Right Of Admission Reserved
Brooks was powerless to prevent the tears from streaming down his face. It was impossible to fight them any longer. When the brave soldier finally arrived at his boarding gate, he was taken aback to have heard the word “stop” being screamed from a distance.
People prohibiting him from entering places wasn’t something that he had dealt with before in his entire life. He was about to get the mother of all rude awakenings.
Hustle And Bustle
Pexels
At the boarding gate, they, for some unknown reason, refused him access. In the blink of an eye, he felt the heat of the crowd of people surrounding him, and voices echoed throughout his head.
The soldier soon became completely overwhelmed by the situation. Extremely confused and frustrated, he would soon learn what was happening behind closed doors.
Love At A Glance
History By Day
Haley and Brooks’ meeting was like something straight out of a Disney movie. Despite Brooks’ dream of becoming a U.S. decorated combat soldier, his heart pounded with desire when their eyes first met.
There was nothing on this earth that would stand even a semblance of a chance at stopping him from achieving his life-long dream. The grave sacrifices he made in the name of his goal would eventually be made clear to him.
Distracted By His Passion
U.S Army
Brooks, disillusioned by his love and empowered by his youth, requested Haley’s assistance. Haley was engaged to Brooks just two short years later. If only he had known what lay ahead for him.
Things were the very definition of perfection for the blissfully innocent couple for a long time; he could have never anticipated how quickly that could change.
Difficult Decisions
History by Day
Brooks Lindsey and Hailey Lindsey’s loving relationship was akin to a raging storm.Not long following their recent marriage, the couple received elating news: their first child was well on its way.
It was an overwhelming feeling of prideful joy for the couple. Their situation would go on to be devastatingly compromised by Brooks’ career.
Freedom Fighter
Pexels
Brooks had enlisted as a soldier, and his career was finally getting off the ground. As a result, he knew all too well that he would be forced to make painful and challenging sacrifices later on in life as a result of it.
Brooks, however, believed he truly had his whole life right where he wanted it. Some of them hurt him so much more than he had ever anticipated. His family was his number one priority as a man at war, particularly when it came to bringing home the bacon.
Distant Service
Texas.gov
When Brooks discovered that Haley was, indeed, pregnant, he shortly thereafter was sent his documents and learned that he was soon bound for a deployment lasting three-quarters of a year.
A bittersweet feeling overcame him. A dream he had for so long would soon become his reality. Despite this, he knew he would be forced to forgo time with his beloved family, something that shook him deeply.
Predictions
Pexels
It was quickly realized that he would be due to return home, nervewrackingly close to their unborn daughter’s due date.
Since Brooks didn’t want to think about what could happen if his tour concluded later than planned, he instead took some time to revel in all the positive aspects. They received some devastating news when Haley reached the 7-month mark of her term.
Preparations
Pexels
As a prerequisite to arriving in Kuwait, Brooks would have to undergo special and rigorous training courses. As a result, he would have to fly out to Texas at an unbelievably inconvenient time for him and his family.
During the time Brooks would have to be in Texas, the highly anticipated birth of their baby was scheduled. In order to find a solution, the couple began exploring any and all other possibilities they could come up with.
Special Exception
Pexels
The Red Cross provided soldiers with special leave to be at the birth of their children; they gladly found out after Brooks made efforts towards a sea of inquiries and questioning.
Haley and Brooks were filled with a renewed sense of optimism after learning this life-saving detail. Crushing their newly reinvigorated sense of hope, the couple was once again met with sheer disappointment when they then learned what the requirements were when submitting an application for such extreme circumstances.
Special Conditions
Pexels
There was no way around it. The Red Cross process only granted this kind of leave in special circumstances where it could be medically proven that either the mother, the baby, or both were in distress.
Brooks thought about it long and hard and even considered something that most people would be against.
Couldn’t Do It
Red Cross
But even after thinking about it, he knew he couldn’t exploit the system. There was no way around having to stay enlisted and keeping his dream job. But it had other horrible implications.
No father in their right mind would ever hope for such a thing to happen. Brooks, therefore, had to face the painful realization that he’d have to miss the birth of his child.
Sacrifice
Pexels
Sacrifice is in a soldier’s blood. He would sacrifice his time with his new wife to fight for his country. He didn’t feel good about it, but he knew it was the only way to ensure that they were safe.
The day ultimately came for Brooks to leave his wife behind, and it was the hardest thing he had ever done in his whole life.
Millie
History by Day
Just as he came to accept the circumstances that he might be in, they got extraordinary news at their next doctor’s visit. They finally knew what the gender of their baby would be.
It was confirmed that the couple was going to have a daughter, and they both decided on the name Millie for their little girl. However, all too soon, a serious problem arose.
