Kate Speak in Utica New York

By MONTANETTE MURPHY
Observer-Dispatch
Posted Jan 10, 2009 @ 10:35 PM
Last update Jan 10, 2009 @ 11:02 PM

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MARCY — Looking at the seven round circles on the ultrasound screen overwhelmed Kate Gosselin.

Most people expect one baby, or maybe even twins.

But septuplets?

“Without a doubt, it was the absolute scariest thing I had seen,” Gosselin said.

On Saturday, nearly 600 people turned out at the First Assembly of God hear about that to experience from Gosselin, of the cable television reality show “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” The program airs on TLC.

Jon was not able to make the event.

Poised on a stool in an intimate stage setting, Kate spoke candidly about how she came to terms with being pregnant with what would become six babies after one of the fetuses stopped growing.

She pondered what life would be like for her, Jon and the couple’s fraternal twins, Cara and Madelyn.

And at times the thought of six car seats, six cribs and a vehicle to fit everyone was too much to bear.

Medical staff even asked her whether she and Jon would consider a reduction in the number of fetuses.

The answer was “no.”

On May 10, 2004, the sextuplets – Alexis, Aaden, Collin, Leah, Hannah and Joel – were born.
It took at least two to three years for her to accept the impact of their multiple births, she said, and it took working through feelings of anger and loneliess.

As a couple, the Gosselins endured tough times that included Jon’s losses of employment after employers decided the costs to insure his family would be too burdensome.

The peace of God and Bible scriptures pulled her through the tough times, she said, and she refused to worry.

“This was God’s plan for us, for whatever reason,” Kate said.

There were good times, too, of course. The Gosselins received an outpouring of help and support from family, friends and some businesses to help with the costs of raising six infants.

What Jon and Kate couldn’t do in their own strength, God did, Kate said.

“I learned that I am not in control,” she said. “God is.”

The Gosselins’ story continues to inspire many residents, including Marleigh Scialdone, 10, of Marcy.

Marleigh began watching the show with her mother, Deanna Scialdone.

“When my mom had cancer in Rochester, we would call and watch it over the phone,” Marleigh said.

“It was just something for us to do since we were so far apart.”

While on stage Saturday, Kate read questions submitted by audience members, including the one submitted by Marleigh.

Marleigh waited in line for Kate to sign the book, “Multiple Bles8ings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets,” by Beth Carson and Jon and Kate, and she had a message to share with Kate.

“I’m going to tell her that question is from me, and that I’m really excited to meet her, and that she’s a really good role model,” she said.