US

From One Life to Another: Mother Induces Labor Early So Dying Husband Can Hold Newborn Before Death

Mother Induces Labor Early So Dying Husband Can Hold Newborn Before Death

In tragedy one family may feel some solace in that at the end of their father’s life he was able to hold his youngest daughter, born just a few days before his death. ABC News reports that the Aulger family decided to induce labor two weeks early for their fifth child; Savannah, so 52-year-old Mark could hold her after being told just days earlier that he had at best one week to live. ABC News reports on the devastating turn of events for the Texas family:

“A home movie on Christmas showed a pregnant Diane Aulger, 31, handing out gifts to their four children, the oldest of whom is 15. Mark, 52, who had just received the news that he had beaten cancer, played the guitar, providing a soundtrack for the Christmas morning festivities.

On Jan. 3, life threw a curveball.

Mark Aulger was admitted to the hospital, unable to breathe.

Doctors told him that eight months of chemotherapy had ravaged his lungs and diagnosed him with pulmonary fibrosis. ‘We thought he could get on steroid treatment and oxygen and live for years,’ Diane Aulger said.

But on Jan. 16, Mark Aulger found out those treatments would be fruitless. He had one week left to live.”

 In a large delivery room with Mark resting at a nearby bed, Diane gave birth to Savannah on January 18.

“The day she was born his oxygen levels were really high,” Aulger told ABC. “He held her for 45 minutes. Him and I just cried that whole time.”

Mother Induces Labor Early So Dying Husband Can Hold Newborn Before Death

The next day Mark could only hold the newborn for one minute before slipping into a coma. On January 23rd, with his family by his side, the father of five died in his hospital bed.

“The kids go on as if dad is really still here,” Diane told ABC. “Mark was a very funny guy. My kids still tell jokes how they would when he was around. He would have been a wonderful daddy to Savannah.”

Mother Induces Labor Early So Dying Husband Can Hold Newborn Before Deathvideo platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Comments (51)

1 2
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:56pm

    “FROM ONE LIFE TO ANOTHER: MOTHER INDUCES LABOR EARLY SO DYING HUSBAND CAN HOLD NEWBORN BEFORE DEATH”
    While that’s a very touching IDEA, it’s grossly irresponsible and inconsiderate to the life of the child. And yes, I say CHILD, because FOLLOWING viability (i.e. when they are physiologically potentially, if not yet actually, autonomous humans) fetuses must be considered children with some kind of rights.

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • ROADRACER17
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 6:28pm

      If you read the article it was only two weeks early for the delivery. Very little risk for the child or the mother and a whole lot of good for the father. May God be with this family.

      Report Post »  
    • kkrogulski
      Posted on February 13, 2012 at 10:22am

      Two weeks didn’t pose a threat. My sister and I have children naturally at about 36-37 weeks. She has 8 and I have 5. I would not have hesitated for a second, given the same situation! RIP.

      Report Post »  
  • LovinUSA
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:07pm

    I believe thast there has been cures for cancer for sometime, but it is kept under wraps as a population control, Now this is my opinion and my opinion alone, no one elses., But this government has control of everything else, so it might not be an impossibility. I know, there are rich people who could bribe , but it is not desired to leak out, so it is controlled. Just the same, whether it could be true or not, the American people have put in a lot of money for a good many years and there hasn’t been too much revealed.

    Report Post » LovinUSA  
    • bement14
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:57pm

      There is a lot of published research that you can read showing the exact progress of cancer research.

      Report Post »  
    • sealwifenyc
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:27pm

      Shame on you, I am a pediatric neuro-oncologist, and if you had any idea what we went through to cure little kids, you would be ashamed of your comment. Stop being such a conspiracy theorist, there are scientists who have dedicated their lives to curing cancer, people who would not stand around saying nothing if a cure was in fact found. I am not going to give you a science lesson on what cancer is exactly, and the over 100 types that have been discovered, but your comment is shameful. You have insulted my life’s work and the kids I treat every day.

