Just a Chance

The pain is almost unbearable. It courses through my body as I cry out. Sweat is dripping down my forehead and every fiber of my being is yelling 'Get it out!' I open my eyes just a bit, breathing heavily, and see the face of the kindly doctor giving me a faint smile.
"Just a little longer Mrs. Williams, and you'll have a new addition to the family." Dr. Harris says in what I am sure is a reassuring tone, but does nothing to calm me. A new wave of pain hits and I suck in my breath pushing down hard. I squeeze the hand holding mine tightly--so tightly I wonder how I haven't broken any bones. As the contraction passes, I open my eyes to look at my mother. Tears spring up in my eyes. It should be Jeff standing here with me, pushing my hair back off my sticky forehead, holding my hand, telling me he loves me. I don't have time to think anything else before another contraction hits.

The sweetest creature in the world is held in my arms, sleeping peacefully. My son. Mason Jeffery Williams. Jeff would have been so proud. A picture of him that I carry with me everywhere sits on the bedside table. My handsome husband, the love of my life, the man I thought I would grow old with is gone. Taken from me before he could ever even meet his son. Killed by a drunk driver on a dark night. All that's left of him now is held in my arms, wrapped in soft little blankets. I lean down so that my mouth is just above Mason's tiny, perfect ear. "I will love you forever and so does your daddy. I promise I will always be there for you."