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KVOA Tucson reports:
"Andrue is now struggling to cope with the loss of his wife and raising the babies on his own.
They're daddy's little boys. Legend, Tristian and Jaisyn were born six weeks premature, a week ago today.
"All I wanted was a son," he told us.
You can see the love in Andrue's eyes. Love, and sorrow, because his wife Debbie will never see her babies.
Andrue says, out of the blue, his wife got deathly ill. Doctors saved the boys, but couldn't save her.
"My wife's heart had stopped beating. Her body suffered and her brain suffered... It's not the kind of thing people will recover from."
So Andrue made the difficult decision to discontinue life support.
"It's going to be hard, very hard. I can't imagine a life without her."
Numb, this 28 year old single father of three is trying.
"My wife, I know she'd expect me to be strong and she'd want me to take care of those kids."
Andrew has a full-time construction job, but questions whether he earns enough to afford childcare. And if he quits his job, how will he pay his mortgage?
"Absolutely anything anybody can help out with or contribute, I'd be very happy to accept anything. I've got my babies, my three boys to worry about, and that's what's keeping me strong."
Andrew calls them daddy's little army.
If you'd like to help the Smith Family, you can drop off items such as diapers, clothes and car seats at Victory Assembly of God Church, at 2561 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson AZ, 85705-1853.
A memorial fund has been set-up as well. If you'd like to donate to that, just go to any Wells Fargo Bank and donate to the Debra L. Smith Family Memorial Fund.
If you are wiring money from outside the Tucson area, please tell your local Wells Fargo banker to send your donation to account." - By KVOA.com
Posted December 7th, 2007 by Armen Hareyan
When i seen this story on the news it broke my heart. Nobody should have to go thru this. To go thru your whole pregnancy and then finally give birth to them and die is absolutley terrible. I pray for thsi father and his family and especially his 3 new sons. I wish nothing but the best for him. I hoep he can pull thru this for his sons. I can not even believe this every time i read the article i cant help but fill with tears for this father.
I caught the end of this story on our local news and immediately rushed to the computer because I had to know what happened to this father and three beautiful babies. I cried as I read about their story and the tragedy that has happened to their mother. I am also a mother of triplets and can feel I relate to the father's thoughts and fears of raising three babies on his own. I send all my thoughts and prayers to this young family at this difficult time. I know Andrue will be a wonderful father, though times will be very difficult, and he will give his boys the best life possible.
My thougts and prayers are with you and your family. I am a single mother of one and I couldn't imagine having to raise three kids all by myself. May God bless you and enrich your lives. There are reasons why things happen in life that we just can't comprehend or understand, but with time and a lot of support and healing your boys and you will overcome this tragedy, but never give up hope. The three virtues are Faith, Hope, and Love, but never forget that the greatest of these is Love. Fill your life as well as your sons with lots of love and remind them everyday that there mother loved them dearly. May your wife's soul rest in peace and may your sons understand how much there mother loved them. Angels protect and bless all of you.
Sincerely,
HM3 Christina Jacobs
United States Navy Corpsman
Sicily, Italy
I'm from Illinois and I saw this on CNN.com and I am wanting to send a care package. Thing is I am a little short on money from Christmas shopping already and I won't get a chance to send anything until after Christmas, maybe early January....do you think the church will still be accepting donations for the Smith Family that late? Also I wanted to ask, and I know I may sound stupid asking, but the article on CNN.com with the interview said the father is not able to afford childcare--that means just medical insurance/doctor visits, or does it mean all aspects, including food, clothing, and daycare? I have a few cousins with full-time contruction jobs that are well off, I'm just wondering if I'm missing something from the story. It also didn't mention if he has any family to help watch the babies while he is at work, and I sure hope so. I am just so touched by this story I really want to send something
Tears kept coming to my eyes every time I thought of this man and the tragedy he has faced. His sons are a blessing, but the loss is surely overwhelming. With today's technology, you just don't hear of such deaths as much...it's sad a frightening. Despite the fear and loss, what an amazing man he has proved to be - and how young he is!
I'm from Mississippi and this story was linked to in one of the local forums. I just want to tell the family that there are many people here praying for him and his new family. I just cannot even begin to imagine what he's going through right now. This is such a tragic, tragic event.
I will be Praying for you and your sons
God Bless all of you
Dear Andrue,
I am a single mother of 13 year old triplets. I was hoping you lived in Illinois so we could help you with the boys. I know this is very overwelming. If I could offer you a few tips that worked great for me, here they are. Be sure to keep the boys all on the same feeding and napping schedule. I use to prop up bottles while the kids were in their removable car seats. Keep a spread sheet,hanging on you cabinet, of what TIME you feed them and if they have gone potty 1 and 2. The potty thing is important because sometimes they don't go for a few days and you need to know this and let your doctor know so he/she can instruct you on what to do. I know this sounds a little wierd but it helps keep you in control.For daycare, try to place an add for a nanny, maybe someone from a foreign country would be cheaper than agencies. I had a wonderful Spanish girl help me out. She stayed at my house and ate with us, so the pay was minimal. Always talk to the boys, reassuring them that everything is OK. Remember that crying is OK. You only have 2 hands, so do the best you can. Take turns on which child you will hold during feed time. They need that closeness. Invest in a clider rocker, that was my lifesave. I slept many endless nights on that rocker. I could go on forever. If you have any questions for me, please reply to this message.
The best of luck to you,
Laura
My name is Rebekah and i am a family friend of the Smith's. he will absolutely be accepting donations ANY time. i am sure he feels all the thoughts and prayers that are being sent his way. if anyone has any questions or suggestions you may email me at Rebekacil@aol.com Thank you for all your support.
Rebekah
How sad is this story with triplets
This news story "Mom Dies Having Triplets" moved me so much. How sad. I really pray that the Lord gives strength and provides help to Andrew and the three children. And bless their mother as well.