      Report Post »  
  • wildturkeywatcher
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 9:56am

    My mother always said it‘s better to be an old man’s darling than a young man’s slave.

    May God bless this family and protect them as they adjust to life without father.

    Report Post »  
  • decendentof56
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 6:50am

    Jahern…….
    No ill intentions with my comments, Ja, but really, is how old they were really important to you?
    Lets stick to how the UN is taking our sovereignty from us, Agenda 21, or how Americans were so dumb to elect a racist anti-American and Marxist to the presidency.
    Maybe J Christian Adams “Injustice” would enlighten everyone on how absolutely corrupt the DOJ has become?
    I do agree with you that it is a heart-warming and sad story, though.

    Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:16am

    sometimes the chemo hurts as much as it heals. We need research on better cancer treatments, so this doesn’t happen again.

    Report Post » piper60  
    • loveliberty83
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:22am

      I agree with you i am angry that with all the money we still usepoison on people Maybe because they make millions on chemal 7 radiation why why no cure europe has better tx for cancer

      Report Post »  
    • ghostsouls
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:57am

      After reading this article, it seems that chemo is a barbaric treatment. He beat the cancer only to die because of the treatment… just does not seem right at all… Prayers go out to the family.

      Report Post » ghostsouls  
  • jahern26
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:00am

    It’s a sad and uplifting story for sure, but are the ages in this story right? If so, when their oldest son was conceived, the dad was 36 and the mom was 15.

    Report Post »  
    • 4xeverything
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 5:01am

      I‘m thinking the oldest may not be her’s.

      Report Post » 4xeverything  
    • airportengineer
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 9:42am

      The relationship obviously worked, RIGHT!?!!! That’s what matters! My husband and I are 12 years apart, he’s 50 now, and it worked out much better than my 1st marriage to someone that wasn’t mature enough despite being 2 years older.
      I have 2 wonderful kids that have an awesome, wise, and mature father!

      Report Post » airportengineer  
    • jahern26
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:05pm

      Sorry, no… when I read stories, I read the whole story and make up my own mind… I don’t read what the author wants me to read. It is extremely sad that these children lost their father and that this widow now has 5 children to care for… but, as I stated, I see that a 36 year old man fathered a child with a 15 year old girl, and there are people in jail for being pedophiles and forever labeled as sex offenders for doing the exact same thing.

      And airport, I have no qualms at all with your husband being 12 years older… but if you hooked up with him when you were 15, it would have been classified as illegal.

      Report Post »  
    • jahern26
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:06pm

      But if the 15-year old was from a previous marriage, then there is no issue.

      Report Post »  
  • The highlander
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:19am

    What a contrast. Here one sees the spirit of God “The Creator of life” represented in this selfless act of love, as a woman brings forth the gift of life, so that her dying husband can the hold miracle of God’s divine power “a child” the building block of the family, the tie binds a man to a woman in holy covenant with the Lord.

    On the other SIDE we are witness to dark and deceptive agenda carried out by a perverse administration along with degenerate congressional Marxists who want to force Christians against their convictions to subsidize people who want to kill innocent life. WAKE UP-Nothing can replace Gods moral code-no matter what manmade perversions continue to legislated down throats of an increasingly enslaved population-Gods truth never changes-in fact it gets louder and clearer as we come to the end of the age.AVOID DELUSION- IT KILLS THE BODY AND THE SOUL

    Report Post »  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:53am

    RIP Mark! I pray God will watch over your family!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:14am

      Gadolinium is a dye used in MRI’s , though I don’t know if they still use it..but it can cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis ..which I believe is a hardening of tissues and organs..

      Report Post »  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:51am

      ABBYGIRL1994, Amen

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • pattybbb1
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:10pm

      God bless this family.

      Report Post »  
  • The Giver
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:20am

    Looks like Mark held on long enough to hold his new baby girl and welcome her with his wife and children. I hope the children will find strength in knowing that their father was courageous and that their mother is an exceptional woman. Savannah will need them to tell her all the stories about their dad. May God carry them through this. May you rest in peace Mark. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, may they realize that hanging on for the birth of their sister was the greatest gift of love Mark could have given his family. You are in my prayers.

