After many years of struggling with infertility, Hailey and Matthew were finally holding their long-awaited son Crew… But the joy instantly turned into a nightmare on the very day of his birth… Hailey suddenly felt unwell… The doctors rushed to her, performing artificial respiration, while Matthew was torn between being with his wife or with their newborn son… At that moment, no one could believe that after such a long journey to parenthood, their happiness could turn into such a tragedy…

A Morning You Will Never Forget

Matthew will definitely remember this day. He woke up with a feeling that everything would change today. After many years of trying and disappointment, he and Hailey were finally going to see their son — a cesarean section was planned. 

Sunlight was streaming through the curtains, the room felt very cozy but inside everything was boiling — joy, excitement, fear all at once…

A Look Full of Love

Matthew looked at Hailey, sleeping next to him. “This is the happiness. Today we become parents,” he thought and fell asleep again. 

But if only he had known then that this day would become one of the scariest in his life…

Hailey Couldn’t Sleep From Anxiety

Hailey woke up earlier than usual, even before the alarm. Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would jump out… She didn’t want to wake Matthew, so she quietly got up and went to the living room. She sat on the couch with her laptop and started a new episode of her favorite series, trying to distract herself and calm down. 

But her thoughts kept returning to one thing: “What if something goes wrong?” as if her intuition was telling her that in reality everything would not go according to plan…

Their Last Hours of Happiness…

About fifteen minutes later, Matthew woke up and immediately realized Hailey wasn’t next to him. His heart clenched with anxiety. He quickly went to the living room and saw her on the couch, absorbed in the screen. He exhaled in relief but it was short-lived — the most important event of their lives was waiting ahead.

— Are you already here? — he asked, trying to hide the tremor in his voice.
— Yes, I didn’t want to wake you, — Hailey replied quietly. — I’m a little scared…
— I know, — Matthew said, taking her hand. — But everything will be fine. We’re together, and soon we’ll see our baby.

Time Until the Inevitable Was Running Out

Hailey laughed at the series, then sighed heavily: “I’m so scared but also so happy.” Matthew ran his hand through her hair: “I’m scared too… but we’ll manage.” They held hands, looked at each other, silently enjoying the moment. 

Every movement of the baby in Hailey’s belly felt like a good sign. Time stretched slowly but each of them tried to memorize this day… when suddenly something unexpected happened…

An Unexpected Call

Hailey’s phone vibrated. She picked up, and on the other end was the doctor.
— Hailey, — he said calmly but directly, — we need you to come half an hour earlier. You need to sign the paperwork, some preparatory formalities.
Hailey felt her heart skip a beat.
— Half an hour earlier? — she whispered hoarsely. — But we had everything scheduled…

— I understand, — the doctor replied. — It’s just better this way for you and the baby. Everything will go smoothly.
Matthew, standing nearby, noticed her anxiety.
— Are you okay? — he asked.
— I think we need to get ready quickly… — Hailey whispered, squeezing his hand.

Packing in a Hurry

They quickly grabbed their bags, all the necessary items for Hailey and the baby, documents. Every minute felt endless. Matthew tried to stay calm but Hailey’s worried look gave her away, and his own heart trembled with anticipation.

— Did you take all the documents? — he asked again.
— Yes, — Hailey nodded but her hands were shaking. — And… everything, I think everything.

The Doctor’s Smile Won’t Last…

When they arrived, the doctor greeted them with a smile.
— Everything will be fine, — he said confidently. — Nothing to worry about. Just stay close to each other.
Hailey nodded but the anxiety inside didn’t go away. Matthew squeezed her hand tighter.

Hailey changed clothes, and Matthew held her hand. Every movement was slow, as if time had stretched.
— Ready? — he asked quietly, almost in a whisper.
— I think… yes… — she replied.
— I’m with you, — Matthew said. — We’re together. They slowly walked to the operating room. Only minutes remained until the moment that should have been the happiest and at the same time the most tragic in their lives.

