Rose hated flying. She’d only started flying recently to visit her husband, Bill, who worked as a miner in Texas while she lived in Omaha. Though Bill’s job kept them apart for most of the year, he would return home between Christmas and New Year’s. Their separation was tough, but their weekend visits were cherished.
Rose was heavily pregnant during one of her trips to see Bill. Despite his protests, she insisted on flying, eager to spend time with him. The weekend together was joyful, but as Rose boarded the flight home, turbulence reminded her of her fear of flying.
Her anxiety was soon overshadowed by the realization that her water had broken. In her panic, she mistook it for a bladder issue, but contractions soon began. As Rose screamed in pain, a flight attendant quickly came to her aid, contacting the pilot, Drew, who then reached out to the nearest airport for an emergency landing.
However, due to poor weather conditions, the airport was unable to accommodate them. With time running out and Rose’s condition worsening, Drew made a critical decision. He knew of an abandoned airstrip nearby and chose to land there despite its short runway and lack of a control tower.
Drew’s rookie co-pilot, Stan, was hesitant, but Drew’s conviction was strong. As they circled the airstrip, Drew carefully executed the landing. The plane touched down safely, and an ambulance, already on standby thanks to the flight attendant’s earlier call, rushed to the scene. Bill, having been informed, arrived with the emergency crew.
At the hospital, Rose’s condition required an emergency C-section. Bill, unable to be present during the procedure, waited anxiously. When the surgery was complete, he was relieved to see both his wife and newborn child safe. He decided to quit his job and stay with Rose and their new baby in Omaha permanently. In gratitude, they named their child after the courageous pilot, Drew.
Rose did not fly again for years, but she always remembered the incredible lengths Drew went to save her and her baby. The experience taught her the value of human life and the pitfalls of overthinking, as her anxiety had contributed to the premature labor.
