{"id":1540,"date":"2024-12-03T04:43:03","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T04:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=1540"},"modified":"2024-12-03T04:43:05","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T04:43:05","slug":"doctor-raises-triplets-after-mother-dies-in-labor-in-5-years-their-bio-dad-appears-story-of-the-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/1540","title":{"rendered":"Doctor Raises Triplets after Mother Dies in Labor, in 5 Years Their Bio Dad Appears \u2014 Story of the Day"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<p>Doctor Spellman adopted and raised his sister\u2019s triplets after she passed away during childbirth. But five years later, his life was turned upside down when the triplets\u2019 bio father showed up to reclaim the children.\n</p><div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div class='\"code-block' code-block-2>\n<div data-type='\"_mgwidget\"' data-widget-id='\"1704767\"' data-uid='\"16e8a\"'>\n<div id='\"mgw1704767_16e8a\"'>\n<div>\n<div class='\"mgbox' card-media>\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBreathe, breathe. It\u2019s all going to be okay,\u201d Thomas gently told his sister, marching alongside her while she was being carried to the operation room on a gurney.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Leah\u2019s sweaty brows furrowed as she tried to take a deep breath. \u201cYou\u2019re\u2026 You\u2019re the best older brother I could ask God for, Thomas,\u201d she whispered as they entered the OR.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Leah had gone into labor at only 36 weeks of pregnancy, and the doctors had suggested performing a C-section. But soon after delivering the first baby, Leah\u2019s pulse began dropping, and her condition worsened\u2026\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/6-_JzX4vL0JVlkSXwi3xbx5auxtvWMwxd3Xal5gYi5Q\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZWY4YWJhZDhhZGJkNTM4YTAxNmI4NGY4OGZjNGM3ZTFmNmE3NjA2ODZjNWU0MTZhMGEyOWZmNWU3NDA0MTgyMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MzAwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MjAwMw.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/ef8abad8adbd538a016b84f88fc4c7e1f6a760686c5e416a0a29ff5e74041820.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"3000\"' height='\"2003\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLeah, please stay with me! Nurse, what\u2019s happening? Look at me, Leah! Look at me,\u201d Thomas cried, his palms wrapped around his sister\u2019s hand.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDoctor Spellman, you need to leave, please,\u201d Dr. Nichols said, escorting him outside. Then the doors of the OR were slammed shut.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Thomas sank onto one of the chairs in the waiting area, his tears not stopping. He could still smell his sister\u2019s scent on his palms. He buried his face in his hands, hoping it would all be fine soon.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But when a doctor\u2019s voice snapped him out of his thoughts, he could tell something was not right. \u201cDoctor\u2026how\u2026how\u2019s Leah?\u201d he asked, jumping to his feet.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWe\u2019re sorry, Thomas,\u201d Dr. Nichols said remorsefully. \u201cWe tried our best, but we couldn\u2019t stop the bleeding. The children are safe and have been placed in the NICU.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/f4MdJuEfG1LHLMACO9K_mfb5lzrbhLVJzheOYQvVpSA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjQyYzhmYzVmMWQxODJkNzg3MTEwY2Y3OGU0ZjY0N2QzZWRmMDM4YzdhNzc3NjI0ZDE1ZTYwOGRiNzA3OTllNi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MzY0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjczNg.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/242c8fc5f1d182d787110cf78e4f647d3edf038c7a777624d15e608db70799e6.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"3648\"' height='\"2736\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Thomas sank back onto the chair, unable to process the news of his sister\u2019s death. Leah had been so excited to hold her little angels, cradle them, and give them only the best.\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>How could God be so cruel and take her away so soon?\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>What am I going to do now?\u201d\u00a0Thomas thought disappointedly when a voice boomed in the hallway. \u201cWhere the hell is she?! She thought she could deliver the kids, and I wouldn\u2019t know?\u201d\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Thomas\u2019s rage knew no bounds when he saw his sister\u2019s ex-boyfriend, Joe, storming into the hospital. \u201cWhere is your sister?\u201d Joe growled.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Thomas grabbed the man\u2019s collar and pinned him to the wall. \u201cNow you\u2019re interested in where she is, huh? Where were you when she spent a night on the streets because of a lowlife like you? And where were you, Joe, when she collapsed four hours ago? She\u2019s dead! My sister\u2026she didn\u2019t even survive to see her kids!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/jgYKRhr7Y6zI5fg6X11nRSoQrPXkxuV0V0sGauNUgQo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzJhMWZkYzkzMTMxZWVhNmY3ODAyNjFkYTRhZGY2MmE1YTYwYTE5ZDlmOTU0Y2Q4ZjM1NzUxMTMyYzEyODg1NS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NTk0MyZoZWlnaHQ9Mzk2Mg.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/72a1fdc93131eea6f780261da4adf62a5a60a19d9f954cd8f35751132c128855.