Gina Heslop
Rose, a young woman who disliked flying, only began traveling by air when visiting her husband, Bill.
Bill was an excavator working in Texas, while Rose lived in Omaha. His job paid well but kept him away most of the year, leaving them with just a short time together during the holidays.
Despite her fear of flying, Rose started making monthly trips to see Bill, even during her pregnancy. These visits became a cherished routine in their marriage.
During one of these trips, Rose became pregnant, and Bill was overjoyed. He promised to leave his job and start a farm in Omaha once their child was born. Bill, coming from a family of successful farmers, believed they could build a comfortable life growing crops.
However, as her due date approached, Bill urged Rose to stop flying, fearing for her safety. Rose, determined to see him one last time, ignored his pleas and boarded a flight back to Omaha after visiting Bill.
Midway through the flight, Rose’s water broke unexpectedly, three weeks before her due date. At first, she thought it was stress causing her to lose control of her bladder, but soon the contractions began, and she realized she was in labor. Her cries of pain alerted the flight attendant, who rushed to her side and informed the pilot, Drew, about the emergency.
Drew contacted the nearest airport for an emergency landing, but severe weather conditions made it impossible. With time running out and Rose’s condition worsening, Drew decided to land on an old, abandoned airstrip.
The airstrip’s short runway made the landing risky, but Drew felt he had no other choice. Ignoring his co-pilot’s concerns about breaking the rules, Drew skillfully brought the plane down safely.
An ambulance was waiting at the airstrip, along with Bill, who had been notified of the emergency. He carried Rose to the ambulance, overwhelmed with worry.
At the hospital, doctors decided Rose needed an emergency C-section due to her weakened state. Hours later, Bill met his newborn child and his recovering wife, thankful for their survival.
Grateful for Drew’s bravery, Rose and Bill decided to name their baby after him. The experience changed their lives forever.
Bill quit his job, vowing never to leave his family for long periods again, and Rose swore she would avoid planes for years to come.
