Becoming a parent is often one of life’s greatest joys—but for Carlos Morales from Phoenix, Arizona, it became both the best and worst day of his life.

Carlos and Erica met in 2006, fell in love despite a language barrier, and married in 2007. After suffering a miscarriage, they were thrilled when fertility treatments led to Erica becoming pregnant with quadruplets. The couple eagerly prepared for their growing family.

On January 12, 2015, Erica was hospitalized due to high blood pressure. Doctors decided to deliver the babies early. Carlos arrived in time to see Erica before surgery and kissed her, saying, “Let’s get these babies out.”

The quadruplets—three girls and one boy—were born healthy. But just hours later, tragedy struck. Erica went into hypovolemic shock and died, leaving Carlos stunned and heartbroken.

“I went from the best day of my life to the worst,” he recalled.

Despite his grief, Carlos named one of the girls “Erica” and dedicated himself to fatherhood. With help from Erica’s mother, he learned to care for all four babies.