My Husband Left Me Alone in Labor to Help His Mother with Groceries — but He Ended Up Learning a Hard Lesson
When I went into labor with our first child, I never imagined I’d face it without my husband.
Dave has always been devoted to his mother, Marlene — answering every call, running every errand. I never thought he’d leave me for her on the day I needed him most.
At 38 weeks, contractions hit. Dave held my hand, whispering encouragement, until his phone rang. Minutes later, he said, “I need to go. I’ll be right back.” I begged him not to leave, but he walked out — for groceries. His text read: “Mom bought groceries. Stop being selfish, Aria.”
Selfish. While I was giving birth to his daughter.
The nurse called my dad, who arrived quickly. With his support, I delivered Gabrielle, our baby girl, without Dave. When we left the hospital, I didn’t wait for him. I left a letter and a flash drive of the birth, saying: “This is what you missed.”
Dave came later, remorseful, promising to make it right. I told him this was his one chance to prove himself. He’s trying now. But part of me still waits for one more apology — from Marlene, who set it all in motion.
What would you have done in my place?
