Sharing
SharingI've always felt that everybody should be given the opportunity to raise a family. My belief has grown even more since my first child, Trey, was born. He is such a beautiful and magical creature. I wouldn't give him up for the world, but I want to do even more. I want to share my fertility with others who aren't able to bear children. For that reason, I have decided to become a surrogate mother.
My husband, Dan, was against the idea at first, but I was able to talk him into it. I told him about the way he felt when Trey was born, and he eventually realized that it wasn't fair for us not to share with those less fortunate than we were.
I went to an agency to talk about the process of becoming a surrogate mother. The people at the agency were more than happy to answer all of my questions. I was immediately matched up with a couple where the wife was infertile, Eric and Rebecca Quincy. I was surprised by how fast everything happened after I met them. We decided to meet a few days later to discuss the terms. During the meeting, we discussed the amount of monetary compensation I would receive, and the fact that I would be unable to have sex with my husband during this time to ensure knowledge of who the father was. Once we decided on the terms, it was time to begin the process.
A few days later, I went down to the agency to begin the process of artificial insemination. I knew that I would probably be returning several times before I actually became pregnant. I was a little nervous the first time, because I had never done anything like artificial insemination before. I was getting a little impatient since the only clothing I had on was a paper gown, and it was cold in the little room I was in.
"Hi Julie, I'm Dr. Ramblin, and I'll be performing this little procedure for you today," the doctor greeted as he came into the room.
"Hi," I replied. I couldn't think of anything else interesting to say.
"Have you been told about everything that's going to happen to you during this process?"
"Yes, I'm just a little nervous, but I'm ready."
"Good, then if you'll just lie down, this will only take a moment."
The doctor didn't exaggerate. Everything was over in a few moments. The doctor and I set up another appointment to see if the eggs had been fertilized. We decided that an appointment three days later would be appropriate. I left the building wondering if I had someone's child growing inside me. I felt like I was really doing a great service for the world.
When I returned home, Dan asked me how I was feeling. I told him that I felt just fine. I also mentioned that I would be returning to the clinic a few days later.
"You know, I really feel that we're doing the right thing. I wasn't sure at first, but now I believe that you're right, all couple do deserve a chance to bear children," Dan stated supportively.
I replied, "I can't wait to find out if this worked or if they're going to have to try again. I really hope it did. This is just so exciting."
I returned to the clinic three days later, just as we had planned. The only thing that I could think about during those three days was that I might have another child growing inside me. I ran straight into the clinic to find out the results. I just about jumped on Dr. Ramblin when he came in to tell me whether I was really pregnant.
"Well, I believe that you'll be very pleased to know that the zygote survived. You are officially pregnant."
I was speechless. At this moment, I had the same feeling I did when I found out I was pregnant with Trey, pure ecstasy. The only thing that I was able to do was give the doctor a big hug. After I had a chance to think clearly, I called up the Quincy's. When they heard the news, they were even more excited than I was. Rebecca nearly fainted, and the only words Eric was able to blurt out were, "You mean, I'm gonna be a Daddy?"
Over the next several months, I frequently visited the doctor for updates on the pregnancy. I was also a frequent visitor to Quincy household. I could see the joy in Eric and Rebecca's eyes every time they saw me. I always made their day brighter. They knew I was carrying their baby; their beautiful, little child.
Rebecca and Eric's dream came true on May 27, 1995. I went into labor, and had a beautiful little girl. She was named Stephanie Juliana Quincy. Juliana was chosen to honor me for carrying their gorgeous, kicking, breathing baby. I felt just as happy on that day as I did on the day Trey was born.
Unfortunately, my life was about to take a turn for the worse. Two years later I was diagnosed with AIDS. I found that I had contracted this disease from Eric's sperm. Apparently, the virus didn't show up during the screening process. I felt like somebody had shoved a knife in my back. My life was caving in on me. Not only did I have the virus, but Dan also contracted the disease from me. Who was going to care for Trey when we passed away?
It is now 1999. The AIDS virus has already become active in my body. Every day I try to fight it, but I am losing the battle. The doctors say that I probably only have three or four more months to live. Dan is still doing well. The virus hasn't become active in him yet. At least there will be someone there for Trey when I pass away.
I still believe that all couples deserve the chance to have a child, but not at the expense of someone else's life.