I was preparing to rush my wife, who was in labor, to the hospital when I received a call that my mother was dying

Just as my wife Debra’s water broke, I got a call from my mother’s nurse telling me my mom was dying. I was torn between staying with Debra, who was in labor, and being with my mom in her final moments.

Debra and I had tried for years to have a baby, and the day we found out we were expecting was unforgettable. We were excited and nervous, but I promised I’d be a great dad.

On the day of Debra’s labor, everything felt surreal. I was preparing breakfast when Debra’s water broke. As we rushed to the car, I got the call from the nurse: my mom had a heart attack and was dying. I didn’t know what to do.

I told Debra, and despite her pain, she insisted I go to my mom, calling a taxi for herself to go to the hospital alone. I kissed her and left, torn apart.

At the hospital, I learned my mom had passed. My heart shattered. But then, Debra called. “We had a daughter,” she said, her voice full of joy. “She’s stunning.”

Through my tears, I told her the news about my mom. Debra sent a picture of our daughter, and she looked so much like my mom. In that moment, I knew my mother was still with me, in my baby girl’s eyes.

This story shows that even after loss, a part of our loved ones stays with us.