The End and the Beginning

All my childhood and youth, I always thought growing up was as easy as finding a job, settling down, getting married and having children. However, I never thought it would work that way for most people. Some get stuck with finding someone to marry while to my surprise, a number of couples are stuck with the last step.

Having Children is something someone like me who has been married for 11 years has always dreamed of. It wasn't an easy journey for us and most couples. It was heartbreaking and depressing for both of us as we constantly wait and hope for something to happen when our bodies are not simply suited for it.

To add to this is the social stigma and pressure coming from people around you and worst... in the family. Imagine the pressure of your family asking you weekly why you are not having a baby... and even suggesting things you are doing wrong. This is the world we live in now - a lack of empathy for others suffering.

It took us years even to finally have a successful IVF process. That itself is a rollercoaster ride costing us resources, emotions and time. All I can say is it was well worth it. It was worth the financial sacrifice. It was worth the waiting we did. It was worth the pressure we received from people around us. It was worth the emotions we needed to go to. Though it's fair to say, it was more of my wife who suffered more than I in a physical sense and I love her for braving this journey.

What truly helped a lot are great people around you - Family and friends that prays for you. In the end, all glory to God who is the giver of life. He gave us the best gift this year that changed our lives.

It is indeed the end... the end of our longing, suffering, wanting, and asking. It is the end of our heartbreak and cries. The end of childlessness.

Now it is the beginning... the beginning of parenthood. The beginning of joy and laughter. The beginning of nurturing and discipline. The beginning of Fatherhood.