Watching this mother hover just inches above the reef, while her baby shyly transitioned between tucking behind her and playing in the surface waves is the most memorable moment that I have shared with whales in my six years of working as an expedition leader in Mo’orea. The mother’s tranquility paired with baby’s curiosity, yet dependency, on mom’s presence could be felt as if those emotions were my own. With her eyes locked on me, I kept my distance as to not disturb her or her calf. It is rare to see the whales resting so shallow along the reef. And the perspective it provides you on the immensity of these creatures is overwhelming. I didn’t think it was possible to appreciate this moment I had captured any more than I already did, but spending this previous whale season carrying my own little one and giving birth almost entirely in sync with this year’s whale mothers… it brings another level of emotions I didn’t know possible each time I reflect on this moment. And for that I am forever thankful of this mother’s allowance of me to share space with her and her calf this day.