Little girls (and boys) love playing “house.” They pretend they are moms or dads and care for their dolls or teddy bears as if they were their own children. I remember dressing my dolls for church, then putting them in a row on the stairs and giving them a Sunday school lesson. Like most girls, I always had dreams of being a mom.

After being married for a few years, my husband and I wanted to have children. Psalm 127:3 (TLB) says, “Children are a gift from God; they are his reward.” We were thrilled with our first baby boy and soon were ready to add to the family. After an early miscarriage and a year of trying to have another baby, we finally welcomed our second son. Four years later our baby girl joined us.

But for about 10% of women in the U.S., it isn’t that easy. Infertility is on the rise and it’s often a lonely journey as many women hide their pain. They put on a happy smile to attend baby showers and dedications or baptisms. They stay home from church on Mother’s Day because it’s just too hard.

When my daughter-in-law Meghann shared her infertility diagnosis with me, I sent her several books on infertility, but none of them seemed to address what she was going through. When she experienced their first miracle (a baby boy), Meghann asked if I would help her write a book on infertility to support other women. I thought if we shared stories from several women rather than just Meghann’s story, we would reach a broader audience. So that’s what we did!

Mothers in Waiting–Healing and Hope for Those with Empty Arms is a new book I co-authored with Meghann. It’s a collection of 30 stories from women who have experienced infertility, miscarriage, adoption, IVF procedures, and much more. With honest and heart-filled stories, the women walk beside those who are on this long and painful journey. Not all of the stories end with a child in the home, but they all end with hope.

April 21-29 is National Infertility Awareness Week. If you or someone you know is facing this journey, this book is a great resource and gift for those who need hope and encouragement.

This Mother’s Day, Meghann will not be staying home from church. Her second miracle (a baby girl) will be baptized, and I will be there with happy tears rolling down my cheeks.

Children are indeed a blessing!

Crystal