In an extraordinary and emotional journey, Rose Geiwitz and her husband were taken by surprise when they discovered they were expecting triplets. The impactful news came during a routine ultrasound, leaving them initially speechless, before transitioning into a whirlwind of logistical concerns. “We just kind of froze, and then he immediately started thinking of everything we needed to change—like getting a bigger car and home,” Rose recalled during her conversation with WCCO CBS Minnesota.
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The couple had been preparing for the significant changes that triplets would bring when Rose’s pregnancy became tense. She felt a constant unease about the development of their babies, noting that the feeling of safety never quite settled in. “It was as though we were always on high alert, waiting for any signs of trouble,” she explained.
Unfortunately, their worst fears became a reality when Rose was just twenty-three weeks into her pregnancy. On 14 April 2025, following subtle warning signs, she rushed to the hospital, where she welcomed her triplets: Patty, Evie, and Charlie, all weighing in at around 1 lb each. The infants were swiftly taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they would spend the first months of their lives fighting for survival.
Tragically, two months into their NICU stay, the family faced the unimaginable loss of their son, Patty. “That was the saddest moment of our lives thus far,” Rose said, reflecting on that heart-wrenching time. Despite their grief, she shared a sense of acceptance, recognising that Patty had fought bravely but his body could no longer manage. “He showed us it was time to let go,” she stated, emphasising the bittersweet peace that accompanied their loss. “We knew we had to keep fighting for his brother and sister.”
Rose and her husband found solidarity within the NICU community, who not only cared for their children but also guided them in their journey of parenthood. “The NICU became our family; they taught us how to love these little kids,” she recalled, underscoring the bonds forged during this time.
Months later, Evie was discharged from the NICU at six months old, followed by Charlie two months later, just in time for Christmas celebrations. “Evie is our absolute spitfire; she makes her opinions known,” Rose said, describing her daughter’s personality and abilities as she began reaching significant developmental milestones. Meanwhile, Charlie faces more complex challenges due to a severe brain bleed at birth, which necessitated a shunt for fluid drainage from his brain.
“Charlie’s prognosis remains uncertain as we navigate his condition, which includes hydrocephalus and the potential for cerebral palsy,” Rose noted. Despite this, she expressed admiration for Charlie’s resilience, describing his steady progress. “He is showing us wonderful signs of healing, carving out his own journey,” she added.
As the first birthday of Charlie and Evie approaches, the family continues to honour the memory of their brother, Patty. Reflecting on their loss, Rose expressed how Patty will always remain a part of their family. “They’ll always know they are triplets. He will always be their older brother,” she affirmed. This recognition is woven into the fabric of their daily lives, with Rose choosing to celebrate Patty’s life through gratitude and inspiration.
In a poignant reminder of resilience and love, the Geiwitz family is finding their way through life’s challenges while holding onto the memory of the child they lost. As they prepare to celebrate a year of milestones for Charlie and Evie, they have not forgotten that each moment is imbued with the spirit of their beloved son, Patty. In the face of adversity, they embody the strength of family bonds and the power of joyous remembrance.