Waiting and Fear

When Hailey entered the operating room, her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would jump out. Everything around was white and cold, and the smell of antiseptic stung the nose. Matthew held her hand.
— Breathe deeply, I’m here, — he whispered.
— I know… — Hailey replied quietly, squeezing his hand.

After that, Matthew was asked to step into a neighboring room for the duration of the operation. He could see her eyes shining with fear and knew that they would have to be apart for a short while…

What Went Wrong?!

The first minutes went according to plan. The doctors were focused. But suddenly Hailey’s blood pressure dropped slightly. The doctor’s heart clenched but as a true professional, he showed no worry.
— Nothing to worry about, we have it under control.

Hailey took a deep breath, trying not to panic. After a few minutes, the situation stabilized but the tension remained… just a little longer, and she and Matthew would see their long-awaited son — she hoped.

The Miracle Happened!

— He’s here! — Matthew heard.
The doctor called Matthew to cut the umbilical cord and see their son for the first time, the boy they had waited for so long.
— He’s so… small… — Hailey whispered. — And so wonderful.

— Yes, — Matthew said, trembling with happiness. — Incredible… our son.
Hailey looked at the newborn with all her love…
Matthew smiled, this brief moment of relief after all the years of waiting felt incredibly important. But the joy lasted only a second, as almost immediately something unexpected began…

Joy Was Short-Lived

Matthew went to the neighboring room with the baby in his arms. Everything seemed unreal. He looked at the tiny fingers, soft hair, and his heart filled with love.
— He’s so tiny… — he whispered to himself.

But a few minutes later, Hailey’s voice broke the silence:
— I don’t feel well…
Matthew’s heart raced faster. He felt the world turn upside down.
— What happened? — he asked, rushing to her.
— I don’t know… my head is spinning, — she replied faintly and suddenly lost consciousness…

Immediate Action Was Needed!

The doctor quickly called for an additional team.
— We can’t delay. We’re starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation, — he said.
Matthew felt as if the ground had slipped away beneath him. He had to make a decision: go with his wife to the intensive care unit or stay with their newborn. 

No one expected to have to choose between his wife’s life and the first moments with his son… He left the baby with the nurse and ran after his wife, who was being taken to the resuscitation room…

Last Words Before the Unknown

Matthew leaned over Hailey, taking her hand.
— I’m proud of you, — he said, kissed her, and she understood how deeply he loved her.
But Hailey, unconscious, could not respond, yet Matthew believed she could hear him…

— I’m with you, — he said, trying to stay strong for both of them.
But even at that moment, as he spoke these words, a question hung in the air — would they be the last words Hailey ever heard…

13 Years Ago…

It all began 13 years ago in college. Hailey was studying to be a nurse and dreamed of helping people but gymnastics was her passion and hobby. She could train for hours after classes, perfecting every movement. 

Matthew was studying to become a paramedic. His days were full of lectures, practical training, and shifts, and he never suspected that someone among the students would change his life forever…

First Look, First Spark

Hailey was walking down the corridor, checking her class schedule, when someone suddenly bumped into her, almost knocking her down.
— Oh, I’m sorry! — the young man quickly said, helping her regain balance.
Hailey looked up and met his eyes. They seemed so kind and beautiful to her…

— It’s okay, I wasn’t paying attention, — she replied, trying to stay calm.
— I’m Matthew, — he held out his hand. — I’m studying to be a paramedic. And I seem to know how to keep people safe… at least I try.
Hailey smiled, slightly embarrassed but something inside made her hold his gaze a moment longer.

A Chance Continuation

The next day, Matthew accidentally found himself near Hailey in the library.
— Hi, — he said, sitting at the desk next to hers. — I thought maybe we could help each other with the anatomy assignment? You seem smart, I seem diligent… what could go wrong?
— A little unexpected, — Hailey smiled, raising her eyebrows. — But I don’t mind.

They sat side by side for hours, discussing notes, and every time their hands accidentally touched the paper, something trembled inside both of them. Their gazes lingered longer than usual, silence stretched, and spoke louder than words.

