A Promise Accomplished
One guy who believed in miracles was Stephen Mansfield. Throughout his career as a doctor, he had seen innumerable moments of optimism, when someone’s spirit carried them through a time when life seemed to be hanging by a thread.
Tragedies, however, also occurred—moments that broke hearts and left a wound that no medication or treatment could ease. Working in an emergency department had brought Stephen both happiness and sadness, and he believed he had become accustomed to the delicate balance between life and death.
However, nothing could have prepared him for the day his life was irrevocably altered when his sister, Caitlyn, went into early labor with triplets.
An Unexpected Turn in the OR
The harsh glow of fluorescent lights overhead filled the hospital hallways where Stephen worked. Even though the ward was quieter than normal, the hushed tension indicated that something significant was happening.
It was late in the evening. Stephen hurried down the corridor, trying to keep up with the gurney that was carrying Caitlyn, his lab coat trailing behind him.
Stephen kept telling himself that it was too soon because Caitlyn was just 36 weeks pregnant. Sweat was streaming down her brows as she lay on the gurney, breathing heavily. She attempted a tiny grin at her older brother despite her obvious discomfort.
Stephen gently grasped her hand and urged, “Breathe, breathe.” “It will be alright, Caitlyn.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but the anguish made her voice weak and raspy. She muttered in between breaths, “You’ve always… been the best brother I could ever ask for.” “I’m very happy you’re here.”
Stephen mustered a smile of support. He was afraid. He was aware from the beginning that Caitlyn’s pregnancy had been dangerous. Her body was exhausted after carrying three infants,
and she had already spent the previous few months in and out of the hospital multiple times. However, Caitlyn was obstinate in that tender, affectionate manner Stephen had always adored; she was determined to do everything in her power for her children.
Experienced obstetrician Dr. Harlow was in the operating room getting ready for an emergency C-section. Being a close cousin, Stephen was escorted aside, but he continued to hover close to the sterile line, nervously watching every step.
Medical personnel were running around with trays of instruments, and he was having trouble keeping his hands steady.
The first baby, a small boy with a loud cry that briefly cheered Stephen, was delivered by Dr. Harlow in a series of precise surgical techniques. The second child, a young girl, then showed in, wailing loudly as well. With two healthy babies thus far,
Stephen’s tears were filled with relief. The third baby, a boy, arrived at last; he was small and frail but nevertheless made a wonderful shriek. Stephen was briefly overcome with happiness: triplets, three tiny wonders.
