Triple blessing for family

Ernest Larkan admits he wept openly at the birth of his children.

In fact, said Mr Larkan and his wife, Jaculine, tears and prayers alone safeguarded their triplets from harm, despite being born just 29 weeks into the pregnancy.

“Two months before the birth date, I went into labour,” Mrs Larkan explained, cradling one of her newborns closely.

While doctors managed to halt the labour initially and did their best to help her reach the 34-week threshold, Mrs Larkan gave birth on September 4 to three tiny babies.

Together, Tristan, Ethan and Jayden weighed less than the average bag of flour.

Each of the triplets was given a 50-50 chance of surviving, spending days and weeks at a time in ICU, receiving blood transfusions and treatment for jaundice regularly.

“People said we must expect the worst, but they are a huge miracle,” the Larkans beamed.

The couple said there was no medical intervention in trying to have children and they had no idea their ancestry revealed a history of multiple births.

“When I went to the doctor the first time, we were planning for one child.”

By the time of her second visit to the doctor to cure a nasty bout of influenza, the doctor discovered there was a second baby who went undetected until then.

Three months into the pregnancy, Mrs Larkan fainted at work, sparking fear something was amiss.

“When we were with the doctor, he said there were three babies. I started crying because I was in shock,” Mr Larkan said bashfully.

Raising one child has its own challenges, let alone three.

However, through a combination of selfless teamwork and an extensive network of caring friends and family, the Larkans have seen the positive side of their miracle triplets.

Since the difficult birth, there have been no other complications with the Larkan triplets.

The couple attributes this to a network of prayer groups, supporters and donors, both local and from as far as New Zealand, whose prayers guided the Lord’s hand of protection over the triplets.

“We really want to thank everyone for the prayers, messages, advice and sponsorships; you know who you are.”

The Larkans said they won’t be trying for any other children after their once-in-a-lifetime experience, but both agree they would do everything over again for their sons’ sakes.

“We really have no more tears to cry,” the couple said in relief.

Commending staff at the Newcastle Provincial Hospital for their dedication and willingness to help, the Larkans commended the fine health services in the face of immeasurable difficulties.

In some small way, perhaps, beating the combination of dire odds makes the triplets that much more fortunate.

Whichever way, the Larkans feel they have been blessed by the grace of God, and are already awaiting the milestones of their sons’ lives, such as attending school for the first time.

“We knew if they could pull through the birth, my sons would be an example.”