18 years ago today, I finalized a life-changing experience. I gave birth to twins that were not mine. Yes, you read that right. They were not my children but I gave birth to them.
I was a surrogate mom!
Today those twins turn 18! Looking back, I am not sure how it has been 18 years ago.
This was a journey and experience that we simply incredible. I’m honestly not sure how to even convey all that transpired between the fall of 2001 and the summer of 2003. (I may share more about this journey sometime.)
We had lost a very close family member tragically and I was searching for something to do in honor or memory of her. I was struggling mentally and emotionally over the loss of such a kind sweet woman and looking for something positive to come out of our loss.
When one afternoon, I was on the phone with a friend and she was distraught over the news of not being able to adopt a baby and knowing the trying to carry one on her own could kill her, she was beside herself. I remember saying to her “Why don’t I carry a baby for you?”. She was shocked and honestly, I was too. It wasn’t something I had talked to my husband about but when he came home I was telling him about the phone call and before I could tell him what I said, he said: “Why don’t you have a baby for her?”. Again, there was shock! Then the realization that this could be my positive way to pay forward life in honor of our loved one that we lost.
The idea was born that day but there were lots of things to learn about how to even make it happen. We had to learn something new in the medical, legal, and finance realms. Not to mention navigating the reactions from family and friends.
Fast forward, there were 2 fertilized embryos implanted with slim chances that they would both take BUT because the whole journey was a miracle in so many ways….they both took. TWINS!
Fast forward again, here we are 18 years later!
They are fine young adults that will always be close to my heart. I am blessed to still be great friends with their mom. We speak fairly regularly and try to see each other every year or two.
Happy 18th birthday, A & C! I look forward to watching you blossom into adulthood.
Always faithful,
“Aunt” Pam
I also shared a short video on TikTok today about the experience.