"Our Precious Miracle"
The Erikson family and their little miracle, Madeline; Mishawaka, Indiana

To any stranger, we look like a young family: a husband, a wife, and a little girl. Unless you knew us, you would never know the years of struggle and heartache that we endured to become a family. Many people never realize what a miracle it is to conceive a child. So many couples never get to be parents; they will never know what it’s like to carry a child and feel it grow inside you. Some will never get to hear their child’s heartbeat for the first time, or see a picture when an ultrasound is done. Some will never go through childbirth and fall in love with their newborn, finally meeting her after 7 years of waiting. Some will never get to bring their child home and not sleep the first night because you are so nervous about doing something wrong. After all, you have waited a lifetime for this. Some will never see their child’s first smile, feel that first tight grip she takes of your finger, or hear her first giggle. Some will never be able to smell that sweet baby’s breath or feel that baby-soft skin. You never realize how many people go through infertility, until you go through it yourself. All of a sudden, you are not alone anymore. You realize that there are many couples whose dream of a family has been just beyond their grasp. For specific or unknown reasons, something that should be so natural and simple turns into doctors appointments and tests. For some, a dream of a child will remain just that.

Our first consultation with Dr. Donahue left us very confident in the IVF procedure. When our first attempt failed, we weren’t sure we could go through it again. Dr. Donahue told us not to get discouraged, that he would make changes in the protocol. So on our second attempt, using both Repronex and Bravelle, we were delighted that I stimulated very well. After our egg retrieval, we were very happy to have 9 eggs retrieved. In our minds, even if the first transfer didn’t work, we would have 1 more transfer all ready to go. However, when the doctor called the day after the retrieval, our excitement turned once again into heartache. Out of all 9 eggs only 1 fertilized. You can imagine our frustration. As we went ahead with the transfer, I started researching adoption agencies, convinced that the transfer would be unsuccessful. My husband and I decided that when the results of the pregnancy test came back that he would answer the phone, in case it was bad news. He handed me the phone and (looking too serious) said the nurse needed to speak to me. It was the call we had waited 7 years for. We were pregnant!

Madeline arrived 1 day past her due date. She weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and was definitely the most beautiful sight in our universe. They say good things come to those who wait; however, in our case, a miracle came. We have no doubt that Madeline is an angel sent from heaven. Our empty arms finally filled, God is entrusting us to love, raise, and guide her through life. To anyone who goes through infertility, please know that you are not alone. My mother once encouraged us with these words, “You only see your life in bits and pieces; God however sees the whole picture.” Perhaps going through infertility was a test of will and patience. Whatever the case may be, we cherish every day with our precious miracle and pray for those still on that journey.