Stop what you’re doing right now and grab a box of tissues. You’re going to need them for this touching, bittersweet birth story.
Colorado videographer and photographer Sarah Boccolucci recently had the opportunity to document a highly unique birth experience. Cagney Wenk had been diagnosed with stage four brain cancer just three weeks before his fiancée, Jessica Li, was due to give birth. Cagney’s aggressive glioblastoma has required several procedures, radiation and chemotherapy. In fact, the 26-year-old was recovering from brain surgery in the same hospital his son would be delivered.
Nurses at Boulder Community Hospital contacted Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep to take photos of father and son during what was sure to be an emotional birth. Although NILMDTS typically shoots photographs for parents suffering the loss of a baby, Boccolucci was happy to offer her talents for Levon’s grand entrance. She even took it a step further by documenting the special event on video.
When Jessica was in active labor on Sept. 18, Cagney was transported over from the intensive care unit into labor and delivery to be present for the big event. Still have those tissues? Good. Grab a handful and press play.
“Each birth that I am welcomed into is an amazing experience,” she told BabyCenter. “The circumstances surrounding this birth are so utterly unique that I know I will always remember it. I can’t thank the family and the hospital’s staff enough for making it possible.”
Boccolucci shared what she hopes viewers will take away from the video. “Every day is a gift and never give up hope,” she said. “I also want them to feel the love that was in that room.”
I can’t even right now. Cagney’s reaction to hearing his newborn’s first cries reduced me to a puddle of tears.
And how amazing is it that this new dad had the opportunity to cut the umbilical cord and hold his beautiful son?
But my absolute favorite part of this video happens to be Boccolucci’s, too.
“When Cagney says that they are surrounded by all the love in the world right now. It took my breath away,” she said.
Same here, Sarah. Same here.
Photos provided by Sarah Boccolucci
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