Finding out that we’re going to be parents for the first time is a feeling that’s hard to put into words. Whether we’re expecting moms or dads, the majority of us are filled with joy and excitement at the news of having a child. We imagine what our child will look like, what experiences we’ll share, and the incredible moment of holding them for the first time.

But sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, and not all pregnancies bring the bliss we anticipate. Carlos Morales, from Phoenix, Arizona, knows this all too well. His story is a powerful example of life’s bittersweet nature.

Carlos and Erica Morales seemed like a couple made in paradise. They met at a nightclub in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2006, and despite the language barrier between them – Carlos didn’t speak English and Erica didn’t speak Spanish – they were undeniably drawn to each other.

After their first encounter, Carlos gave Erica his phone number on a scrap of paper, but she unfortunately misplaced it. However, fate had other plans for them, and they reconnected through mutual friends. Their love for each other became undeniable.

Carlos dedicated himself to learning English so that he could better communicate with Erica, while she studied Spanish for the same reason. Their commitment to each other was evident, and in 2007, they got married in a beautiful Las Vegas ceremony.

Their journey to becoming parents began, but it wasn’t without its challenges. Their first attempt ended tragically with a miscarriage. Undeterred, they turned to fertility therapy, and to their amazement, Erica became pregnant again. But this time, there was an even bigger surprise waiting for them.

During Erica’s first ultrasound, the doctors revealed that she was carrying not one, but four babies! Carlos and Erica prepared themselves to become parents to quadruplets. However, the strain of carrying four children took a toll on Erica, and Carlos did his best to support her, even taking on household responsibilities.

On January 12, 2015, Erica was admitted to the hospital due to high blood pressure. She contacted Carlos to let him know that the doctors wanted to deliver the babies sooner than expected due to her continuous contractions. Little did Carlos know that this day would change his life in unimaginable ways.

After a heart-wrenching wait, Carlos and Erica’s quadruplets – three girls and one boy – were born via C-section. Despite the joy of their arrival, tragedy struck when Erica went into hypovolemic shock and passed away shortly after giving birth.

Carlos was devastated. He went from experiencing the best day of his life to the worst, losing his beloved wife while welcoming his four children into the world. He named his children Carlos Jr., Paisley, Tracey, and in honor of his late wife, his third child was named Erica.

Despite his immense grief, Carlos knew he had to be there for his children. He attended baby-care classes, learning how to care for them, feed them, establish sleep routines, and even perform CPR if needed. Erica’s mother, Sondra Bridges, moved in to help Carlos care for her grandchildren, and together, they found strength in the support of their community.

Carlos and his quadruplets have touched the hearts of many, their story resonating with people across America. Through the bittersweet moments of life, they have found strength, gratitude, and the will to keep moving forward. And as Carlos said, “It’s funny how things turn out. It’s bittersweet, but it’s been phenomenal thanks to God and the outpouring support of the public.”