Jack and I share a tent here on the island. We are currently married and expecting a baby. An island is not the perfect place to raise a child, but it is what it is. A loud
popping sound interrupts my peaceful deep sleep in the present time. I feel water rolling down my legs. I conclude that my water just broke. My soaked dress signals
the ending of my long and difficult pregnancy. Jack and I consider our baby to be a miracle after experiencing numerous miscarriages in the past.I am excited and yet
fearful to give birth. "Jack!" I scream in between painful contractions. "Yes..Kate" Jack yawns opening his eyes. "My water just broke. The baby is coming" panicky, I
mention. "Don't worry, honey. I will take care of you" Jack promises carrying me out of the tent. He leads me toward the beautiful clear blue ocean. My plan is to give
birth in the water. Spontaneous, forces beyond my control immediately take over. Fully dilated, the urge to push is unbearable. Jack puts his hands underneath my
dress in preparation to catch the baby. I squat down and begin pushing with all of my strength. "We have a son" Jack announces placing the baby in my arms. Its
love at first sight for us. Jack and I decide to name our son Daniel Samuel Shepherd. Revengeful, these painful contractions of mine never seem to go away. "I am
in pain" sobbing, I complain. "You're having another baby" joyfully, Jack announces. I don't have time to process the news because the baby is coming fast. With
Daniel sucking on my breast, I bring another life into the world. A dangerous complication arises during the birth. The umbilical cord is tied around the baby's neck.
"Please don't push. I am going to untie the umbilical cord" Jack instructs me. Obediently, I listen to my husband who is a very intelligent doctor. Thankfully, the cord
is able to come off the baby's neck. My precious daughter whose name is Mary slips right out of my body. Jack nurses her while I tend to Daniel's needs. I am blessed
beyond words.