5 years ago, 3 years ago, even 1 year ago, I never would have thought I'd be in the place I am today. "That is crazy!" "I don't understand how anyone could want to do that!" Those were both things that came to my mind when I heard about someone being a gestational surrogate. Last summer, I ate my own words!
It is said that God brings you to people, places and situations for a reason, even if you have no idea why at the time. Two years ago, I met Ali. Who would have thought that a resale website could bring such amazing changes to my life. Ali was the first person I interviewed when I started looking for a new babysitter for my own children. I interviewed one other person that day, and then stopped. There was just something about Ali just felt right. From the beginning, I knew that Ali had health issues, but I never really inquired about it because it never interfered with the amazing care she provided to my children. As time passed, we talked more and I learned more about her condition, but I still had no idea what was to come!
After just over a year, I learned (just after Ali did) that she would not be able to have children! This was something that she was expecting to hear, but I was not. My heart broke for her. Here is a woman that has always treated my children as if they were her own, been incredibly flexible with us and provided such a great support as well, how could she not be given the blessing of her own child?
Over the course of the next few days, the thoughts of surrogacy ran through my mind, but I simply shrugged them off. I still didn't quite understand how one could give up a child that grew inside of them. The more time that passed, the more I truly felt as though it was something that should at least be considered. I couldn't imagine being denied the things in life that bring me the most joy, and I couldn't imagine Ali without them either. I mentioned it to my husband who replied, "sure, why not. Maybe we can get some free babysitting out of it!" Ugh...men! Well, little did he know, I was serious and since he gave his permission, I decided to talk to Ali.
A few weeks later, everything changed as Ali and Brian accepted my offer! That was almost a year ago...due to necessary scheduling adjustments, we are just now moving forward with the process. I am so excited to begin this incredible journey that will bind my family with Ali's family, and hopefully let her family grow by 2!
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ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing gift God gave Ali. I've seen her with Olivia and Ethan. She loves sharing their pictures with us all. I'm so thankful for you and your family. I'm sobbing right now. We're huggers in our family. I hope you are to, because when I come there, I need to do that. K? Blessings on you while you go through this amazing journey with Ali and Brian.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness how awesome. This is such a selfless, loving and compassionate thing you are doing. I have no children of my own for health reasons. We've been through extopic pregnancies, failed invitro, and adoptions that went sour. It was such a hard journey. I know, today, there is indeed a reason for everything and God has a plan. I did not see that at the time and had a very difficult time accepting reality. Caryn, what you are doing is beyond words. I first heard about this from my friend Cindy and honestly I was skeptical. But now, after reading this I understand. Thank you for listening, hearing and obeying. God is so good and His plans are so above ours we can't even imagine how He will work out His plan. Thank you for agreeing to be a part of this plan for Ali and Brian. What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to do this for someone, and I think you are amazing! Can't wait to hear more!
ReplyDeleteI know my daughters are working on a fund raising effort for Ali & Brian!
ReplyDeleteSo many people have been touched by this story! It's fairly simple really, if 100 people sent $25, its' not that much... even that would end up being a significant help to them! My challenge is that anyone who has been touched by this venture so far do just that! Send it to Ali or Caryn today! I'm writing a check right now!
I just came across your story tonight. I live with chronic illness myself, but was blessed to have an unexpected child when I was 21, a little over four years before I got sick. (Mine is an Olivia also!) I always wanted to have at least two or three since I did not enjoy being an only child, but now I'm not sure that I will ever be able to have more because of my health, so I am thankful every day for the gift I was given. I belong to an online community of many women who have some of the same health issues I do, and a number of them are unable to have children. It truly breaks my heart. I wish that each of those friends had someone in their lives who might be willing and able to do what you're doing for Ali. I cannot think of anything more meaningful to do for another than to fulfill the dream of having a child. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have "liked" the Stone Family Facebook page so I can continue to follow. God bless. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your story Amanda. Your story, and the stories of those in your online community are exactly the reason why I am doing this. I would love to be able to help out more families because I just can't imagine my life without my blessings! Thank you for following our story.
ReplyDeleteI have never met you guys. I think you are very special people to do what you have done to give Ali and Brian such a gift. What an ordeal all of you went through. Thank you for Caryn, and a thank you, to your husband and children for being a part of this also.
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