The Gift of Infertility

Meet my brother, Chris, his beautiful wife, Christy and their three miracle babies. Each one of these gorgeous babies came through the miracle of adoption, and after years and years of painful fertility treatments, failed fertility treatments, tears, discouragement, fear, fasting, prayers and then the gift of birth mothers, who were so selfless that they gave the gift of parenthood to a couple who couldn't provide that for themselves. Those were hard years. Really hard years. My heart still aches for them during those years, knowing the faith it took them to press forward when there seemed to be no hope in sight. Why would Heavenly Father prevent such a worthy couple from having children, when one of his greatest commandments is the "multiply and replenish the earth"? This was just one of the many hard questions that our family would ask ourselves. However, as the adoption process began for Chris and Christy it became very clear what Heavenly Father's plan was for them, and the Spirit filled our souls at this new miracle that we never knew we all needed....To see the miracle that adoption is for everyone involved. 

The Family a Proclamation to the World teaches us that, "Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity." My nephew and two nieces now have a privilege that they would not have otherwise been given if Chris and Christy been able to conceive on their own. I can think of no greater gift for these three precious souls than to be part of an eternal family, now. 

While adoption is not an easy route for anyone, it was the route Heavenly Father intended for this family. If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility, I encourage you to visit with your Bishop who can offer you spiritual guidance and counsel, as well as connect you with LDS Family services that can guide you through your options, and offer encouragement and hope. 

As for Chris and Christy, after 16 years of marriage, and never once being pregnant before, they are unexpectedly expecting their first naturally born baby! What a gift from heaven. A gift no greater than the three they have already been blessed with, but a new gift that they have never experienced before. God is so, so good!