Charming Courtship

The following week, Matthew invited Hailey for a walk around campus.
— Today feels like a day made for smiles, — he said, walking beside her.
— Or maybe only you are smiling? — Hailey laughed, teasing slightly.
— Maybe, — he replied with a light smile. — But I’ll try to make you smile as much as possible.

He brought her small flowers for no reason, coffee after long classes and training. Hailey gradually opened up to him, laughed, and shared her dreams, and he listened as carefully as no one had ever listened to her before…

The Long-Awaited Confession

— You know, — Matthew said one day, when they were sitting on a bench in the park, — I want to be by your side. Even when you fall, even when you fly high on your gymnastics!
— That sounds too good to be true, — Hailey smiled, her heart skipping with excitement.

And then they realized that there was something more between them than just friendship…

Incredibly Fast Development

Their relationship was developing so quickly that even their friends were surprised. Just a few months later, Hailey and Matthew were already living together. It seemed as if they had known each other their entire lives.
— How could we ever live without each other before? — Hailey wondered, arranging books on the shelf.

— Maybe this is what the real thing is, — Matthew smiled, watching her. — When you cannot imagine that before this you ever existed without her...

A Shared Home and Shared Dreams

They enjoyed every little thing. They went shopping together, argued about which carpet would match the sofa, cooked dinners, and stayed up late into the night talking about the future. Their small apartment was filled with coziness: photos appeared on the walls, and flowers decorated the table.
— I always wanted us to have a home that smells like baking and is full of laughter, — Hailey said, leaning against him.

— We will, — Matthew answered confidently. — There will be laughter, and baking, and… maybe children.
Hailey blushed slightly but her eyes sparkled.
— Do you really think about that?
— It is the only thing I think about, — he said seriously. — About us and our family... if only they knew then how much sorrow building that very family would bring them...

Meeting the Parents

When the day came to meet the parents, Hailey was nervous.
— What if they decide that I am not right for you? — she whispered before the meeting.
— Believe me, they will see right away who you are to me, — Matthew smiled.

At dinner, everything went surprisingly warmly: Matthew’s parents accepted Hailey at first sight. And Hailey’s parents later admitted to her that they had not seen her so happy in a long time. It seemed that everything was falling into place perfectly, and nothing could break this idyll. But it only seemed that way...

A Premonition of Future Trials

They did not yet know that ahead lay trials too terrifying even to imagine. Trials that would test not only their love but also the strength of each of them. Hailey and Matthew laughed, made plans, and believed that together they could handle anything. 

But just when they felt like the happiest people on earth, fate was already preparing a test for them that you would not wish even on an enemy... but for now, they had no idea and were focused on building their careers.

Lives in His Hands

Matthew had already been working as a paramedic for several years. He was used to night calls, to screams, to blood, to the knowledge that every trip could be decisive for someone’s fate. During this time, he had managed to save dozens of lives, and every time he returned home, he thanked fate that he could. But along with it came fatigue that did not leave him even in the moments when he sat next to Hailey.

— Today a child ended up in the ICU… two years old… — he once said quietly, taking off his bag and sinking onto the couch.
Hailey silently came closer, hugged him, and laid her head on his shoulder.
— You did everything you could. And even more, — she whispered.
— But sometimes it is not enough, — he replied bitterly.

Hailey’s Mission

Meanwhile, Hailey was becoming more than just a nurse. She created the project RN New Grads — a platform where thousands of young nurses from all over the world found support, guidance, and belief in themselves. She recorded videos, wrote articles, held meetings where she inspired those who were just entering the profession.
— Do you realize how much you mean to them? — Matthew asked with admiration, watching her reply to hundreds of messages.

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com

— I just want no one to feel alone, like I did at the beginning, — Hailey smiled.
— You are more than just a nurse, Haile, — he took her hand.
Hailey only shyly looked away but deep down she knew — she really was doing something important. And why does life so often give the most terrifying trials to the kindest and most wonderful people...

