Adams asks Lou to accompany him the next morning to the Parkins family: young couple, now expecting their first baby.

2. The Parkins’ Troubled Past and Hopeful Future (03:32 – 04:19)

• Dr. Adams reassures Lou that the Parkins, who were previously thought to be on the verge of separation, have resolved their difficulties and are now thriving on their small ranch.
• Lou reflects on the hardships and her worries about Mrs. Parkins’ emotional state.
  • “The hard times and all seem to sort of make their living together harder than it should have been. And he used to drink something.” (04:00)

3. The Urgent Call (04:50 – 05:34)

• The dinner is interrupted by a call from Mattie, an active lady in the community currently at the Parkins house.
• “Grant, I think you better talk to her.” (05:15)
• Dr. Adams and Lou rush to the Parkins ranch in the middle of the night despite Grant’s cold.

4. Arrival at the Parkins Ranch (06:32 – 07:00)

• They are greeted by Mattie at the Parkins home. The situation is tense, and Lou heads into the kitchen to help with delivering the baby.
• Discussion between Lou and Mattie reveals that Mr. Parkins (Ned) is missing, and Mrs. Parkins is alone and worried he might have returned to drinking.

5. Tension and Care – Preparing for the Birth (07:00 – 08:25)

• The women prepare boiling water as Dr. Adams requests. Tension rises as minutes turn into seconds for the anticipated birth.
  • Lou explains Dr. Adams’ behavior under pressure: “There’s no doubt about it, Mattie. Whenever Dr. Adams acts inpatient like that, it’s no longer a question of minutes, it’s seconds.” (08:25)

6. Resolution and Ned’s Return (09:11 – 13:07)

• Mattie leaves, and Ned Parkins returns home, surprised and concerned by the household activity.
• Ned confesses his whereabouts: He hasn’t been drinking—he’s been earning extra money by chopping wood in neighboring towns. He’d hidden the nature of his work, worried about pride and not wanting his wife to fret.
  • “Gee, Doc, I haven’t touched this stuff for over a year. Has Margaret been worried about where I’ve been today?” (11:05)
  • “I didn’t want to do it around Cedarton here because I knew how Margaret felt about the ranch.” (11:41)
  • Dr. Adams reassures him: “Well, there’s nothing wrong about cutting wood, is there?” (11:52)

7. Community Support and Warmth (12:18 – 13:16)

• Dr. Adams offers Ned a new opportunity: “Come around to my house tomorrow. I’ll have a cord of wood that’ll have to be cut. I think it’s about time you started working up a business here in Cedarton.” (12:28)

8. Return Home and Light-Hearted Closer (13:07 – 13:28)

• With the birth a success, Grant and Lou prepare to return home, Lou gently but firmly caring for her husband’s cold instead of letting him finish dinner.
  • “What you’re going to get is a nice, big, hot mustard plaster on your chest.” (13:21)
  • Dr. Adams closes the episode: “This is the family doctor. I’ll be in to see you again right soon. Goodbye.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lou’s keen intuition:
  “I can always tell that whenever you start calling me mother and telling me how good my cooking is, you’re just about to ask me to do something. Or let you do something.” – Lou Adams (02:54)

• On Community and Kindness:
  “Two or three years ago. They’re getting along all right now. Got a little ranch going strong out there. Few chickens, rabbits. They’re doing right well.” – Dr. Adams (03:36)

• Ned’s Hidden Sacrifice:
  “Doc, I’ve been going around the neighboring towns cutting wood.” – Ned Parkins (11:32)

  “I didn’t want to do it around Cedarton here because I knew how Margaret felt about the ranch. I didn’t want folks to tell her that I had to cut wood to earn a living.” – Ned (11:42)

• Dr. Adams’ Gentle Nudge:
  “Come around to my house tomorrow. I’ll have a cord of wood that’ll have to be cut. I think it’s about time you started working up a business here in Cedarton.” – Dr. Adams (12:28)

• Lou’s Stern Care:
  “What you’re going to get is a nice, big, hot mustard plaster on your chest.” – Lou Adams (13:21)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:24: Family dinner and request for help
• 03:32: Discussion of the Parkins’ struggles
• 05:21: Urgent call from Mattie and rush to the Parkins house
• 06:32: Arrival and concern over Ned's absence
• 08:25: Birth imminent—heightened urgency
• 09:33: Ned arrives home—revelations and relief
• 12:28: Community support—new opportunity for Ned
• 13:21: Closing banter and household warmth

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Tone & Style

The dialogue is warm, intimate, and quietly humorous, tinged with rural stoicism and practical love. The episode gently underscores the values of mutual support, understanding, and overcoming pride for the sake of family.

