Anyone would be terrified by the possibility of having quadruplets.
Imagine being a single parent and having to raise four children at the same time.
When Carlos Morales’ wife died during childbirth, he was presented with this situation.
It’s a sadly unimaginable scenario, yet it’s a part of Morales’ reality.
Morales found the fortitude to persevere in the face of such adversity.
On January 15, 2015, Carlos Jr., Tracy, and twins Erica and Paisley were born.
Erica Morales, their mother, died of hypovolemic shock eight hours later.
Hypovolemic shock, according to the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, is an emergency condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body due to excessive blood or fluid loss.
Morales got an outpouring of affection and sympathy following the death of his wife. Through GoFundMe, more than $486,000 was raised, and talk show host and comedian Steve Harvey honored him with $10,000 from Sallie Mae to be utilized for college savings accounts for each of his children.
Morales had mixed feelings about the children’s first birthday party, which took place a year after their birth.
Morales cried as he told PEOPLE, “It’s all very bittersweet.” “I’m celebrating their birthday, but I’m also grieving the loss of my wife, and they’re grieving the loss of their mother.”
Morales, a warehouse supervisor, was joined by family and friends at a nearby playground, where he made sure to spend time with each of his children individually to give them equal attention.
Morales, who was 30 at the time, stated, “Erica would have liked this.” “It would have been a far bigger celebration.” She was a big fan of this type of thing. “It was something she was looking forward to.”
Before the party began, his wife’s family and friends prepared a 30-minute memorial walk for her.
As he carried his children’s strollers during the walk, she told them stories about his wife so they could “know how amazing she was.”
Morales is fortunate in that he is constantly surrounded by love and support. It’s helped him keep his spirits up, despite the fact that he confesses he doesn’t have much time to grieve.
He admitted, “I’m rarely alone.” “It’s hard for me to realize it’s been a year.” I only wish Erica could have been here to see them crawl and walk. There are going to be a lot more firsts that she won’t be able to witness.”
Morales claims that he and his children are taking things day by day.
His mother-in-law moved in with him to assist him, and she looks after the kids during the day while he works.
“I’m simply thinking about life more now,” he says, “and how you have to appreciate every single minute and moment, especially with your family and friends.” “I cherish every moment I have with my children since life is so brief.”
Morales was smitten by his wife the instant he saw her in a bar.
He laughs as he explains, “I didn’t know any English and she didn’t speak any Spanish.” “However, I asked her to dance, and she agreed.”
He gave her his phone number, which she promptly deleted, but they later reconnected and married in Las Vegas a year later.
“How can I maintain my strength?” He stated, “I have four major reasons.” “This has been something we’ve been looking forward to doing for years.” Because of her, I’m a fantastic father. Erica is counting on me.”
In the video below, you can learn more about Morales’ tale.