For years, they dreamed of becoming parents. From the moment they got married, they knew they wanted a family. They imagined holding a baby in their arms, hearing tiny laughter, and watching their child grow up. But the reality of infertility was far harder than they ever expected. After years of trying, fertility treatments, doctor visits, and endless hope followed by heartbreak, their journey to parenthood became one of emotional pain and deep loss. Their struggle began with in vitro fertilization (IVF). They hoped that science would finally help them have the baby they longed for. In 2014, they began their first cycle of injections and procedures. The medicines left her body bruised, tired, and emotional. It felt like her whole life became centered around needles and appointments.
Still, when they finally had their first transfer, they thought this was it, this was their miracle. Nine days later, the blood test showed they were pregnant. For a moment, it felt like everything was finally going to be okay. But then came the ultrasound. On her 30th birthday, they heard four words no one ever wants to hear: “There is no heartbeat.” Time stopped. She was overwhelmed with shock and grief. They lost their baby before they even had time to celebrate. It was devastating.
They didn’t give up. Over the next several years, they went through five egg retrievals, nine IVF embryo transfers, and six miscarriages. Each time they started again, they hoped it would be different. Each time they saw another failed cycle, their hearts broke again. The injections, the blood tests, and the ultrasounds took a toll not only on her body but on her emotions. They lived between hope and despair for years.
Throughout all of this, her best friend Rachel never left her side. She saw her pain. She saw the tears she couldn’t hide. And when it became clear that she couldn’t keep trying with her own body, she offered something she never expected: she would carry their baby as a surrogate. It was the kindest and most selfless thing anyone had ever offered them. They were shocked, overwhelmed, and deeply grateful.
They knew surrogacy wouldn’t be simple. Even though Rachel offered to help without expecting payment, there were still medical and legal costs to cover. Friends and family helped them with fundraisers, and slowly, they made it possible. In January 2018, they transferred two of their embryos into Rachel. When the embryologist brought them out for the procedure, tears streamed down her face. Those embryos were their last hope.
When the blood test confirmed pregnancy, they finally felt real relief for the first time in years. At their first ultrasound, they saw a tiny flicker of a heartbeat they had waited so long to witness. The joy was overwhelming. Rachel and her family supported them through every moment of the pregnancy. Together, they hoped and prayed for this baby to grow strong.
Then came the day every parent hopes for, September 19, 2018. After a long labor, their daughter was born. They named her Scottie, after her dad, whose birthday she shares. The moment she was placed in her arms, she sobbed. This little girl was worth every tear, every moment of pain, and every difficult step along the way.
It was hard to find words to describe what it felt like: joy, relief, love, and deep gratitude all wrapped into one. They knew they could never repay Rachel for the greatest gift she had given them. She didn’t just carry their daughter; she carried their hope and gave us a family. Our journey wasn’t easy. It took years of heartbreak and years of persistence. But through love from her husband, from Rachel, and from everyone who supported them, we finally became parents. Scottie’s life reminded us that sometimes the dream doesn’t come in the way they expected… but when it arrives, it makes every struggle worthwhile.