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This episode is a classic, heartwarming window into small-town Americana, perfect for those who appreciate understated, everyday heroism and community compassion.

Transcript

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[Dr. Grant Adams]

This is the family doct.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Sam Sa Sam.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

You know, Mother, this is a beautiful dinner. It really does you credit and it does me proud to know I'm married to a fine woman like you.

[Ned Parkins]

Yep.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

This roast pork, this applesauce, these lime of beans. It isn't every man that's as lucky as me, Mother. No siree, Bob.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Well, what is it this time, Grant?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Hmm? What?

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Say, what is it you want this time?

[Ned Parkins]

What?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

What do you mean?

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Oh, I can always tell that whenever you start calling me mother and telling me how good my cooking is, you're just about to ask me to do something. Or let you do something.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Oh, gosh to righty Lou. You sure know men, don't you?

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Not all men, Grant. Just you.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Kind of glad you do. Sort of keeps me from going too far astray.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

You going astray, Grant? How you talk.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Well, I guess I do want you to do something for me, Lou.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Well, what is it?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

You know the Ned Parkinses out on the Holgate Road?

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Oh, yes. That young couple who didn't seem to be getting along very well.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Now, Lou, that was a long time ago. Two or three years ago. They're getting along all right now. Got a little ranch going strong out there. Few chickens, rabbits. They're doing right well.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Well, what about them, Grant?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

They're expecting the first member of the family.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Oh, no. Isn't that fine? When?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Tomorrow morning.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

I think that's just wonderful. You know, Grant, I was a little afraid from the way young Mrs. Parkins talked last year that they might separate. The hard times and all seem to sort of make their living together harder than it should have been. And he used to drink something.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Yeah, well, if they did have any thoughts of separating, they thought of settle things once and for all. Yeah. Fine place to raise a youngster, too, out in the country like that, I should say. Yeah. Mother, do you think you could come along with me tomorrow morning?

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Why, of course. Don't I always go with you whenever you ask me?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Yes, you do, Lou. Yeah. Well, thank you. Now I can enjoy this roast pork and applesauce in comfort and peace.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Now, you sit still, Grant. I'll answer this. Hello? Yes, this is Dr. Adams, resident. Oh, hello, Mattie. Well, the doctor is right at dinner. Now, I wonder, could he call you just a little bit later, hmm? Oh, my goodness. Just a moment.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

What is it, Lou? What's the matter with Maddie?

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

It isn't Maddie. She's up at the Parkinson's. Grant, I think you better talk to her.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

All right, I'll talk to her. Hello? Yes, Maddie. What? I'll be right out. Come on, Lou. We haven't got any time to lose. We've got to get out to the parking place right away.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

What? Now? You know, you shouldn't be running all over town with that cold you have. And at night, too.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Oh, bother the cold. I'll be all right. Bring me my flannel muffler while I I get the.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Sam.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Lou.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Oh, I hope her not to late.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Dr. Adams, I'm so glad you got here so quick. Just go right in. Oh, how do, Miss Adams?

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Good evening, Matty. Oh, Grant, let me know if there's anything I can do.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Get some boiling water and put a teaspoon of that number five in it. Then bring it to me.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Yes, Grant, Right away.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Here's the kitchen through here, Ms. Adam.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Oh, thank you.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

I'll get you a pan.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Thanks. I wonder, is that stove hot enough, Matty?

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

I'll put some more coal in right away.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

There. That's burning right well now. Shouldn't take long.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Boo. Bring my case.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

You took it with you, Grant.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Never mind. I've done it.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Matthew. Where's Mr. Parkins?

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Why, knew you'd ask that, Mrs. Adam. He's not here.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Well, where?

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

I don't know. And poor Mrs. Parkins don't know either. She's awful worried. He went out early this morning, she said, and he ain't been back since. I just happened to drop in making calls for the lady's aid, you know. And I found Mrs. Parkins all alone. I've been with her all afternoon and evening, except when I ran down to the gas station at the crossroads to phone the doctor. Ain't it a shame?

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Yes, it is.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Mrs. Parkins is so worried for fear her husband might take up the drinking again.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Oh, why doesn't this water boil?

