CLAFLIN — In the last graduating class from Claflin High School, the Maier trio has graduated and are preparing to go into the world of college and work.

Ashlee, Aaron and Aimee were born on Aug. 25, 1992 in Salina. Their mother, Cherlyn, cannot believe how fast the time has gone.

"It has gone so fast," said Cherlyn. She admits it has been challenging. "You do what you have to do to get by."

Cherlyn carried the babies to almost full-term, and they were born at healthy weights. Ashlee, Aaron and Aimee were born weighing 5 pounds 14 ounces; 6 pounds; and 4 pounds 12 ounces.

She had an inkling of what she was getting into because she is a nurse. She returned to work full-time five weeks after their birth.

"I don’t think I slept in bed for six months," said mom. "I just lay on the couch."

Now that the her kids are preparing to leave home, Cherlyn misses those days when the triplets were babies. "Now I wish I could shrink them back."

Ashlee is planning to go to McPherson College in the fall. She is planning on majoring in Elementary Education and play volleyball. Aaron plans to go to Southeast Community College in Milford, Neb. and become a John Deere Technician.

"I like working on things," Aaron said. Until an opening occurs in the SCC program, Aaron is working on at a local farm equipment company.

Aimee wants to become a nurse and is considering attending Kansas Wesleyan University.

Since they live in a smaller school district, the trio when through school in most of the same classes at school. "It’s just normal for us," said Aimee. Being apart from their siblings will be a new experience.

"Once we are out, we’ll miss each other," said Ashlee.

The most challenging part for the triplets was being compared to each other. For awhile, Cherlyn did dress them similarly, but then they decided they like different styles.

Cherlyn observed, "You never have the focus on you."

"We have to share everything," Ashlee said.

Aaron said the worst part of being a triplet was that if something went down in school, someone would tell his parents.

They also have had to share birthdays too. "We’ve had to share everything," said Ashlee.

"They were worth it," said Cherlyn. "As complicated as it was, I’d do it all over again.

The triplets were featured in a Nov. 3, 1992 issue of the Great Bend Tribune. That article speaks of the family and friends in Claflin who stopped by with food, gifts and offers to babysit.