For Tevan Woodall and his family, this snowy weekend became one they will always remember.
Tevan is now a proud dad of three. Theodore Jade is 5, Justin James is 3, and newborn Amelia Faye just joined the crew.
With a winter storm approaching, the family made the decision to get Mom to the hospital early. It turned out to be one of the best choices they could have made. Amelia was born safely at Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital.
After Amelia arrived, Tevan faced another challenge. He needed a safe way to get back home to his boys through worsening road conditions. He called the Mooresville Police Department non emergency line, and that is when Jayne Zalepka stepped in.
Officer Zalepka, an old classmate of Tevan’s, saw his name pop up in dispatch and immediately jumped into action.
Her kindness left a lasting impression.
“Officer Zalepka getting me home when I had no other ride really touched my heart,” Tevan shared. “She braved the crazy roads and drove through the worst of the storm just to get me to my family. She’s a rockstar and a sweet soul.”
Watching Amelia enter the world was emotional in all the best ways.
“Seeing Amelia come into the world was overwhelming,” Tevan said. “I cried like a baby. It was surreal watching Mom deliver. She’s so tiny and perfect, and I felt like my heart was bursting with joy. Not growing up with a dad makes me appreciate how much I’m going to be there for her. It makes me wonder how anyone wouldn’t want to experience this kind of love.”
The timing of Amelia’s arrival also carried special meaning for Tevan and his siblings, who had celebrated their stepfather’s life just one day earlier.
He shared that his stepdad helped make tough days lighter and always treated him like one of his own. Now, as a father himself, Tevan says it feels like that love is still showing up in his life.
Through it all, the support from Mooresville made a powerful impact.
“Mooresville’s got heart,” Tevan said. “From the hospital staff to Officer Zalepka, everyone’s been amazing. I appreciate all the love and support. And if you’re in a position to lend a hand, do it. You never know what a small gesture can mean to someone.”
Being a dad continues to shape who Tevan is becoming.
“Being a dad is so special to me,” he shared. “I learn every day how to be a better man and dad. It’s not easy and can be very overstimulating, but these babies are innocent and deserve nothing but our love.”
A snowstorm, a new baby, and a helping hand came together to create a powerful reminder of what community truly looks like. Baby Amelia arrived surrounded by care, compassion, and a whole lot of love.