Flying Out
Pexels
When the time came for Brooks to fly out for his training, it was a tearful goodbye. Brooks said goodbye to his then seven-month-pregnant wife and soon-to-be-born baby girl, and he left to begin his new military journey.
He wanted things to stay the same for the sake of his family. But he knew in his heart that things would never stay as they were.
Staying In Touch
oklahoman
Even though there were thousands of miles between them, he didn’t want to lose touch with his beautiful wife. So they came up with a plan to try and keep things together.
The couple did their best to stay in touch in between Brook’s grueling training regiments. Facetime became their best friend as they planned for the big day.
Complications
Pexels
Haley had been sticking to her routine checkups, and so far, everything had been going well. However, during her last checkup, the doctor noticed some complications.
Haley was told that she would have to come in for delivery earlier than anticipated. Brooks stayed in contact with her, and on the day in question, things got worse.
Jumping Through Hoops
USAToday
There were so many hoops to jump through to try to get Brooks cleared to come home for the birth. He thought that things would be easier. This wasn’t the first time a soldier needed to go home to see their child.
The rules were firmly set in place, and the facts were simply that men often did not get approval to leave their post to join the birth experience back home.
Only In Distress
Pexels
The Red Cross only approves this in particular situations when the pregnant woman is in distress. They didn’t fall into that category, so they had to come up with a plan.
Brooks already knew that he couldn’t try to cheat the system. He would have to think of another way to get what he wanted. But he had no idea what can of worms he was opening.
Not Coming Home
NewsD
The only good thing about missing such a life-altering event is that everything is well and good, and there is no need to worry.
Since soldiers can’t come home unless the woman is in distress, it’s meant to seem like a blessing that everyone is well. But it felt bittersweet for poor Brooks and his wife.
Everything Seemed Normal
Pexels
Sure, they would love to be there with the mother of their child, but they should also feel blessed that nothing is wrong with the pregnancy.
The couple knew there was no getting around this strict rule. It seemed as if Brook would stay enlisted while his wife would have to have the baby on her own. This made him feel extremely sad.
Doctor’s Visit
NewsD
Since Haley only had mildly high blood pressure, it didn’t look like Brook would be able to come home at all. But he hadn’t considered Hailey’s next checkup. He obviously wanted his wife to be more healthy than anything else.
But when Haley showed up for what appeared to be a routine checkup, everything changed in a moment.
Change Of Plans
Pexels
Haley’s blood pressure was alarmingly high at her next doctor’s appointment. He was concerned that there could be a complication with baby Millie. Brooks felt immense emotional stress.
Haley was instructed to go home and rest while the doctor ran a full battery of tests. What would the results show?
Could Use Support
USAToday
Haley suddenly realized she could use her Brooks support. Concerns over the baby left her feeling helpless, and perhaps now they would approve his return.
But things didn’t seem like they were looking up. Brooks would have rather his wife was healthy. But then she got a terrifying phone call from her doctor. It left her in tears.
The Phone Call
Pexels
When her phone began to ring, Haley was almost too scared to answer, but concern for Millie made her click the answer button.
She listened to everything that the doctor had to say to her. He couldn’t lie to her. It wasn’t good news. The doctor told her everything she had been worrying about.
Affecting Her Organs
USAToday
Her high blood pressure was affecting her internal organs. But even more importantly, the situation could also affect the health of the baby.
The doctor didn’t want to waste any more time and made the decision. The health risks for both mother and child were too great to sit back and do nothing. They were forced to take action immediately.
More Complications
Pexels
When Brooks checked in with the doctor on the day, he was informed that there were further complications and that they would need to rush Haley in as the baby was in distress.
Although deeply worried about his wife and daughter, Brooks also realized that this twist of fate meant he could now try to apply for special leave to be there with them.
Inducing Labor
USAToday
Haley was rushed to the hospital within an hour for round-the-clock observation. The doctor decided that they couldn’t take any chances and that they had to induce labor.
This was something that neither one of them had ever anticipated. They hadn’t thought of any complications like this. It was such a turnaround that the change in plan left Haley reeling.
Letting Brooks Know
FamilyDoctor
Thank goodness she had the presence of mind to let Brooks know the situation before she left. Optimistically, Brooks was excited. It was his chance to be there with her for the birth of their firstborn child.
Now he just had to see if this was a good enough excuse to see the birth of his child. But he didn’t have much time to get approval.
Getting Approval
NewsD
Now there were more hoops to jump through. Among the crush of emotions, there was a lot to do.
Haley had to inform the Red Cross about her change in condition in order to get Brooks’ leave approved. She had to provide confirmation from her doctor, which she did as soon as she arrived at the hospital.
