Liliya Miroshnik was already a mother of three when she attended her routine 10-week ultrasound scan in 2019. Initially, the familiar sights of the gel on her stomach and the flickering black-and-white images on the screen brought a sense of calm. However, that tranquillity shattered when the sonographer abruptly dropped the probe and dashed out of the room without uttering a single word.
A Terrifying Diagnosis
Liliya tried to remain composed, but her fears escalated when the sonographer returned with a doctor who exclaimed, "Oh my goodness" upon examining the screen. Born in Ukraine and now residing in California, English is Liliya's second language. She heard the phrase "conjoined twins" but did not fully grasp its meaning until she later researched the term in her car, leading to a wave of terror and confusion.
In a state of distress, she called her husband, Anatoliy, who promised to return home immediately. As she drove, Liliya experienced an emotional rollercoaster, fluctuating between thoughts of termination and denial of the situation. At a red light, an unexpected sense of calm washed over her, which she interpreted as a divine sign.
Unwavering Support and Hope
Anatoliy arrived home with a determined expression, embracing Liliya and affirming, "These are our children and we love them already." Liliya responded with newfound composure, deciding to take each day as it came. A few days later, at a specialist clinic, doctors explained that their daughters were craniopagus twins, conjoined at the head—a condition so rare it occurs in only one in every 2.5 million live births.
Despite being informed that the babies' chances of survival to delivery were slim, Liliya refused to relinquish hope. She continued to live as normally as possible, attending social gatherings and baby showers, which helped her manage the underlying fear.
The Path to Separation
Four months into the pregnancy, an MRI scan provided a glimmer of hope, indicating a decent possibility that the twins could be separated in the future. The delivery involved meticulous preparation by over 200 medical professionals, divided into "team orange" and "team purple," each equipped with neurologists, heart specialists, and plastic surgeons.
When Liliya's waters broke early, the rush to the hospital was intensely stressful. She recalls pleading for prayers before the girls were swiftly taken to intensive care as she lay medicated. The next day, upon seeing her daughters for the first time, Liliya was overwhelmed with love, thinking, "they're perfect." They were named Abigail and Micaela.
Daily Challenges and Milestones
Caring for conjoined twins required creativity and instinct—for instance, using a clear plastic box for baths instead of a standard tub. Despite these challenges, Liliya cherished every moment, noting their distinct personalities: Abigail was alert and lively, while Micaela was calm and serene. Each milestone, from their first smiles to their initial babbles, felt exceptionally precious.
The Miraculous Surgery
In October 2020, at 10 months old, Abigail and Micaela underwent a daunting 24-hour separation surgery involving 30 medics. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Liliya and Anatoliy could not wait in the hospital, receiving updates via text messages. When they learned the operation had succeeded, Liliya was so relieved she struggled to breathe.
Rushing into the hospital, Liliya sobbed with joy as she saw her daughters separated for the first time. Witnessing them turn and look each other in the eye was a moment many mothers might take for granted, but for Liliya, it felt nothing short of a miracle.
Life After Separation
Today, as six-year-olds, Abigail dashes about energetically while Micaela follows carefully behind. Liliya marvels at their secret twin chatter, the adoration they receive from their brothers, and their very existence. At age five, the girls could look at their baby photos and identify themselves, a poignant milestone in their unique journey.
This experience has revealed a strength Liliya never knew she possessed and underscored the power of focusing on the present. She reflects, "Today they are here, and that is enough for me."