The First Shadows of Trials

Only a couple of months passed before their life stopped being the same. At first — small, unnoticed things. Night calls that made it hard to sleep. Tears of exhaustion in Hailey’s eyes, which she tried to hide. Silence at dinner, where before their conversations were endless.
— You are so tired… maybe you should take a break? — Matthew carefully said, noticing how she was falling asleep at the laptop.

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com
— I cannot. They are waiting for my advice, for support… if I stop, they may break too, — Hailey stubbornly replied.
— But you could break yourself, — he squeezed her hands. — I am afraid for you and for your health...

Idyll Amidst Cares

Despite the fact that Hailey devoted almost all her free time to her work and the project for young nurses, their family life did not collapse. Matthew was always there — making sure she at least got a little rest, taking care of her, bringing coffee to bed in the mornings, reminding her to sleep. He always said:
— You give so much to others but do not forget that someone has to take care of you too. And that someone will be me.

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com

Hailey smiled and replied:
— You are my best protector.
And weekends they reserved only for themselves. They arranged cozy breakfasts, went for walks in the park, watched movies, and laughed until they cried. But Matthew knew — it was not enough.

The Day She Could Not Hold Back Her Tears

He chose the very park where he once confessed his feelings to Hailey. Everything was planned down to the smallest detail: lanterns, candles, a blanket, and their favorite music playing softly in the background. Hailey suspected nothing, thinking it was just another romantic walk.
When they approached the familiar bench, she looked at the glowing garlands in astonishment.

— Matt… was this all you? — she whispered, her eyes sparkling with surprise.
— Hail, — he took her hands and went down on one knee, — I knew from the very first meeting that I wanted to be by your side. But the more years pass, the more I realize: you are my home, my heart, and my life. Marry me!

Moments of Boundless Happiness

Hailey pressed her palms to her face, trying to hold back tears.
— Oh God, Matt… — her voice trembled but her smile shone bright, — of course yes! Yes, a thousand times yes!
He slid the ring onto her finger, and she could not resist — she threw herself into his arms.

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com
— I cannot believe this is happening… — she whispered, laughing and crying at the same time.
— This is only the beginning, — he said softly, kissing her hair. — Now we have our “forever.”
They sat together under the glowing garlands, and it felt like the world around them stood still. Ahead lay a future full of hopes and trials...

It Seemed That Life Was Perfect...

After the engagement life seemed to shine with new colors. Hailey and Matthew were preparing for the wedding, joyfully arranging their new home. They picked out furniture, argued over the color of the curtains, laughed, and made plans.
— Just imagine, — Hailey said dreamily, — in a couple of months I will come home and call you my husband.

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com

— And I will remind you every day how much I love you, — Matthew replied, kissing her forehead.
It seemed as if only happiness lay ahead. They believed a true bright streak had begun but life had its own plans...

The Unexpected Call

One evening the silence was shattered by a phone call. Hailey picked up and heard a trembling voice.
— Are you Matthew’s fiancée? Please come to the hospital immediately… he has been in an accident.

Hailey’s heart sank. Her hands trembled, the phone almost slipped from her fingers.
— What?! What kind of accident? What happened to him? Is he alive?! — she nearly screamed but the only reply was:
— Please come quickly.

Fear Took Over Hailey Completely

Hailey rushed to the car. Only one thought spun in her head: let him be alive. 

Tears blurred her vision but she kept driving, ignoring traffic lights. Every second dragged like eternity.
— God, please do not take him from me, not now… — she repeated aloud.

Terrifying Moments in the Hospital

When she burst into the corridor, the doctors were wheeling out a stretcher. On it lay Matthew — pale, with an oxygen mask, his head bandaged, his arm wrapped in thick dressings.
— Matt! — Hailey cried, running closer.
A doctor stopped her.

— Please, let us work. He has serious injuries after a motorcycle accident. We are doing everything possible.
— But he… he is alive? — Hailey whispered, terrified of the answer.
— Yes. But ahead lies a long rehabilitation.