Permitted
Pexels
Now that he was permitted to join his family, Brooks had to deal with the uncertainty of his wife and child’s health. He didn’t know what to expect from the coming days.
Brooks couldn’t help but feel alarmed. He wanted his wife and unborn child to be safe. He would have never been able to forgive himself if something had happened to his family while he was overseas.
Trying To Get Home
USAToday
The Red Cross process had been agonizing and had required written confirmation from the doctor first. Once confirmed, Brooks rushed to the DFW airport and finally got a connecting flight by way of El Paso.
At the same time, Brooks was running through the airport, trying to get the flight back to his hometown. It was a race against time.
Getting Close
Pexels
Brooks hadn’t yet left for Kuwait and was relatively close. All he needed was the first flight out of there. But there was trouble on the connecting flight that no one could have predicted.
When he arrived at the airport in El Paso, he found out that he would need to have a layover in Dallas. All the flights were full.
Cruel Twist
USAToday
He was forced to wait for the next available flight, which was only at 10:00 am the next day. He felt helpless and stranded, but all he could do was sit it out and hope against hope that Haley could wait for him.
However, fate cruelly intervened once again. The flight was delayed, and there was now no way that Brooks would make it on time.
Mom To The Rescue
Pexels
The crestfallen soldier drew many stares from other passengers. When he explained his situation, the people around him were very sympathetic. Back at the hospital, Brook’s mother took his place in the delivery room.
She could barely contain her tears. She was about to be a grandmother, but the most important person was missing.
Heartbroken
USAToday
Also, heartbroken that her son was missing the birth of Millie, she decided to do something about it. Despite protests from the doctor (who eventually allowed it), she took her phone in and Facetimed Brooks.
To Brook’s delight, he could now also witness the birth. It was another bittersweet feeling, but he had no idea what turn things would take.
A Long Way From Home
hashtagchatter
As if on cue, Haley’s water broke, and the labor began progressing, but Brooks was still stuck in El Paso. He struggled not to run through security and right up to his boarding gate.
After boarding, he finally felt like he was on his way to his wife, but he was still a long way from home. He was still on FaceTime and watching the birth of his child. But things were about to take a turn.
Helplessness
Pexels
The feeling of helplessness only grew as he sat still in the tiny airplane seat. A strange feeling of dread came over him.
His wife had successfully gone into labor, but he had no idea what was going on. He was trying to get a good idea of what was happening when the reception got worse because of the plane.
Bad Reception
Pexels
The video kept freezing, but he could still hear the audio. He heard hushed voices from the doctors and then a scream from his wife. What was going on? He shouted to know what was going on, and then the call was cut off.
He tried recalling, but his reception was too bad to get a callback. He had no idea what was happening in the delivery room.
Stranded
cleaveland.com
Finally, he made it to Dallas, and he all but sprinted to his connecting flight back home. But there was bad news waiting for him when he got there. His flight was delayed by two hours.
Getting to Haley while still in labor was quickly slipping away from him. The doctor told Haley that birth was happening. Right now!
Mind Racing
Pexels
The entire time his mind was racing the entire time. What had gone wrong while he was hundreds of miles away? He knew that he needed to get home as fast as possible.
It was his duty to protect his wife and child. But he couldn’t do anything while he was so far away. He tried FaceTime one more time to try and get a hold of him. Thankfully, his mother answered.
Looked Okay
Pexels
He waited a few seconds to see the video finally come back. He could see his mother still in the delivery room and his wife screaming behind him. He was worried about her and wished he could do something.
He could see the look of concern on his mother’s face. But she had something to say to her son that would make his blood run cold.
What Was Going On?
chargetech
“What’s going on?” He stammered to his mother while staring at the screen. She seemed confused by his words. “What do you mean, honey? You need to get here now!”
“Let me put Haley on so you can help her. She really needs you right now.” His mother said. Brooks was ready to see his wife and try to help in whatever way that he could. But he wasn’t prepared for what happened next.
Time To Go
Pexels
Holding the small screen in both hands, Brooks spoke reassuring words to Haley over a long distance.
He cheered her on as she progressed through the labor, continually telling her how great she was doing. He was worried the whole time, but his wife needed him now more than ever. He had to put his concerns aside.
Crying
The Mirror
The flight called to start boarding, but Brooks was glued to his phone screen. All of a sudden, it was all too much to keep inside.
Still in his fatigues, the soldier sat against a wall near the terminal, staring at his phone screen. But what his wife told him next had the grown soldier that had fought for his country cry uncontrollably.
Anxious Moments
Pexels
Unfortunately, the flight was now boarding. Brooks would have to soon switch his phone off, and Millie still wasn’t born.
Pitying him, the other passengers tried their best to delay boarding, but eventually, they were all out of time.