    Report Post » The Giver  
  • Objective_Reasonableness
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:08am

    Stories such as this evoke so many emotions from many people. First, I lost my Dad, to cancer, on January 23. 2011 – one year to the day before this family lost theirs. I pray this family will embrace the fond memories of family time and find comfort that their Dad/husband was able to cuddle his newborn child. There is no doubt in my mind that Mark was at peace as he transitioned to Heaven. He knew his loving family was there with him going on the journey with him as far as they could go at this point in their young lives. Also important, is how their friends and community rallied and volunteered their time to make home and roof repairs. These are good people who have suffered a difficult loss but through strong faith, family, friends, loved ones and yes, even strangers, they will continue lifes journey one day at a time, become stronger and not just survive, but will embrace the remaining challenges life may toss at them with strong determination and resolve.
    The evening my Dad passed, (he was at home at his and our request) we talked about how everything would be “okay” that Mom and I would take care of one another. Once everything was said that Dad felt needed to be said, He smiled at my Mom and took her hand, he smiled at me and with his remaining hand caressed mine, as he was looking around in awe, I honestly saw the wrinkles and creases caused by the pain and treatments vanish. I know that Mark experienced that same euphoric tranquil transition. May God Bless them.

    Report Post » Objective_Reasonableness  
    • The Giver
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:20am

      Thank you for sharing the story of your father’s passing. You write very well. I was a hospice nurse (midwife to the other side). It’s great that your dad was able to speak to you and your mom up to the day that he died. Many terminally ill persons lapse into a coma the last few days and then die peacefully. Having things in order allows the person to let go and walk into the light.

      Report Post » The Giver  
  • hogtrashhd
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:36pm

    tears…

    Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:34pm

    “Mark Aulger was admitted to the hospital, unable to breathe. Doctors told him that eight months of chemotherapy had ravaged his lungs…” Please don’t let this happen to you or your friends.

    If you have cancer or have any friends with cancer please read, “The Burzynski Breakthrough” (second edition). And visit this website… http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/
    No kidding… you will be amazed.

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • TrulyJen
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:34am

      yes…it’s time to embrace a different way to fight cancer than half-kill a person, in order to kill some cancer cells. The Burzynski movie was very good.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:30am

      @TrulyJen
      Haven’t seen or heard of the movie…. got a link?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • sealwifenyc
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:36pm

      Shame on you! Do not listen to Monk! What was not written in the story, was the cancer was so advanced that without chemo he probably had a month or two. The chemo gave him time with his family and opportunity to meet his baby. There is always a small chance of surviving, which is what I assumed they thought, but not likely. Monk-you are spreading lies about essential medical treatments, you obviously have no medical license, because it would surely been revoked from spreading this type of information, that is 100% false, and could cost someone time with their loved ones, and their life. LEAVE THE CANCER TREATMENTS TO THE ONCOLOGISTS, THIS IS OUR LIFE. SHAME ON YOU.

      Report Post »  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:31pm

    GOD Bless you all .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • 3monkeysmomma
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:30pm

    Ok, I’m totally depressed now.

    Report Post » 3monkeysmomma  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:14pm

    …
    Such a warm, heart touching story. Thanks Blaze.

    Report Post »  
  • spirited
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:04pm

    Talk about surging emotions………
    There are waay too many thoughts to -even- try to write.

    >All and only the best to the Alger Family.

    Report Post » spirited  
  • Conservative_in_VT
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:58pm

    As a father who lost his first born sons, twins due to TTTS, this story touches me in a way that cannot be explained. I got to spend 8 hours with my first son, and 43 hours with my second son. That time I cannot explain in any fashion what that meant to me, and hopefully them.

    I am not religious in any fashion, but I think they are being watched after it. The few hours I got with them are immeasurable. I am emotional here, because as a father to be able told my child is something that is cannot be overstated.

