Saturday was one of the most memorable days I'll ever have...and it had nothing to do with me, or my family. It was a day celebrating the upcoming twins of one of my best childhood friends. These are not ordinary twins...and my best friend is not on an ordinary mother.
My friend Kristen was diagnosed with a medical condition which has basically prevented her from carrying children. She has known about this since she was in her late teens, and of course she was always heartbroken at the idea of not having her own children, as most women would be. She often spoke of surrogacy or adoption before and after marrying her husband, and their longing for children one day.
Kristen and her husband eventually had a son via surrogate, and he's an adorable four year old named Braxton. Smart as a whip and cute as a button! When Kristen went through her first surrogacy journey with Braxton, I remember everything and was thrilled to hear all of the amazing updates throughout the pregnancy, but I don't think you truly "get it", or appreciate the gravity and magnitude of the situation, until you're a mother yourself. I wasn't able to make Braxton's birth due an unexpected family member's passing in Canada, but I was so excited for my best friend finally becoming a mother! I remember thinking I was so sad I missed it, because I doubted they would ever be able to have another child via surrogacy again, and Braxton would be an only child.
Well, Kristen and her husband were blessed with news earlier last year, that a friend of theirs, Amanda, wanted to be their surrogate. She was called to do this for them. Kristen has always spoken so highly of Amanda, who interestingly enough is married to a very nice guy we grew up with...we went to school with her husband our entire lives lol. They have two beautiful children. Wendy and I feel as if we already know Amanda from this journey...Kristen has videotaped and photographed everything they have experienced on this surrogacy journey together, which is so great. The moment they found out they were pregnant, and even the moment they found out it was TWINS! It's pretty cool to see your child's first baby picture...when it's taken at the cellular stage under a microscope! Amazing!
I had the great opportunity to finally meet her surrogate on Saturday, at the twins' "gender reveal" party. She exudes grace, and just seeing the girl who is carrying my best friend's twins, well, it just about made me cry upon introduction.
The gender party was the most exciting thing I think I've ever witnessed. I'm not exaggerating. Kristen and Rudy REALLY wanted at least one girl. They have a son, and they were just hoping for one girl. They cut "baby A" cake, and, it's PINK! We're all screaming, jumping up and down, and everyone begins sobbing. Okay...so we know one will be a girl! We are all so happy for Kristen, as she's wanted a girl so badly. Then, cake number two, and, it's PINK! TWO girls!?!
Kristen and Rudy were just beside themselves with pure joy and happiness. (Kristen may have been holding Rudy up off the floor, knowing he was having two future teenage diva daughters, but he was thrilled anyway!) Everyone, all 50 something people, were just thrilled to death. We can't stop crying, as we watch Kristen and Rudy embrace, hug, kiss, smile, shed tears...and beside them, is Amanda, crying tears of joy herself. I will never, ever forget this moment...and I am so blessed to have witnessed it.
Most people would think a gender reveal party is just another excuse for an over the top celebration. Well, this one wasn't. It was a celebration of two little miracles, an angel, and two parents who desperately wanted a family of their own. The journey of surrogacy is a very long, stressful, exciting, often difficult, and a rare occurrence. I also believe it's a true miracle. It has enabled my best friend to become a mother.
I never would have thought, years ago, that my friend Kristen would have a child...much less three, of her own. They are blessed beyond measure, and I can't express my gratitude to their surrogate, Amanda, for giving them such a glorious gift. All I can say is the Lord works in mysterious and beautiful ways, and this weekend he reminded me of how blessed we truly are. Being in the presence of such overwhelming gratitude and joy was something I'll never, ever forget.
“We prayed for this child and the Lord has granted us what we asked of Him.” – I Samuel 1:27
Our cup runneth over,
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