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"5943\"' height='\"3962\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhere are my children? I want to see them!\u201d Joe screamed, yanking away Thomas\u2019s arms.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDon\u2019t you even dare talk about them, Joe! Get out of my hospital, or I will call security!\u201d Thomas warned him. \u201cOUT!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m leaving now, but I\u2019m going to get my children back, Thomas! You can\u2019t take them away from me,\u201d Joe shot back as he disappeared away from the hallway.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>For the sake of his three little nephews, Thomas decided he couldn\u2019t just sit and mourn his sister\u2019s loss. He was all his nephews had, and he would do anything to ensure the children didn\u2019t grow up under their alcoholic father\u2019s care. So Thomas decided to adopt the triplets, and he fought for their custody in court.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThis is unfair, your honor!\u201d Joe screamed on the witness stand, shedding fake tears. \u201cI am the kids\u2019 father. How would I survive without those little lives? They are Leah\u2019s flesh and blood, MY flesh and blood, and they are all I have now!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/VHvjGA3J78u_g5sQqC-Clg0iayYE-gSP5X47SjcyUP8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTFhYzc3ZDZhNDM4ZTczODhmOTE5ZDAxMzgyMDBlYjVjNmY1YTY3MTdmYTk2MWFjZDk4ZTMxZjQxZjJhZjFhZi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MzU4NSZoZWlnaHQ9NTM3OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a1ac77d6a438e7388f919d0138200eb5c6f5a6717fa961acd98e31f41f2af1af.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"3585\"' height='\"5378\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLet me get something clear,\u201d the judge told Joe. \u201cYou were not married to the children\u2019s mother, Leah, nor did you support her financially while she was pregnant. Is that right?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWell, you\u2019re not wrong, your Honor,\u201d Joe sighed, lowering his head. \u201cI work as a handyman and take up small gigs. I couldn\u2019t afford to support her, and that\u2019s the reason why we didn\u2019t get married.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cPardon me, your honor, but my client has text messages and voice notes from his sister where she clearly states that Mr. Dawson is a heavy drinker,\u201d said Thomas\u2019s lawyer. \u201cAnd she refused to marry him unless he entered a rehabilitation program.\u201d The lawyer presented the evidence in court, convincing the judge that Joe was not fit to raise the children, and the court decided in favor of Thomas.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As Thomas walked out of the courtroom, he looked up at the bright skies, remembering his sister. \u201cI had promised you I would do my best to help you. I hope I didn\u2019t disappoint you, Leah,\u201d he whispered with teary eyes.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ghWkRwN0UCOEg6k8GoiYlyjuyI_2K5eblqJrwn5FPWo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGYzODcyZGQ1ZTI5YWYyMmZhODU0ODdlNzhkYmY5MGQ2MTdlYjg0MmI1Njk2ODU3ZTBlN2M4YzIyMGY2MGNmYy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NDE2MCZoZWlnaHQ9NjI0MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0f3872dd5e29af22fa85487e78dbf90d617eb842b5696857e0e7c8c220f60cfc.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"4160\"' height='\"6240\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Right then, Joe stormed out of the court and grabbed Thomas\u2019s arm. \u201cI\u2019m the real father of the children, and I\u2019m going to fight for them, Thomas. Don\u2019t be too proud that you\u2019ve won for now.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Thomas pulled his arm from Joe\u2019s grasp and glared at him. \u201cThat\u2019s exactly why you\u2019re not fit to become their father, Joe! You shouldn\u2019t fight for the children but for the children\u2019s sake!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When Thomas returned home from the court, satisfied that Leah\u2019s kids were safe with him, he saw his wife packing her bags.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat\u2019s going on, Susannah?\u201d he asked, bewildered. \u201cWhat\u2019s with all the packing at this time?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Thomas,\u201d she huffed, zipping the last bag. \u201cI\u2019m not even sure if I want children at all, and here you have three at once. You won the case, didn\u2019t you? Well, I thought it over, but I don\u2019t think I want to spend the next few years of my life changing diapers. I didn\u2019t sign up for this when I married you, Thomas. Sorry.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ggJ6c20UX9oJHHwIG9PA_56u-LHd7GLCYIYqrdH6TN0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmE2OWVkOTU5N2NhOWE1MDg1NjU0NTc1ZDRhZjBlODk3ZGMzNzBmNzIwYzg1NDE0NzRjZWJlYWRkNjVjMTBlNC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NjAwMCZoZWlnaHQ9NDAwMA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6a69ed9597ca9a5085654575d4af0e897dc370f720c8541474cebeadd65c10e4.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"6000\"' height='\"4000\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>And then Susannah was gone. Thomas looked around the house, and he still couldn\u2019t believe he was left all alone to care for his nephews. He pulled out a bottle from the wine rack in frustration, but just as he tossed away the cork, his gaze was drawn to the screensaver on his phone.