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Eckerson triplets may leave hospital soonBy BARBARA BEDELL Staff WriterMIDDLETOWN — The brand-new Eckerson triplets are fine, but the Eckerson family is divided — perhaps permanently.March 2. Denise Karen. Darrick Kevin and Darrin Keith Eckerson came into the world as the newborn triplets of Idella and Allen Eckerson of 7 Charles St.. Middletown.Shortly after deliver)', all three babies were placed in isolettes. Mrs. Eckerson’s pregnancy wasn't confirmed until after 7 months. According to one of the physicians who delivered the triplets. Alan L. Rubenstein of Middletown, they were bom “somewhat premature — a frequent occurrence in cases of multiple birth.Referred to as Baby “A, “B, and “C, and weighing 4 lbs. 10 ounces,5 lbs. 3 ounces and 5 lbs. 2 ounces, they rapidly gained weight. Darrick was first out of the isolette this week'and was fed by his mother.Mrs. Eckerson. 26. having no complications following the births, was released from the hospital when the triplets were five days old. She returned daily to check their progress, each time mentioning how eager she was to hold them and to take them home.The trips to the hospital were difficult. Not having a registered automobile and not being able to afford automobile insurance she borrowed a car for each trip.A worry over stupendous hospital and doctor bills was eliminated with Medicaid' coverage. Through an article that appeared in The Times Herald-Record March 7. three cribs, new mattresses, layettes and an assortment of new and used baby furniture and clothing was donated through the auspices of the Middletown Javneees.Yet. a bigger problem was facing Mrs. Eckerson — that of leaving her husband and finding an unfurnished apartment for her children. She has two others: A five-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter who both attend the Academy Avenue School in Middletown. Both live at the Middletown Charles Street address with their grandfather. Their father also lives there and is employed by Derry Products, Inc., on Wisncr Avenue.“It was a difficult decision, said Mrs. Eckerson during a hospital interview when she returned to see triplet Darrick out of the isolette for the first time.There were many things. she said. “My husband and 1 hadn't been able to have a good marriage for a long time.”In making a break, she moved to Warwick where she is staying in the home of Mrs. Ethel Conklin, 15Vz Smith St. The triplets will make a home there until Mrs. Eckerson is able to locate an unfurnished apartment. Currently having no financial assistance, she has applied for welfare. A native of Sussex. N.J. where she completed an eighth grade education. Mrs. Eckerson has no family or friends to assist her when the infants come home, except Mrs. Conklin, a woman in her late 50’s.“Mrs. Conklin has been a good friend, said Mrs. Eckerson, “she has offered to help take care of the children and has offered us a home until we find a place of our own.Still with strong determination, Mrs. Eckerson plans to care for her children.“I want my children to have a home, she said. “I want to give them love and I know I can do that. I want my other children to be with me too, but for now. I can't take them out of school. I know their grandfather isgood to them and he has offered to keep them until I am able to assume full responsibility for all five children.But for now, she continues to look for an unfurnished apartment and continues to visit the triplets at the hospital.There is a possibility they will be able to go home this weekend.”V • Ny'-..Mrs. Idella Eckerson and baby Darrick, second of the triplets.
Newspaper Details
The Times Herald Record
Middletown, New York, US
Thu, Mar 14, 1974
Page 4
Full Page
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NY, USA 23 Nov 2021
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