The Fight for Recovery

Days turned into weeks. Hailey sat by his bed, held his hand, read books aloud to him even when he was unconscious.
— You promised me “forever,” remember? So I am waiting until you open your eyes, — she said through tears.

And one day he finally whispered:
— I am with you, Hail… I am coming back...

They Were Always by Each Other’s Side

The months of rehabilitation began — learning to walk again, to lift his arm, to breathe without pain. Matthew clenched his teeth, endured, and even joked to cheer her up.
— So what, maybe we should skip the first dance at the wedding? After all, now I am the limping groom.

— Do not even think about the dance, it is nothing, — she said firmly. — I will marry you tomorrow, with crutches, with a wheelchair, with anything. The only thing that matters is that you are alive.

The Wedding After the Trials

And then came the day they had been dreaming of. Matthew could already walk with a cane, and when Hailey appeared in her white dress, he burst into tears, not hiding his emotions.
— You are the most beautiful bride in the world, — he whispered.
— And you are the strongest husband, — she answered.

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com

They exchanged vows, the guests cried with joy and applauded. And at that moment no one could even imagine that in just a few years Hailey herself would stand on the edge between life and death...

A Fairy Tale That Seemed Eternal

After the wedding their life really resembled a fairy tale. The honeymoon was like something out of a movie — sun, sea, long evenings under the stars. They laughed, holding hands, promised each other never to lose that feeling of lightness and happiness. Returning home, they again plunged into work, and that also brought joy. 

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com

Matthew was saving lives every day, proud of his mission. Hailey was developing her project, helping young nurses, receiving letters of gratitude from all over the world. It seemed they had everything: love, prosperity, success.
— We are really happy, aren’t we? — Hailey once asked, hugging him in the kitchen.
— More than anyone else, — Matthew smiled. — But I know we are still missing something...

Dreams of Addition

The conversation about a child surfaced on its own. At first lightly, with a smile.
— Just imagine, — Hailey said dreamily, — if we have a son, he will surely be your exact copy.
— And if it is a daughter — I will officially become the most caring father in the world, — Matthew laughed.

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com

They began to make plans, came up with names, argued about whom the children would look like. Everything seemed so real that they even felt as if the baby was already somewhere nearby...and this is where their worries began...

The First Disappointment

A month... two... half a year. Nothing... Hailey tried not to give in to panic, convinced herself that everything was still ahead. But each time when “those days” came again, her heart broke.
— Maybe I am just thinking about it too much, — she smiled sadly, sitting down on the couch next to her husband.

— Hailey, we will succeed, — Matthew reassured her, taking her hand. — We just need time.
After a few more months they nevertheless decided to visit a doctor.

Hope from the First Doctor

The doctor listened to them attentively, looked at the tests and said:
— You started quite recently. Usually we say that trying for at least a year is necessary. This is absolutely within the normal range. Relax, live, enjoy each other. It will happen!

They left the office holding hands. Hope flared up again in their hearts.
— Did you hear? — Matthew smiled. — Everything is still ahead of us.
— Yes... maybe I worried for nothing, — Hailey sighed, and hope once again appeared in her eyes.

The Test of Time

But a year passed... A whole year of hopes, expectations and disappointments. Every delay seemed like a miracle but everything ended in tears. Hailey tried to stay strong but sometimes at night, when Matthew was already asleep, she cried quietly into her pillow.

— Why… why is this happening to us? — she whispered in the darkness.
One night Matthew heard her sobs, hugged her, pulled her close.
— Hailey, you are not alone. Do you hear me? We are together. Whatever happens — we will go through this.
And then they made the decision to turn to another doctor...

Months of Examinations

The meeting with the second doctor began differently. The doctor carefully listened to their story, asked questions, clarified details and ordered numerous tests. Hailey went through procedures that made her dizzy, she endured injections, machines. Sometimes she came home so exhausted that she fell asleep right in her clothes.

— Hailey, maybe we should take a break? — Matthew carefully said one evening, taking off her coat. — I am afraid for you.
— No, — she smiled tiredly. — I need to know. We need to know.
He only nodded and pulled her close.