\n\n</p><div>\n<blockquote class='\"ContentRenderer_blockquote__DAX00\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>His three little nephews were waiting for him. He couldn\u2019t just drown in his sorrows and leave them to their fates.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI promised Leah I would give them a good life. I can\u2019t do this!\u201d He returned the wine bottle to the rack and walked away.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Time flew by, and the triplets, Jayden, Noah, and Andy, were raised in the love and care of Thomas. Whether it was cleaning the boys\u2019 poopy diapers or lulling them to sleep with his tragically unmelodic voice, Thomas loved each moment he spent with his nephews.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/PWFT8wh5zsoq__YDhGbrT0tHO6kdkkz9RHVaODVHGfc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzkxMzk4NDY4NTdkODIwNTk4MzFiNDc0ZTZmZjVhOGY1NmQ5NzE3NGZmNThlYzk0MzI5OTg0NDQwM2UzNDNjOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MzcwMiZoZWlnaHQ9MjQ1OQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c9139846857d82059831b474e6ff5a8f56d97174ff58ec943299844403e343c9.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"3702\"' height='\"2459\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But their care also took a toll on his physical and mental health, and one day, Thomas collapsed at work. He dismissed it as a lack of sleep and left to pick up his nephews from kindergarten.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But as he arrived home, the sight of the man across from his house sent shivers down his spine. Joe stood there on the sidewalk, in front of Thomas\u2019s house, after five long years.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cKids, get inside. I\u2019m gonna join you soon, okay?\u201d Thomas smiled as the kids went in.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then he approached Joe. \u201cWhat the hell are you doing here?!\u201d he snarled. \u201cHave you been stalking us all along?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<blockquote class='\"ContentRenderer_blockquote__DAX00\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m here to take back what\u2019s mine, Thomas. I\u2019m here for my children!\u201d he admitted brazenly.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYour children?\u201d Thomas scoffed. \u201cWhere were you all those five years when I was raising them? They were never yours, to begin with, Joe. You walked out on them when they weren\u2019t even born, and now you\u2019ve returned to claim them? They\u2019re no longer your children. Get lost!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/zQVMzSfwLsamiV45kTBU4A42bjyTNGwCMoza6O-eUiM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWMwZGUwMzQ2Nzc4NDMzODYzZDFhZTJmODEwNDYzN2Q2ODYwZWYxNTFlYTIwNmI4ZjFhYWRkNTMwZWM3MDZkNy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NTQzMCZoZWlnaHQ9MzYyMA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5c0de0346778433863d1ae2f8104637d6860ef151ea206b8f1aadd530ec706d7.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: unsplash width='\"5430\"' height='\"3620\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou\u2019re wrong, Thomas,\u201d Joe said confidently. \u201cI worked hard for those five years so I could be financially stable to look after my children. I told you I wouldn\u2019t give up, and it\u2019s time the children went home with their biological father!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cOh really?\u201d Thomas challenged him. \u201cI bet the new car you\u2019re driving around will convince the judge otherwise. Don\u2019t waste your time!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Thomas was confident that Joe wouldn\u2019t be able to take the kids back, but a few months later, he received a court summons. Thomas\u2019s heart dropped as he read it, but he still mustered courage and appeared at the court.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>During the hearing, Joe\u2019s lawyer summoned Thomas to the witness stand. \u201cIt has recently come to our attention that Dr. Spellman is on a very specific regimen of prescription medications,\u201d Joe\u2019s lawyer said. \u201cAfter consulting a medical specialist, I\u2019ve come to\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cObjection, your honor!\u201d Thomas\u2019s lawyer cried, jumping to his feet.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI will allow it since the guardian\u2019s health directly impacts these proceedings,\u201d the judge said.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/S2W18qlDr-JpSZQWd_y7sfUwklI-dMTpaH_xx1kviqE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDk3NzdjMTA0NTkxNmMwYzBjMmJkMTE4MGMyZmRhOThiYjBhNWUzNDViYWM2MWQ5OWUwMjdlZTg2NWViMzgyMy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NTQ3MiZoZWlnaHQ9MzY0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/49777c1045916c0c0c2bd1180c2fda98bb0a5e345bac61d99e027ee865eb3823.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"5472\"' height='\"3648\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThank you, your honor,\u201d Joe\u2019s lawyer continued, turning to face Thomas. \u201cIs it true, Dr. Spellman, that you were diagnosed with a brain tumor, and the doctors can\u2019t guarantee how long you will live? And that this particular combination of medications is used to treat a brain tumor?