What She Told Him
AmoMama
Tears were streaming down the soldier’s cheeks as he heard his wife say, “I love you, darling. Whatever happens, don’t worry, okay?” This nearly made him burst into tears again. It was a very emotional day for him.
He would have to turn off his phone and leave himself in darkness. But soon, he’d hear the doctor say something that he never thought was possible.
Irritation
Pexels
Brooks looked up from his phone and saw that the staff looked irritated. They sympathized with him but needed to depart. He had to decide whether he’d get to keep watching or get left behind.
If he missed the flight then he wouldn’t get to his wife in time, but then he’d have to shut off his phone. Then something happened that he couldn’t believe.
Stop!
Pexels
The flight crew instructed Brooks to switch off his phone. With a broken heart, he was just about to when he heard the doctor suddenly shout something.
“Stop! Don’t let him board that plane.!” Why wasn’t he allowed to get on the plane? What had happened during the birth of his child? He waited to see how the doctor would explain the situation.
An Explanation
Pexels
The doctor quickly rectified the situation when he saw Brooks’ reaction. “No, don’t worry! It’s not for any bad reason! I just meant that you couldn’t board that plane because of your daughter! She’s here!”
Tears ran down his face once again. He couldn’t believe that it was finally happening, and he was able to watch it.
A Good Day
Pexels
Brook’s face lit up with excitement when he heard this. Other passengers were enthralled by his situation, and cheers rang out for him.
Some of them explained what was happening to the flight crew, and the word made its way all the way to the captain of the plane. Thankfully, Brooks was graciously allowed a few moments to witness the big moment.
An Emotional Rollercoaster
USAToday
After the emotional rollercoaster of a day, Brooks finally got to experience what he had been dreaming of for so long. Finally, his little girl was born, and he was able to see it all.
He wished that he had been able to be there to support his wife in person, but this was the next best thing. And as a bonus, he would be on his way to see her very shortly. Things were looking good.
A Blessing In Disguise
Love What Matters
Baby Millie finally made it out to the world, and there was a whole crowd ready to welcome her. Everyone celebrated that beautiful moment when they heard her cry for the first time.
It was an incredibly special moment to see all these strangers so happy for Brooks. It seemed that he had the support of all the strangers on the plane. But things were only just beginning for the dad.
Obstacle
USAToday
What had initially seemed like an obstacle resulted in him being able to witness the birth of his baby girl. He was so happy to be blessed enough to see his wife and newborn.
Like any other birth, the most important thing is the health of the baby and the mother. Both Haley and baby Millie were feeling great, as Haley’s blood pressure quickly began to stabilize following the birth.
At birth, Millie weighed a healthy 7 pounds and 6 ounces. It was a perfectly healthy weight. Haley just needed to wait out for her husband.
On His Way
Pexels
And knowing that Brooks was on his way made everything that much better. The way this story unfolded is just more proof that everything happens for a reason. Her husband couldn’t make it in person, but she knew he was right around the corner.
He would be there to support her, and then they could live the rest of their lives together with their new child. But what about the complications?
Millie
USAToday
Despite the complications and distress Millie faced, the doctor’s quick action resulted in a smooth birth, and baby Millie was born in perfect health.
Being able to witness her coming into the world filled Brook’s heart with joy, and he wore a smile on his face for the rest of the day. Now there was just one thing left to do.
Boarding
Pexels
Finally, the twice-delayed flight boarded, and the flight turned out to be a pleasant one for all on board.
So many other passengers had shared in Brook’s tension that day that his personal joy was shared by them all. They all told him that he would have to post a picture of his newborn on Facebook to keep them in the loop.
Positive Vibes
YouTube/Audacy Originals
With positive vibes all around, everyone relaxed and enjoyed the flight. Brooks settled in and awaited his next big moment, knowing that soon he would be able to finally meet his daughter in person too.
His flight finally touched down in his hometown, and he rushed off the plane. Everyone onboard cheered him on as he rushed through the terminal.
Getting A Cab
Pexels
He hailed a cab at the entrance to the airport and told the driver to step on it. The yellow taxi drove through the rain as fast as the driver dared to get to the hospital on the other side of the town.
Brooks clutched his hands nervously as he thought about meeting his child for the first time. Things would change radically.
A Beautiful Girl
The Mirror
35 Minutes later, Brooks rushed out of the cab and into the entrance to the hospital. He had finally arrived and was ready to see her. He took the stairs to be faster and climbed them two steps at a time.
Finally, he was in the delivery room and stared down at his beautiful baby girl. She had his eyes and would always have his heart.
In order to protect the privacy of those depicted, some names, locations, and identifying characteristics have been changed and are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.