Infertility can be one of the most painful experiences a person may endure. For many, dreams of parenthood are powerful and consuming. However, for some, like Angela Wheeler, those dreams are met with insurmountable challenges. Angela’s story begins with anticipation and excitement as she and her husband, Shawn, dream of having a family.
They wished for a life full of laughter, the pitter-patter of little feet, and the joys of raising children together. With hope, they planned each detail of their future with children in mind, never suspecting that fertility struggles would soon shape their lives.
The Heartache of Infertility
When pregnancy eluded Angela and Shawn month after month and year after year, hope began to wane. Medical tests, medications, and even surgeries became a staple in their lives. Anyone going through such struggles understands the unique pain of watching others effortlessly build families while grappling with personal grief. The daily reminders of what feels just out of reach can cast a shadow over even the smallest moments. Angela’s longing for a baby bump and the sadness she felt at church baby dedications reflect the silent suffering of infertility.
Seeking New Hope
In their sorrow, a new form of hope emerged: adoption. This decision brought Angela and Shawn a sense of peace they hadn’t felt in years. Adoption allowed them to step off the rollercoaster of medical treatments, tests, and disappointments and instead embrace a different path to parenthood. However, this process brought a new set of challenges for them. It demanded patience and resilience, and the emotional strain of meeting birth mothers and waiting for their decisions was intense.
Aside from the emotional impact, they had to navigate agencies and legal requirements. Yet, through this process, Angela and Shawn found peace in accepting a future they hadn’t initially imagined but were now fully embracing.
Embracing a New Vision of Hope
Angela’s story reminds us that hope doesn’t always look like we expect. Finding hope in infertility means giving ourselves the grace to mourn, heal, and open ourselves to different paths. Whether through natural conception, assisted reproductive technologies, or adoption, each path offers its version of beauty.
In Angela’s words, ”Infertility was some of the darkest days of my life… But it made us strong and put the fight in us.” Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the incredible strength of finding hope against all odds.
In her book For This Child, Angela recounts her journey through the insufferable pains of infertility and the path to adoption. This book is for every parent who has endured infertility, wait, or child loss. It’s a book about hope, love, and family. Get your copy now.