Jessi Cleator didn’t let labor pains keep her from voting
By Marcie Miller
Herald Writer
LYNNWOOD — Jessi Cleator saw no reason not to vote Tuesday, just because she was in labor with her first child.
After all, her precinct for the primary election in Marysville was on the way to Stevens hospital in Lynnwood, where she was going to deliver.
"They were so cute," she said of the polling place workers. "They were amazed that I would come in and vote."
Cleator’s partner, Jon Masters of Snohomish, and her mother, Jenna Cleator, escorted her to Marysville Junior High to vote before continuing on to Lynnwood.
Cleator had been having labor pains all week, and midwife Lisa Easton-Hummel induced labor at 11:30 a.m.
Baylin Dawn Masters, 7 pound, 7 ounces, was born at 10 p.m. Tuesday
As she cradled little Baylin, the new mom said a combination of strong Christian values and a desire to vote Republican prompts her to vote regularly, no matter what.
"I just feel I’m upholding my rights as a U.S. citizen — I’m just doing what’s right," she said.
Voter turnout was low for Tuesday, but Cleator dismissed the idea of not voting, or voting absentee, given her condition.
"I like to do it in person. You really feel you’re making a difference."
Cleator had even more reason to want to see those values upheld this election as Baylin’s father, Masters, 24, is a Navy Presidential Ceremonial Guard in Washington, D.C.
Masters was at the Naval District Washington base, across the Potomac from the Pentagon, when it was attacked Sept. 11.
"I saw it live," he said. "I was shocked. I thought we were going to war."
The blue-eyed young sailor with a blonde crewcut normally serves at presidential functions such as greeting foreign dignitaries. He marched in the inauguration day parade for President Bush in January, but a big part of his job is as a casket bearer at Arlington National Cemetery.
He’s the one who folds the casket flag and gives it to the family.
"I’ll be twice as busy when I get back," he said.
Although the base, like military across the nation, was put on high alert after the four East Coast attacks last week, Masters was able to take his scheduled week of "baby leave" and flew home Sunday to await the birth of his child.
"There was no doubt in my mind I wouldn’t show up," he said Wednesday at the hospital, taking the baby from Cleator as his mother and sister looked on.
Less than a week from her Sept. 16 due date, Cleator spent that tragic Tuesday trying to call Masters and getting only dead air.
Her faith sustained her through the long wait.
"I knew Jon was safe. I was just sad for all those who lost children and loved ones," she said.
Before he has to return to Washington Sunday, Masters will have attended a birth and a death in the family. His grandfather, Don Masters of Sequim, died Friday. The baby’s middle name is Dawn in his honor and to symbolize a new day.
Sunday’s departure date looms large for the new father.
"I’m looking forward to going back. I know they need me there," he said, "A part of me doesn’t want to leave."
Cleator has a calm resolve about the whole situation and just as she pragmatically stopped to vote on her way to give birth, she is confident God will take care of everything.
"I think having a baby is the biggest miracle," she said, counting Baylin Dawn’s tiny fingers and toes, "The (terrorist) situation is a big mess, but she’s a blessing from God."
You can call Herald Writer Marcie Miller at 425-339-3292
or send e-mail to mmiller@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
