On December 9th, 1991, I was admitted to the hospital due to pre-mature labor. I figured I would be going home shortly. 12 hours later, my OBGYN nonchalantly told my husband and I that "I think we have to face the fact your twins are going to be born today."

I was 28 weeks pregnant with twins. The monitor I was wearing indicated that I was in full labor. Being young and naive, we did not think of the potential dire consequences of premature birth. We actually were elated they were about to be born. Little did we know the along journey of obstacles our new family would be facing.

On December 10th, Daniel & Shane were born 2.5 and 2.4 pounds respectively. The next 12 weeks the babies were facing spinal taps, blood transfusions, neurological evaluations and infections. Every morning we called the hospital at 7am to hear progress reports. We nervously awaited every report. Weight gain (ounces); increase in milk (millimeters).

We dealt with Daniel having a brain bleed which could have resulted in long term complications. There were many ups and downs. We saw our two babies hooked up to machines, stuck with needles, and living in an incubator.

Every day we visited the hospital twice to merely touch and look at them. The most joyous day occurred when the nurse told us we could hold them!!! As she wrapped them in a blanket and placed each of them in our arms we were bursting with joy.

We saw heartbreak - other babies who did not survive NICU. We admired nurses in NICU at how they handled the tiny undeveloped babies and how they comforted and gave confidence to the parents.

The hardest part of this ordeal was the day I was discharged from the maternity ward without my babies. Then, day after day, visiting my babies and again leaving without them.

Finally, after 11 weeks, we brought Daniel home. Followed by Shane one week later.We were so nervous about leaving the sterile hospital environment and being home with them - making sure to take meticulous care of them to avoid germs.

In a few weeks, it will be 26 years since Daniel & Shane were born. Our miracle babies. Against all odds. They grew up healthy, physically active, and participated in high school sports. Shane went on to graduate law school this year and just passed the bar exam, and will soon be admitted to practice law in New York State. Daniel went on to enroll in a Masters/Doctoral program studying Environmental Sociology - hoping to solve global issues concerning food security.

Every year at this time, we recall their birth, and give thanks for how blessed we are that we have two healthy children (now men).

Edna Bornstein