The Beginning of Labor

Early Signs

At 32, I was stepping into motherhood, filled with excitement and anxiety. My husband, Dave, 34, was right there with me, holding my hand as the contractions began at 38 weeks. “Just breathe, darling,” he said, encouraging me. “Before you know it, our little girl will be here!”

The First Six Hours

Everything was going smoothly for the first six hours. Dave was my rock, staying by my side and reassuring me. But then, his phone rang. He stepped out into the hall to take the call and returned looking agitated. Shortly after, his phone buzzed again with a text message. He read it, and I could see the concern on his face.

The Unexpected Call

Dave’s Departure

“What’s going on?” I asked, feeling anxious and vulnerable. Dave looked at me, almost annoyed. “I need to go, Aria. But it will be quick. I’ll be quick, promise.”

A Desperate Plea

“What?” I gasped, wincing as another contraction hit me. “Dave, I need you right here. I need you to be with me! Our baby is coming!” He sighed deeply. “I know. Of course, I know that,” he said, barely making eye contact. “But it’s my mom, and she said that she needs my help desperately.” “For what?” I nearly shouted. “You’re leaving me here for your mother? I’m sure she’s fine!” “I’ll be right back, Aria,” he said. “I swear.” He kissed my forehead before rushing out.

Prioritizing Groceries Over Labor

Feeling Abandoned

I couldn’t believe he would actually do this. It made no sense. I knew my husband loved being there for his mother, but to leave his wife during labor? Was this really the man I married?

Communicating with Dave

As I tried to focus on my labor, my phone buzzed with a text from Dave.

Text Conversation:

• Dave: I’ll be back soon, Aria. I promise. Mom just needs some help.
• Aria: Did something happen? Is she okay?
• Dave: No, she’s fine. She just bought groceries, and they’re too heavy.
• Aria: Are you serious right now, Dave? I’m in labor, and you left me for groceries?
• Dave: Yes, I am serious. And stop being so selfish, Aria. My mom needs me.

The Nurse’s Concern

Seeking Support

My blood pressure began to rise, alerting one of the nurses. “Tell me what’s wrong?” she said, glancing at the monitor displaying my vitals. I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. “Tell me, darling,” the nurse said. “It will be better to let it out.” “My husband left me here,” I said between deep breaths. “His mom needed help with her groceries, and he… left.”

My Dad to the Rescue

The nurse’s eyes widened in disbelief. “He left you while you’re in labor? For groceries? Oh, honey!” “Yes,” I whispered, feeling the weight of the situation crush me. “Is there anyone else we can call? Someone to just hold your hand while your husband comes back?” the nurse asked. I nodded. “My dad,” I said. “He lives a few roads away, and I know he’ll come here.”

Thankfully, my dad was around the corner, getting fast food, when I called, and he rushed over with his food. “Darling,” he said, walking into the room, the smell of fried chicken taking over. “Where’s Dave?” he asked. I told my father the truth, about how Dave had left me. And as I did, the contractions hit more frequently. My little girl was on the way.

Recording the Birth

Gabrielle’s Birth

“Please, Gloria,” I told the kind nurse. “Can you record the birth? I wanted my husband to do it, but he has the video recorder with him.” “Of course, darling,” Gloria said. “I’ll get an intern in to do it, while I hold onto your hand the entire time.”

Not long after, I gave birth to our beautiful daughter, Gabrielle, without Dave by my side. Instead, I had Gloria on one side and my dad on the other. As I held my newborn daughter in my arms, the emotions overwhelmed me. Joy, love, and sadness intertwined. My dad sat beside me, his eyes filled with pride and concern.

Dave’s Absence

Returning Home

Later, when it was certain that Gabi and I were fine and healthy and ready to be discharged, my dad took us to his house. When Dave finally made it to the hospital, we were gone. He texted and called, but I didn’t respond. Instead, I left a letter for Dave with Gloria.

Leaving a Message

The Letter to Dave

“Dad, do you have a flash drive?” I asked him before we left. “Of course,” he said, searching his laptop bag. “Why?” “I’m going to save the birth video on it, and leave it here for Dave.” My father looked at me closely before nodding. “Please, just give him this letter and this flash drive,” I said to her as we got ready to leave.

The Letter:

Dear Dave,

This is what you missed. This is the once-in-a-lifetime moment you chose to skip. I needed you more than ever, and you left me. Our daughter deserved to have both her parents there for her first moments in this world. This video shows the strength and resilience you’ll never get to witness first-hand.

I hope you understand the pain and disappointment you’ve caused. Maybe now you’ll realize the sacrifice that comes with being a husband and father.

-Aria & Gabi

A New Beginning

A Moment of Truth

A few days later, my father invited our closest family to introduce Gabrielle. I didn’t invite Dave. I knew that it was a cold gesture, but I didn’t want to see him. He showed up at my father’s place anyway, looking remorseful and desperate. “Please, let me explain,” he said, his voice trembling as he approached me.

Dave’s Plea

I crossed my arms, staring at the man I had married. “Explain what? That you thought groceries were more important than your daughter being born?” “I’m sorry, Aria,” he said. “I was torn between you and Mom. And I didn’t know what to do. I chose wrong. Please, forgive me. I’ll do anything to make it right.” “You left me in the most vulnerable moment of my life, Dave,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “How can I trust you after that?”

A Second Chance

“I know I messed up,” he said. “I know I hurt you. But I want to make it right.” I refused to speak. “I hate myself for it,” he said. “I’ll never forgive myself. Please, let me be here for you and our daughter. Let me prove that I can be the father she deserves.”

“This is your one and only chance, Dave,” I said. “You need to show me, not just tell me, that you can be the man we need,” I said firmly. He nodded vigorously. “I swear, Aria, I will never let you down again.”

Moving Forward

Rebuilding Trust

One evening, as we were putting our daughter to bed, Dave turned to me, his eyes filled with sincerity. “I know I’ve said it before, but I’m truly sorry. I never want to miss another moment.” I know that my husband has apologized profusely, but I’m still waiting for my mother-in-law to apologize, too.

A New Chapter

In moments of crisis, true priorities are revealed. Dave’s choice to help his mother with groceries over being present for our daughter’s birth highlighted the need for a serious reevaluation of our relationship. While he is working to make amends, the lesson learned that day will stay with us forever.