A Diagnosis That Freezes the Heart

And then came the day when the doctor invited them into the office. He was silent for a long time, shuffling papers. Hailey already felt her heart sink.
— You have… chronic infertility, — he finally said quietly. — The chance of natural conception is extremely small.

The world seemed to collapse. Hailey was numb, words stuck in her throat. She looked at Matthew, and her eyes filled with tears…

Could This Be the Verdict?
— Does this mean we will never have children? — she whispered.
— It means that naturally — it is almost impossible. But there are other methods, we can try… IVF.

Hailey covered her face with her hands. Matthew immediately pulled her into his arms.
— We will manage, do you hear me? We will find a way. We will not give up.

The Most Difficult Moment

One night, when another procedure as part of IVF had left Hailey completely exhausted, she lay on the couch, closing her eyes. Matthew sat next to her, took her hand and whispered:
— Forgive me...Forgive me for your body having to go through all of this… because of our dream.

Hailey opened her eyes, raised herself slightly and took his face in her hands.
— Listen to me, — she said firmly. — This is not your fault. We are a team. And we will get through this together.

A Miracle After Many Years

Years of attempts passed. Every failure broke their hearts but they got up again and kept moving forward. And then, one day, when they were already beginning to lose hope, the doctor smiled, looking at the test results.
— I have good news. Hailey… you are pregnant.

At that moment, time seemed to stop. Hailey covered her mouth with her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks. Matthew hugged her, unable to believe what he was hearing.
— We did it… — she whispered.
— No, Hailey, — he held her tighter. — We did it together.

Months of Waiting

Pregnancy became the embodiment of Hailey’s greatest dream. She seemed to glow from within, her eyes shone, and even morning sickness, sleepless nights, and the heaviness of the last months could not diminish her delight.
— I want to see him so badly, — she whispered, pressing her hands to her belly. — Our Crew… he is already a part of me.

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com

Every evening Matthew placed his hand on her stomach and said:
— We have waited so long. Now I only fear one thing — that you will be safe and well.
She laughed, softly touching his face:
— Everything will be fine…

Their Most Terrifying Day

However, on the birthday of their long-awaited son, everything went off plan… The day they had waited for years had arrived. The doctors decided to perform a cesarean section. Hailey was a little nervous but she was comforted by the thought: just a little more — and she would hold her son in her arms.
In the operating room, at first, everything went according to plan. Matthew stood in the corridor, clenching his fists, praying, unable to find his place. And suddenly he heard the first cry… The little boy, their long-awaited Crew, was in his arms. He was crying but to Matthew these were the most wonderful sounds in the world.

But, as you remember, happiness lasted only a moment. The doctors suddenly became concerned. Chaos erupted in the operating room, someone ran into the corridor, calling for help. Matthew felt the ground slip away beneath him.
— What is happening? Where is my wife?! — he shouted, while Hailey was urgently taken to intensive care.

Matthew’s Heart Shattered

Her heart was fighting but her strength was leaving her. At one moment, the doctors allowed Matthew to enter for a second. She was pale, her eyes barely open but she saw him and the baby.
— Crew… — she whispered barely audibly. — Our boy…
She touched her fingers to her son’s hand. In her gaze, there was so much love and peace that Matthew realized — this was their farewell. And in a moment, her hand slipped lifelessly…

 — She gave her life most nobly, — Matthew would say months later, barely holding back tears. — She was able to see him for just a fraction of a second, and I will always remember that…

In Memory of Hailey

The doctors explained to Matthew that Hailey had suffered an amniotic fluid embolism — an extremely rare, unpredictable complication that develops suddenly and often leaves no chance for survival.
— I never, never could have imagined that anything could go like this, — Matthew admitted.

@rnnewgrads/Instagram.com

Now he shares her story on social media so that people know about this terrible diagnosis. For him, it has become a mission — to turn his own tragedy into a warning for other families who believe that childbirth always goes “like everyone else’s.”