I recently met with up with two very special little girls Olivia and Skyelah, both twins from the Sunshine Coast Queensland.  Olivia and Skyelah feature in my latest book A World of Twins‘ Volume IV.  Olivia’s also appears with her parent Andrew and Lauren in  ‘A World of Twins‘ Stories and images of Australian twins, replete and their families.

As an active member of the Sunshine Coast Multiple Birth Association (SCMBA) I see regular posts on their Facebook about local activities, information and support among the community.  In 2014 I saw a post that was getting a lot of responses.  It was from a mum who had lost one of her twins and had decided to leave the online local support group.  I ached for her loss, and wondered how I could help.  I was so grateful when proud parents Andrew and Lauren agreed to share their story – Chapter 11 ‘An Angel for Our Princess’ Patrick and Olivia.

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Andrew, Lauren & Olivia

Parents Andrew & Lauren:  “18 September 2014 is always going to be the saddest happy day we’ve known, but with Olivia’s smiles warming our lives, the 18 Septembers of the future will become the happiest happy days. We’ll always remember Patrick and ensure that Olivia knows she’s a twin who’ll always have her brother looking after her. In the meantime, we find comfort in the idea of ‘rainbow babies’. We understand that the beauty of a rainbow doesn’t negate the ravages of the preceding storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn’t mean that the storm didn’t happen or that the family has finished dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of colour, energy and hope.”
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Olivia, proud as punch to be featured alongside her parents story of her twin brother Patrick

Skyelah Rose was born on December 23rd, 2014.  Parents Robbie and Brooke got the heartbreaking news, (twin A), ‘Shyloh’ had no heart beat.  January 23rd, 4 weeks later and 10 weeks early, both Skyelah (twin B) and Shyloh were born.  Skyelah remained in hospital for 6 weeks before coming home.  It was tough for the family especially Jackson and Makayla.

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Brooke with Skyelah Rose – Nambour Hospital

Advice: “Life is short, cherish every moment and enjoy your cuddles with them as it’s a true blessing to be a parent of twins.”

“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions; the overwhelming love and support from friends, family and even strangers. So heartwarming to see people come together at times like this; the twin community is truly wonderful. Thank you Ronald McDonald House for providing comfort through tough times and for accommodating me while Skyelah was in hospital. Special thanks to the Royal Women’s Hospital NICU, and our local Nambour Special Care Nursery, who looked after us so well. The friendship and support from Sunshine Coast Multiple Birth members has been amazing and being able to openly share our own experiences with other has helped us.”
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Skyelah with parents Robbie and Brooke and big sister Makayla

Thanks to everyone for all the enthusiasm and encouragement during the production of these books.  A special ‘heart felt’ thank you to these beautiful angel twins Olivia and Skyelah and their beautiful families for opening your hearts and for inviting me into your homes and lives.  My life has been truly enriched by each and every one of you.