The phone rings. It’s 4:14am. “You might want to make your way over here” she says with a laugh. I tell her I’m on my way, throw on my Lulus, grab my gear and rush out the door. There is no way she’s having that baby any time soon, I thought. She sounds way too happy! I have time to stop for gas – I hope.

When I arrive it’s quiet, almost peaceful. I head to the bedroom bathroom to find Joanna timing her contractions in the tub, mom and husband nearby. It’s a hard feeling to explain, watching someone go through labor. You want to do whatever you can to take away the pain, but know that there’s nothing you can do. I can only imagine what Steve was feeling as he held Joanna’s hand through each contraction.

At 5:20am Joanna’s water breaks and 15 minutes later the cries of a beautiful baby girl are heard. I’m tearing up as I write that. It’s indescribable the feelings of being able to witness such an incredible miracle. The whole birth process is amazing. Thank you Joanna and Steve for allowing me to be there. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.