I have been waiting to share this story with everyone for such a long time… But I never thought that by the time I would publish it, the ending would be like this…
As you know, I have been a part of the Japan Birth Resource Network for a while now. It is an amazing group of ladies who dedicate their lives to support and educate women about natural birth and all different options there are for all the expecting moms. I met Sarah through the network, but we never met in person (she is stationed at Iwakuni). I received a message from her on the 15th of January telling me she was doing her best to come down to Okinawa to give birth to her baby girl at the Yui clinic. She asked if there was any chance I could photograph the birth since her husband was not going to be there and the photos would mean a lot to her. I checked my schedule, I was on call for another birth due on the 27th of January so since Sarah’s due date was 4 days away, I said yes. Little did I know, few hours later, in the middle of the night, I received a call from the other mommy saying she was in labor and to head down to the hospital. I was nervous, I am not going to lie. I picked up my bags and left. I kept thinking about Sarah but I knew everything happens for a reason and it would all be ok. It had to be, I wasn’t even going to think otherwise. We welcomed the sweet little boy at Foster Hospital, I photographed him meeting his big brother and I left to go to a consultation with another mommy. Few hours passed, I picked my son up from school and we went home to make dinner. As I am waiting for my husband to come home from work my phone buzzes. It was a message from Sarah. She was in labor and on her way to Yui clinic. My husband came home and I ran out of the door.
I made it to the clinic in 30 minutes. I walked into this amazingly calm and quiet building. It was very dark and I was not entirely sure where to go but minutes after I walked in, I was welcomed by one of the midwives and lead to Sarah’s room. This was the first time I met Sarah, her doula friends and the translator. I instantly felt the close bond, five women who never met but were there to support this incredible woman who did everything to have the birthing experience that she planned. Sarah appeared very at ease and relaxed despite the progressing labor. She told me all about her trip to Okinawa, how she beat the odds of getting on the military flight from Iwakuni to Okinawa the day before, how her other three children were back home with the grandparents and how important it was to her to have a natural, intervention free labor. I was amazed and soooooo inspired by her. I thought she was incredibly brave.
Couple of hours passed and Sarah knew that her baby girl was going to be born soon. She asked her friends to try to Facetime her husband, Reid, who was in Florida at the Top Gun training. They tried and tried and tried while Sarah progressed into the next stage of labor. It was time to make our way to the birthing room. Slowly, step by step we moved along down the narrow corridors. The phone kept trying to connect with Reid through it all. We made it to the birthing room at 21:48 and four minutes later the phone finally rang! It was him! Finally! As soon as Sarah knew her husband was there on the other end of the call, her body just let go, as if it was waiting for the perfect moment. Things started progressing FAST. She tried to make her way to the bathroom but ended up standing in the doorway leading to the bathroom. Her waters broke at 22:07 and short three minutes later her precious baby was born. It was an overwhelming moment. I could not keep my emotions in, I cried. Hiding behind the camera, I tried to remain professional and kept shooting. I could not believe how strong Sarah was to go through it all. She delivered her own baby! With her friends by her side and her husband watching her via Facetime. It was amazing. I am sooooo grateful to be allowed to witness it all. No matter how tired I was at the end of it having been up for 46hrs, having photographed two births in one day. I would have done it all over again!
But the story doesn’t end there. 7 weeks after this wonderful day, I received a message from Sarah: “I unfortunately have to share bad news that these pictures are more meaningful than ever. Last weekend my husband was in a training accident in Fallon, NV and his jet crashed and he did not survive.” My heart sunk. I could not stop crying and could not even finish reading her message. I was devastated, I still cannot believe this happened. The thought that precious Isla has never met her daddy in person makes my heart so so heavy. I keep thinking about this wonderful family. Sarah, I cannot even imagine what you are going through but PLEASE know that I am here whenever you need anything!
Captain Nannen, thank you for your service and the ultimate sacrifice! Thank you for allowing me to be there at your daughter’s birth and capturing those memories for her. You, your wife and four children will always be in my prayers. REST IN PEACE!
I found out that there is a Memorial Fund set up for Reid and Sarah’s children so if you can, please consider donating HERE
– Ania
Okinawa Maternity, Birth and Newborn Photographer