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Thomas hung his head as he said, \u201cYes.\u201d He was indeed diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor months ago and was taking medications to shrink the size and prevent seizures.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>After listening to both parties, the judge looked at Thomas with sympathetic eyes and delivered the judgment.\n\n</p><div>\n<blockquote class='\"ContentRenderer_blockquote__DAX00\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cConsidering the new circumstances, the court believes that it would be best for the children to be in the care of their biological father. Dr. Spellman, I wish you strength and good health, but if you truly love these children, you must understand that this is what\u2019s best for them. Hence, I am awarding the custody of the children to their biological father. You have two weeks to prepare them.\u201d\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Thomas had seen it all coming the day he received the summons, but he wanted to fight for his nephews and for the sake of his promise to Leah.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/uN7M8xhty2SnM2aDb6BS1Z0fdxCcD0TLtxopYrByzeY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2Q1NmI2ZmE4YTBmNzBhYzM2Y2ExNWM5OTU5N2I3OTMwMWIzN2U0NzU3NjJhODE4NjUyYWU3YjJkMjhjMTgwOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NjAwMCZoZWlnaHQ9NDAwMA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7d56b6fa8a0f70ac36ca15c99597b79301b37e475762a818652ae7b2d28c1809.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"6000\"' height='\"4000\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As he packed his nephews\u2019 bags, ready to bid them goodbye, Thomas\u2019s chest felt hollow, as if a heart was no longer beating there. These children had been his reason to live.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cUncle Thomas, we want to live with you! Please, Uncle Thomas,\u201d the kids insisted.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBoys,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cIf you love Uncle Thomas, you know he would never choose something wrong for you. I want you to be happy, and Joe will keep you happy, boys. Will you please get your things to his car now?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As the three little boys loaded their bags into Joe\u2019s car, they didn\u2019t even look at him. In fact, they turned around and ran and hugged Doctor Thomas\u2019s leg.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI love you, Uncle Thomas,\u201d Jayden said in tears. \u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t want to leave you!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/-jYb1WgF1GdrJVzxLUSeAkzZxMuXzxhGXgTNNCaAnaw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGFmNGE2NDg3ZmU3NTIwNThkNjFkNjY4OTBiZWIyOTNjMmVkODJjM2JmZDA2ZjU0ODNmNzVhZTdmZjQ2NDBjMS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NTYxNiZoZWlnaHQ9Mzc0NA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/daf4a6487fe752058d61d66890beb293c2ed82c3bfd06f5483f75ae7ff4640c1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"5616\"' height='\"3744\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWe want to live with you, too!\u201d Noah and Andy cried in unison.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHey, hey, guys,\u201d Thomas crouched down to face the kids. \u201cDidn\u2019t we make a solid deal? I will come to see you on weekends, and we\u2019re going to be good to Daddy Joe.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Thomas wrapped the boys in a tight hug, swallowing his tears. \u201cNow come on; Joe\u2019s waiting,\u201d he said, trying to pull away, but the children held onto him even tighter.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Joe had never liked Thomas. In fact, he would\u2019ve done anything to have his kids back. But at that moment, something in his heart shifted. He looked at Thomas and the boys and couldn\u2019t stop himself from joining them.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou were right all along, Thomas,\u201d he said, hugging them and shaking his head. \u201cWe should not fight for the children but for their sake.\u201d After that, Joe helped Thomas carry the boys\u2019 bags back into the house.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>Tell us what you think of this story, and share it with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>If you enjoyed this story, you might like\u00a0this one\u00a0about a woman who adopted her late best friend\u2019s son despite being a single mother of four kids. But 13 years later, the boy\u2019s birth father showed up on her doorstep to take him away.\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>Doctor Spellman adopted and raised his sister\u2019s triplets after she passed away during childbirth. But five years later, his life was turned upside down when the triplets\u2019 bio father showed up to reclaim the children. \u201cBreathe, breathe. It\u2019s all going to be okay,\u201d Thomas gently told his sister, marching alongside her while she was being [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1541,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1540"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1540\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1542,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1540\/revisions\/1542"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></strong></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>