High school sweethearts who split up before their son was born reunite after BOTH their spouses pass away (and pose for a heartwarming 'newborn' photo shoot with their 21-YEAR-OLD child)

  • Rebecca Jensvold Hayes, 38, started dating David Ward in high school 
  • She became pregnant with her first child Clayton during her sophomore year 
  • The couple, from California, split up before the baby was born in December 1995
  • Their romance was soon rekindled after both their spouses passed away 

By Harvey Day For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A woman who broke up with her childhood sweetheart after falling pregnant as a teenager has reconnected with her child's father and has taken part in a heartwarming 'newborn baby' photoshoot - some 21 years after their son was born.

Rebecca Jensvold Hayes, 38, started dating David Ward in high school and she became pregnant with her first child Clayton during her sophomore year.

The couple, from California, split up before the baby was born in December 1995 and went on to marry different people. 

'It got a little bit complicated and we just parted ways,' explained Hayes.

A woman who broke up with her childhood sweetheart after falling pregnant as a teenager has finally reconnected with her child's father and has taken part in a heartwarming 'newborn baby' photoshoot - some 21 years after their son was born

A woman who broke up with her childhood sweetheart after falling pregnant as a teenager has finally reconnected with her child's father and has taken part in a heartwarming 'newborn baby' photoshoot - some 21 years after their son was born

However, in 2013, Rebecca's husband Paul tragically passed away and she reached out to her former partner for support.

In another heartbreaking turn of events, David lost his wife to cervical cancer in 2016 and the pair turned to each other to deal with their grief.

Helping each other to overcome their pain, the couple's romance was rekindled and they restarted their relationship.

Rebecca then had the idea for the 'newborn baby' photo shoot after she never had the chance when her son was young. 

Rebecca Jensvold Hayes, 38, started dating David Ward in high school and she became pregnant with her first child Clayton during her sophomore year.

Rebecca Jensvold Hayes, 38, started dating David Ward in high school and she became pregnant with her first child Clayton during her sophomore year.

She said in a Facebook post: 'When I lost Paul, [David] and his wife stepped up to make sure we were OK.

'Then a few years later, he lost his own sweet wife and I just wanted him to know he had a friend who understood. 

'We had texts and phone calls and long talks over coffee about the crazy thoughts you have and the ridiculous things people say to you and what it feels like to be in this horrible club of the widowed. 

The couple, from California, split up before the baby was born in December 1995 and went on to marry different people

The couple, from California, split up before the baby was born in December 1995 and went on to marry different people

'One day we just got punched in the stomach with it... That love had changed once again and it was the real deal. We miss and love our spouses still and will always love them. 

'So this... this is scary and wonderful and crazy... but real. How else can you express that love? Why, with the newborn photo shoot you never got to have of course!'

The photographer who took the images, Duffi Finnegan Crowson, said: 'I love when my friends come to me with their off the wall requests!'

The photographer who took the images, Duffi Finnegan Crowson, said: 'I love when my friends come to me with their off the wall requests!'

The photographer who took the images, Duffi Finnegan Crowson, said: 'I love when my friends come to me with their off the wall requests!'

'Rebecca and I have known each other since we were 5 years old. We grew up in church together and then went to high school together. 

'When we were sophomores, she got pregnant. I still remember her telling me during history class, and I accused her of lying/joking, and didn't believe her until she showed me her ultrasound. 

'One of her regrets from when they had their son all those years ago, was they never took newborn photos, as mom, dad and baby. So here they are... mom, and dad.... With their 21 year old 'newborn' son!'

Rebecca had the idea for the 'newborn baby' photo shoot after she never had the chance when her son was young. Pictured, Rebecca with her son Clayton when he was a youngster

Rebecca had the idea for the 'newborn baby' photo shoot after she never had the chance when her son was young. Pictured, Rebecca with her son Clayton when he was a youngster

California

Most watched News videos