I knew she was the one after our first date. I walked away and said, “I’m going to marry that woman”. Six months into our relationship I was ready to take the plunge. Thankfully, she said yes!
Shortly after becoming engaged we began to try for a child. Unfortunately we were unable to conceive naturally and we started working with Heartland Fertility and attempted some unsuccessful IUI cycles.
Each attempt was more heartbreaking than the last. I am the last of my family’s lineage and have always wanted a child. At first, for that reason, but over time it meant something more. It meant shaping a young mind to be capable of dealing with life’s trials and tribulations while also finding time for enjoyment.
My wife is the embodiment of what a mother should be. Responsible, thick-skinned, morally upstanding. I could picture no better mother and it breaks my heart that she has not yet had the opportunity to put those motherly instincts to the test.
It breaks my heart, also, because my father was paralyzed and hospitalized last year. My dad has always been a proponent in strength within the family through acts of love and generosity. To know that his family’s story does not end with me, and for him to see a beautiful grandchild with his own eyes would still be one of the greatest highlights of his life, despite his condition.
And it would be the ultimate highlight of our life. We have tried and failed and tried again. Parenthood is in us. I can’t wait to teach someone how to navigate the ins and outs of life, and share wisdom through my experience. It would be our greatest achievement and that child would be cherished by us and many others.
Fertility Friends Foundation’s grant assists us with the taking the next step in our IVF journey and we couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity.
Forever grateful,
Michael and Stephany
These grant recipients benefited from Fertility Friends Foundation’s IVF Cycle Program, which combines a $5,000 FFF fertility grant with additional in-kind IVF services generously provided by one of our partner clinics. More info on IVF Cycle Program.