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Well, I say, I watched the pot never boiled.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

There. I think it's beginning now.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Yes, it's boiling low.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Bring that water, please.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Right away, Grant.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Why isn't the doctor excited? It must be a question of time now.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

There's no doubt about it, Mattie. Whenever Dr. Adams acts in patient like that, it's no longer a question of minutes, its second.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Well, guess there's no more need of me staying around.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

No, Maddie, you can go. Mrs. Adams and I can take care of things now. Thank you heaps for all your help.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Have you got some way to get back into town? We'd be glad to take you.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

No, thank you just the same. I got my automobile with me right around the back.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Well, I.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Somebody's coming.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Oh, it's probably Mr. Parkins.

[Ned Parkins]

Well, hello, folks.

[Mattie (Lady's Aid)]

Good evening, Mr. Parkins. Well, I was just leaving. Good night.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Good night, Maddie. Thanks for talking.

[Ned Parkins]

Good evening, Mrs. Adams.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Evening, Mr. Parkins.

[Ned Parkins]

Hello, Doctor.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Hello, Rene.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Well, I think I'll go out to the car and wait for you there, Grady.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

All right, Lou. All right. I'll be right out.

[Ned Parkins]

Well, gee, is anything wrong?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

I don't know, Ned. What do you think?

[Ned Parkins]

Me? Well, gee, I. I don't know. I just thought maybe something had happened. All you folks here and everything. Nothing has happened, has it?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Oh, well, Ned, a lot of things can happen in a short time. You know, the world moves pretty fast. Doesn't take long. There's Ned, Margaret.

[Ned Parkins]

Nothing's happened to her, has it? Well, she's all right, isn't she?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Oh, yes, she's all right.

[Ned Parkins]

Well, gee, I'm glad she. Listen, Doctor, am I hearing things?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Well, yes, I guess you might say you are hearing something.

[Ned Parkins]

Oh, Doc, why didn't you tell me? Gee, can I go right in, dad?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

You don't think Margaret might catch on, do you?

[Ned Parkins]

Catch on? What do you mean?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Well, haven't you had a couple of nips, Ned?

[Ned Parkins]

Aw, duh. With us expecting our baby. You don't think I'd do a thing like that, do you? Well, gee, Doc, I haven't touched this stuff for over a year. Has Margaret been worried about where I've been today?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Well, yes, she has, Ned.

[Ned Parkins]

Oh, gosh, I'm sorry. But you said that. Well, you said it wouldn't happen until tomorrow morning. Doc, look, Margaret thinks I've been making all of our money. What little we have off the ranch here.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

All right, but I haven't.

[Ned Parkins]

Gee, this little place won't even Pay for itself for another couple of years. Doc, I've been going around the neighboring towns cutting wood.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Cutting wood?

[Ned Parkins]

I didn't want to do it around Cedarton here because I knew how Margaret felt about the ranch. I didn't want folks to tell her that I had to cut wood to earn a living.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Well, there's nothing wrong about cutting wood, is there?

[Ned Parkins]

No, I guess not. Well, we did have our hopes up pretty high on the ranch. And when it didn't pan out as soon as we expected.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

I understand, Ned. And with your first baby coming, you didn't want to worry Margaret.

[Ned Parkins]

Yeah. Yeah, that's it. Oh, gee, Doc, our first baby. Can I go in now, Doc?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Sure you can. And you'll find a list of things you better get tomorrow. It's on the bureau there.

[Ned Parkins]

Oh, thanks, Dr. Adams.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

And, Ned, I'm sorry about what I said about the. The Nips. That's all right, Ned. Come around to my house tomorrow. I'll have a cord of wood that'll have to be cut. I think it's about time you started working up a business here in Cedarton.

[Ned Parkins]

Gee, thanks, Doc. I guess you're right.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Well, good night, Ned.

[Ned Parkins]

Good night. See you tomorrow. You bet. And thanks, Doc.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Oh, Grant, is everything all right?

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Sure. Of course everything's all right, honey. And now we're going home and finish that roast pork and applesauce.

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

Roast pork and applesauce? No, we're not.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

What do you mean, honey?

[Lou Adams (Dr. Adams' wife)]

We're going home. All right. But you are not getting any more to eat. What you're going to get is a nice, big, hot mustard plaster on your chest.

[Dr. Grant Adams]

Oh, Lu Geister Friday. This is the family doctor. I'll be in to see you again right soon. Goodbye.

[Ned Parkins]

It.