I have never had anything in my life handed to me. Things never came easy; I struggled in school, I struggled in my home life, in my relationships & within myself. That being said, all of my struggles taught me compassion & work ethic. It taught me how to be a friend, and to work for things that matter most to me.
The only thing that ever came easy to me was becoming a mother. Now, I by no means am indicating my pregnancy was a breeze, because it was physically 6 months of hell, 2 months of bliss & 2 months of agony, in that order. Then followed by 24 hours of intense labor. YIKES!! What I mean was I didn’t have to struggle with getting pregnant. I was in a serious relationship with my high school sweetheart, we had been together for 5 years, had just gotten a place in Chicago & I thought it would be a perfect time to have a baby. Please don’t ask me why. Less than a month later (yes less than), I was having pregnancy symptoms. And 1 week before missing my monthly, I took a test and WHAM! Life changed.
For so many women, it’s not that easy. There are over 6.7 million women in the US struggling with completing their family. This is heart-breaking for me. I just don’t understand why it has to be such a battlefield. This is what us women were made to do. My heart aches for those struggling. About 2 years ago I was at a wedding, talking with my college roommate and she opened up to me with her struggles to conceive. She is by far one of the healthiest women I know, so I was so shocked that a 26-year-old athlete would be going through infertility treatments. It makes you take a step back & really be thankful for what you have.
Fast forward to 2 years later.
I have this uncontrollable urge to do something fantastic. I’ve always been the type that loves giving gifts, or paying for coffee for the car who is behind me in the drive through at Starbucks. I don’t have a lot to give, but I adore making someone’s day. Last year, I watched a brave woman become a surrogate. I was in awe over the entire process; her strength & compassion, her selflessness & love. She inspired me in ways she will never know.
Cue my decision to become a SURROGATE!! The choice was easy for me. I really didn’t think twice about it. I had the idea in my head and I wasn’t going back. I contacted my inspirational gs (gestational surrogate) and she opened up to me with her story and advice, and agreed to be my mentor throughout the entire process. I needed someone to guide me, to give me advice & to be my backbone if mine is feeling weak. That night, I immediately applied to two agencies & joined an online website full of classified ads with families looking for someone to assist in completing their journey in to parenthood (http://www.surromomsonline.com/classifieds/). This was the beginning of my journey.
I am so excited & honored to be able to share my journey with the Iowa City Moms Blog. I hope that I can inspire at least one person to make someone’s day. And hopefully you will all enjoy watching me through my journey of making someone’s life complete. Stay tuned…I have so much more to share…
You are an incredible young woman proud to know you
What an exciting and brave adventure you are on! I can’t wait to hear more about your surrogate journey!!! =)
Love you lady! So proud of you!
Thank you so much for sharing your story!! So proud of you and can’t wait to see what’s next for you!!
so happy to share your story Jacqui. and so proud to be your friend! exciting things ahead for you!
I am blown away by your compassion and courage! I can’t wait to follow your journey and see how you will bless a new family.
you are an amazing, selfless, compassionate woman. as a friend who’s watched others struggle with infertility, i thank you. as a mom who might not be able to have more kids – i pray every day for someone like you. there aren’t many people in this world brave and selfless enough to give something that amazing to someone else. bless you for your heart and for sharing your journey.
This is crazy. You sound just like me. I think about being a surrogate all the time. Sometimes I think I am nuts. Nice to know there are others like me…
WOW!! Thank you everyone for your kind words!! I cannot wait to share more!
Can’t wait to read the rest of the story!!