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Kim and I are both home now, and trying to return to a bit of normalcy.
We would like to extend a sincere thanks to my parents and Kim's parents who rushed to Austin by car and by plane, to be with us in our time of need. And we'd also like to thank the rest of our families, siblings, friends, and co-workers, all of whom have been all too eager to send their thoughts and prayers our way. Finally, the doctors and nurses of St. David's hospital were simply incredible -- in particular our nurse Katie, who after helping with the heart breaking delivery, went to Taco Cabana at 2:30am in the morning and brought us back quesadillas.
Peace Kirkland was born at 11:01pm, 8 3/4" long, and 7oz. His sister, Love Kirkland was born at 11:10pm, 8 1/2" long, and 7oz. And her twin sister, Hope Kirkland was born at 11:16pm, 8" long, and 6 oz. We held each of them as they took their first and last breaths, and we absolutely loved them dearly.
We have arranged to donate their little bodies to UT Southwestern Medical school in Dallas, Texas. It gives Kim and I considerable comfort that even though our babies lived but a few minutes, they are able to give something to this world, helping with pediatric medical research. In about 12 months, their ashes will be returned to us, and we hope to have a small memorial service for them at that time.
When we finally made it home on Tuesday, this remarkable, 180 degree complete rainbow was perfectly visible from our back deck, arching nearly a mile along the length of the canyon.
We couldn't help but think that maybe somewhere, Peace, Love, and Hope might be smiling down on Mommy and Daddy.
Dustin
That is truly heartbreaking. I'm sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you guys. always.
ReplyDeletesincerely.
-Manuel
This is truly heartwrenching. I cannot imagine this experience and am greatly saddened that it must be. It is inspiring that you have been able to find a few pieces of solace through this.
ReplyDeleteI am deeply sorry for your loss. Even for this brief visit, I feel like I have known the triplets forever so I can only imagine how you must feel. I am so truly touch by this journey.
ReplyDeleteI admire your strength and compassion. You are both amazing people, you will be such great parents, you are great parents!
Yes, that rainbow was your Peace, Love and Hope shining on you both. So glad you got to catch it and share with us all. You couldn’t get a better rainbow than that!
My love and support,
Kim Parsons
Hi Dustin,
ReplyDeleteI'm deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
our thoughts and prayers are with yall always.
ReplyDeleteDustin and Kim, our biggest condolences to you and your family as you go through this very sad time. We're thinking of you both and have you in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteI have never known anyone that has gone through so much as you two and come out still standing strong. I am very glad though that you are on your way to recovery. I wish you peace of mind as soon as possible and I hope to see you guys smiling again one day.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Evan
Kim and Dustin,
ReplyDeleteMere words do not convey how I feel for you guys at this time. I am working with an expectant mother right now and I have a very hard time seeing her or even speaking to her about her baby because there is such a hole in my heart. Since I have experienced similar circumstances, I know, on some level, what you guys are going through. With that said, I want to let you know that Peace, Love and Hope have permananetly etched a place in your hearts, and they're going to love making room for all of their brothers and sisters that are to come. Please know that I have not stopped thinking and praying for you guys and I can hardly wait to see you. Sincerely with much love, Sondra
Dear Kim and Dustin,
ReplyDeleteSondra said it so well; I would only add: May you one day, before too long, be able to add joy. I hope that doesn't sound trivial... your choices for names are so sweet and remind me of the "peace, love, and joy" song we used to sing with our kids.
Dear Kim and Dustin,
ReplyDeleteI am deeply sorry for your loss. I have been thinking about your family alot. Your family have been in the my heart and prayers. The both of you are amazing people. I hope to see you soon. With love and support.
Sandy Bridwell
Thinking of you all at this time. You have been in my heart for quite some time now. You two are so strong and will continue to be for future children. I do believe the rainbow was Peace, Love, and Hope looking down upon all the love they have been given and will continue to give. Thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
Lisa Fisher
Have a safe trip! Please know our hearts are with you all. Love, Lisa, Linda & Emily Standish
ReplyDeleteDustin
ReplyDeleteI'm really, really sorry to read your story here. I stumbled across this blog from your main one and was intrigued by your "bit of a hardship" link. I had no idea it was something as significant as this. I've read your story and to be quite honest, you are both an inspiration to many people - how you got through that I will never know.
My wife and I lost a pregnancy back in 2007 but it was not far enough along to be delivered. We had fertility problems and thought that was our first and last chance. It set us both into a horrid pit of dispair for many months until, by some miracle, we got pregnant again and successfully birthed our daughter at the end of 2008. Though our first loss was distressing, we always tried to remember that we were lucky compared to what some people have to go through. By a cruel twist of fate, my wifes cousin endured a similar loss about 6 months later and had to birth the little one. What this demonstrated to us was that, although not often spoken about, such loss is not as rare as feel that it is.
Your story is really very upsetting and I hope by now your wounds are healing a little bit though I know they will always be raw.
I hope posting this now is not innapropriate given the time that has passed since and I apologise if it is.
Ted