Kurt and I, after trying so long to get pregnant on our own, were overjoyed when in-vitro fertilization worked for us on the very first attempt. We were blessed beyond measure with not just one child, but three, Kevin, Kyle, and Samantha. They have brought immeasurable joy and laughter into our lives, and we often look back on that season with such gratitude.
As the years passed and our family grew into a lively household of five, Kurt and I agreed that we were done having children biologically. Our hands and hearts were full, but there was still something that tugged at me.
I couldn’t shake the thought of our remaining embryos. What was their future? The idea of leaving them frozen indefinitely didn’t sit right with me. Nor was I at peace with the idea of donating them to research, where their chance of life would end before it began.
I wrestled with this for some time. It felt like unfinished business, like our family’s story wasn’t fully written yet. That’s when I learned about embryo adoption. At first, the concept felt overwhelming, even foreign. The thought of strangers giving birth to our embryos was emotional, to say the least. These weren’t just cells in a dish; they were full genetic siblings to Kevin, Kyle, and Samantha. But as I learned more, the pieces began to fall into place. Embryo adoption wasn’t about giving something up—it was about giving something priceless.
Through Snowflakes, we discovered a program that would allow us to carefully select an adopting family. This was important to us, not only for peace of mind, but also to ensure that the embryos would have the best chance at a loving, stable home. The process was thoughtful and intentional, and before long, we were matched with a couple whose hearts and hopes mirrored our own from years before.
Looking back now, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful ending. The adopting couple has become incredible parents. Their daughter, Samantha, is deeply loved and thriving, and our hearts are at peace knowing that her life was made possible through this decision.
Embryo adoption gave us closure, but more than that, it expanded the circle of love and family beyond what we could have envisioned. Our story, once filled with longing and waiting, now feels complete. Everyone’s prayers were answered, ours, theirs, and most of all, the children’s.
It truly is a “happily ever after.”
Do you have an embryo adoption or donation story? Send your story and photos to us! Post them yourself via Facebook, or email us your story, and we will make it available on our Family Stories page, found on our website.
Email Paige@nightlight.org and help another family build their embryo donation or adoption story.
To learn about embryo donation and adoption, visit EmbryoAdoption.org.
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