@janbb: My son was a gift and wonderful surprise. I was told I wouldn’t conceive and was facing a hysterectomy. We weighed our odds with having a specialist help, but even they were not so convinced that they could help us conceive. I went away for a couple of days with one of my friends, and felt horrible the entire weekend. On the way back, it occurred to me, I only felt that way when I was pregnant with my daughter. I got home, waited a week (I was terrified. Taking a test and see negative, again, was the last thing I wanted to see.) I went to the same friend’s house, armed with 3 tests and used one. Positive. Used the other two, just in case, positive! I called my husband and he was thrilled. I was in shock.
The big surprise, I carried him. Not full term, but long enough for a beautiful baby boy to be born. Seven years later, I have a my son. I know I am lucky to have both of my children. (nine years separate them, but it’s allowed me to devote time to them in very different ways.)
My other gift: I have always been involved with Girl Scouts. I co-led a troop with the same friend, as above. We had this group of girls in our lives starting from about 1st grade on. This year, I am lucky enough to be involved with all but 2 of the girls, they moved out-of-state. It’s been incredible to see them through all of these stages. This year, 6 of them graduate. 5 are going to college. The one that isn’t is working for her family’s business. To see them grow, change and moving to the next big stage is a blessing.