When Aria gives birth to her and Dave’s firstborn, she is horrified to see him leave the hospital just because his mum called. Things get even worse when Aria learns that the reason is because Dave needed to help his mother with groceries. What will Aria do next?
I never thought I would be writing this, but here I am, needing to speak out and share a valuable lesson my husband learned the hard way.
I am 32 years old and entering the season of motherhood. My husband, Dave, is 34 and has always had a bit of a complicated relationship with his mother.
Marlene is the kind of mother who calls at every little thing, expecting him to drop everything and come over as soon as she needs him.
‘Hey, Aria,’ Dave was saying. ‘Mum needs me, I’ll be right back.’
And he’d run out of the house, ready to save the day.
I found it funny until the day I went into labour. I was in my 38th week and knew the time was getting closer.
One evening I felt the contractions start. Everything went smoothly until it was about six hours of agonising labour.
‘Just breathe, honey,’ Dave said, squeezing my hand. ‘Before you know it, our baby girl will be born!’
But then Dave’s phone rang, and he quickly went out into the corridor to take the call. When he returned, he looked a little flustered.
And a few minutes later, a text message arrived on his phone. He read it and looked worried, his eyes darting around the room as he sank into his thoughts.
‘What’s going on?’ I asked, already feeling anxious and vulnerable.
He looked at me, almost annoyed that I had the audacity to ask him.
‘I have to go, Aria. But it’s going to be quick. I’ll be quick, I promise.’
‘What?’ I sighed, wrinkling my nose at another contraction. ‘Dave, I need you right here. I need you to be with me! Our baby is coming soon!’
He took a deep breath.
‘I know. Of course I know,’ he said, barely making eye contact. ‘But it’s my mum, and she said she really needs my help.’
‘For what?’ I almost shouted. ‘You’re leaving me here because of your mum? I’m sure she’s fine!’
‘I’ll be right back, Aria,’ he said. ‘I swear.’
He kissed my forehead and hurried away.
I couldn’t believe he actually did that. It made no sense at all. I knew my husband loved being around his mother, but for him to abandon his wife during childbirth?
Was this really the man I married?
I felt abandoned during one of the most vulnerable moments of my life.
I tried to focus on the labour, paying attention to my breathing and everything that was happening to my body. But then my phone buzzed with a text from Dave.
I’ll be back soon, Aria. I promise. Mum just needs some help.
Is something wrong? Is she okay?
No, she’s fine. She just bought groceries and they’re too heavy.
Are you serious, Dave? I’m having a baby and you ditch me for groceries?
Yeah, I’m serious. And stop being so selfish, Aria. My mum needs me.
I was in shock. My blood pressure started to rise, which alerted one of the nurses.
‘Tell me what’s wrong?’ – She said, looking at the monitor showing my vitals.
I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. I didn’t know how to say a complete sentence without breaking down completely.
‘Tell me, dear,’ the nurse said. ‘It will be better if you tell me everything.’
‘My husband left me here,’ I said between deep breaths. ‘His mum needed help with the groceries, and he…left.’
The nurse’s eyes widened in bewilderment.
‘He left you while you were in labour? For groceries? Oh, dear!’
‘Yes,’ I whispered, feeling the full weight of the situation pressing down on me.
‘Is there anyone else we can call? Someone who could just hold your hand while your husband comes back?’ – The nurse asked.
I nodded.
‘My dad,’ I said. ‘He lives a few minutes from here, and I know he’s coming here.’
Luckily, my dad was around the corner eating fast food when I called, and he rushed over with his food.
‘Honey,’ he said, walking into the room where the smell of fried chicken wafted.
‘Where’s Dave?’ – he asked.
I told my father the truth about Dave leaving me. And as I did so, the contractions became more frequent.
My baby girl was on her way.
‘Please, Gloria,’ I said to the kind nurse. ‘Can you record the birth? I wanted my husband to do it, but he has his VCR with him.’
‘Of course, dear,’ Gloria said. ‘I’ll get an intern to do it all, and I’ll hold your hand the whole time myself.’
Shortly thereafter, I gave birth to our beautiful daughter Gabrielle without Dave by my side.
Instead, I had Gloria on one side of me and my dad on the other.
As I held my newborn daughter in my arms, emotions overwhelmed me. Joy, love and sadness were intertwined. My father sat beside me, his eyes full of pride and concern.
‘He’ll regret it, sweetheart,’ my father said softly. ‘But right now, you need to focus on your girl.’
I nodded, tears streaming down my cheeks.
‘I can’t believe he left us, Dad,’ I said. ‘How could he choose her over us? Is our life really going to be like this forever? If this was a true emergency, then I’d understand. But this?’
‘Dave will have to live with that decision,’ my father replied. ‘But you’re strong, and you have people who love you. We’ll get through this.’
Later, when it was clear that Gabby and I were fine, healthy and ready to be discharged, my dad drove us to his house.
When Dave finally got to the hospital, we were gone. He wrote and called, but I didn’t answer.
Instead, I left Gloria a letter for Dave. My dad never left the house without his laptop, either.
‘Dad, do you have a flash drive?’ I asked him before I left.
‘Sure,’ he said, searching through his laptop bag. ‘Why?’
‘I’m going to save the video of the birth on it and leave it here for Dave.’
Dad looked at me carefully and then nodded.
‘Please just give him this letter and the flash drive,’ I told her as we got ready to leave.
The letter read:
Dear Dave,
This is what you missed. This is the moment you chose to miss. I needed you more than ever, and you abandoned me. Our daughter deserved to have both of her parents by her side in the first few minutes of her birth. This video shows strength and resilience that you will never see in person.
I hope you realise the pain and disappointment you have caused. Maybe now you will understand the sacrifices of being a husband and father.
-Aria and Gaby
A few days later, my father invited the closest family members to introduce Gabrielle. I didn’t invite Dave. I knew it was a cold gesture, but I didn’t want to see him.
He showed up at my father’s house anyway, looking remorseful and desperate.
‘Please, let me explain,’ he said, his voice shaking as he approached me.
I crossed my arms and stared at the man I had married.
‘Explain what? That you think groceries are more important than having a daughter?’
‘I’m sorry, Aria,’ he said. ‘I was torn between you and my mum. And I didn’t know what to do. I chose wrong. Please forgive me. I’ll do anything to make it right.’
‘You abandoned me at the most vulnerable moment of my life, Dave,’ I said, trying to keep my voice steady. ‘How can I trust you after that?’
‘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 there for you and our daughter. Let me prove that I can be the father she deserves.’
‘This is your only chance, Dave,’ I said. ‘You have 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’ll never let you down again.’
One night as we were putting our daughter to bed, Dave turned to me, his eyes full of sincerity.
‘I know I’ve said this before, but I’m really sorry. I don’t want to miss another moment.’
I know my husband has already apologised, but I’m still waiting for my mother-in-law to apologise too.
What would you do?
