Any parent knows how powerful that moment is when you first welcome your child into the world. There’s nothing like laying eyes on your newborn son or daughter for the very first time.

Now, a series of photos are going viral showing a new dad overcome with emotion the moment he sees his newborn son.

Kristie Perez is a photographer who was hired by this couple to document the birth of their child. She was touched when she saw the new dad crying, but when he revealed the real reason behind his tears, she knew she had to share it.

Kristie took to social media to reveal why the dad was crying, and people all over the world were touched by what she had to say:

“He helplessly watched his wife vomit profusely for 285+ days. He witnessed her lose 30 pounds in pregnancy not being able to nourish herself due to Hyperemesis Gravidarum & preeclampsia.

She was hospitalized 4 times for dehydration throughout her pregnancy. Ate more dinners on the front steps of their home than he could count because any scent literally made her ill.

After months of simply being there for her as much as possible, he supported her during birth. I told him I captured him crying seeing his son and he said, ‘That’s not why I was crying.'”

“Puzzled, I asked what he meant. He teared up again and said, ‘This is the first time I have seen her smile in 10 months.’

Men, please understand how powerful your empathy can be.

To all of the mothers who have traumatic pregnancies and still find a way to smile… thank you for sacrificing yourself and enduring to bring your precious child into the world. That is no easy feat.”

Mothers are incredibly resilient women who show how tough they are when they give birth. More men can learn from the love and respect this husband has for his wife!

We wish this little family the best of luck in the future!