    God, or any other ‘being of power’ has a funny way of showing himself.

    Report Post »  
    • spirited
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:49pm

      Thank you for your personal knowledge …..

      >and loving words.

      Report Post » spirited  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:57pm

      Yes Thank You Vermont.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • mamatango
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:15am

      Dear Conservative_in_VT

      The story you shared touched me. You say you are not religious, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Having a relationship with God is not about religion; it’s about a personal relationship with the Living God. He is the epitome of Love. Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world, but blew it. We can’t, in this fallen world, understand why bad things happen, but Jesus still saves. If you ever want to find out the truth, just pray earnestly and ask Him to show you if He’s real. And He will show Himself to you in many kind, loving ways. In Him is life eternal in His perfect world when we leave this one, and your twin sons are with Him, waiting for you. We all wait to be reunited with our loved ones one glorious day. Seek and you will find. God bless you.

      Report Post »  
  • JBaer
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:51pm

    Sad story but so glad she was able to have the baby before he passed away and that he got to hold his new daughter. Rest in peace Mark and may God give his family comfort and strength at this time.

    Report Post » JBaer  
  • HotFixIt
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:50pm

    Thank you for sharing this story…. good people in this world need to hear about heartwarming and sad stories too. We are bombarded constantly with horrible and frustrating stuff all the time. I know this family is now struggling but also comforted to know he was able to say hello/goodbye to his daughter.

    Most of us are touched by cancer sometime in our lives…. I lost a friend today.

    Report Post »  
  • rgdaguanno
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:49pm

    sad story, we never know when God is going to call our number. I have been very blessed to be given a second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth chance in life. The last chance that the Lord gave to me was after my body was nearly completed destroyed by a tractor trailer accident that broke nearly every bone in my body (no I was not in the truck).
    The Lord blessed with me with time with my step son and my daughter. I pray that the morals that I have treid to instill in them will be passed down for generations. I pray that the hard work, values and ethics have assist with making the proper decisions in life.

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:40pm

    Rest in Peace .. so sad .. but also so blessed that he got to hold his daughter. God Bless his family.

    Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:36pm

    This is such a bitter sweet ending. I am glad he was able to hold and see his daughter before his death. This is a wonderful story mom can tell Savannah when she gets old enough.

    For this reason alone, if I ever get cancer, I will not have any treatments. Chemo alone can kill you even if it eradicates the cancer. I am 60, so it is not like I have my whole life ahead of myself. I am prepared to handle and deal with the good Lord brings me.

    Report Post » COFemale  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:28pm

      I agree it is a bitter sweet story. God bless them

      Report Post » Stoic one  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:31pm

    I pray God’s hands cover this family. Sad story, but yet, very inspirational.

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • godlovinmom
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:27pm

    What beautiful last moments for this family with their dad…rest in peace Mark.

    Report Post » godlovinmom  
  • Tired of Code Names
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:25pm

    For all of those who state that the Blaze put’s up things that are not important….Well, this one that I would hope most decent folks would cheer instead of complaining. Can you imagine the dying dad’s thoughts knowing he was not going to be there for his new child? And for you feminazi’s, Dad’s do love their children just as deeply as their mothers do. I know that. I am a Dad.

    Report Post »  
    • Tired of Code Names
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:37pm

      Evidently, my orginal post was so “wrong”, the Blaze will not allow me to comment on anything else in this forum. If this gets through,,,this is for the Dad in VT who held his twin son’s in their infancy and saw them pass. Christians don’t always understand why. Your post was inspirational because you knew what that meant to simply hold those children in your arms. Can we all sympathise and be angry with you? YES. But, the real and only GOD has a plan. Perhaps it was as simple as a Dad posting that he loved his son’s and was crushed at their passing. I pray, that you will not let that disuade you from coming to God. It‘s far more difficult to raise those baby’s to become honorable adults. I’ve been on both sides.

      Report Post »  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love