2Throughout my life, our family has had many special times in our lives, but one of the most special times came in the Spring of 1953. My youngest sister Joy had just wed her husband Isaac that Winter. We were all very excited for them and while our parents were slightly sad to be "empty nesters," they were seldom alone with all the grandchildren and children living nearby. Many exciting things happened that Spring. But by far, Elizabeth had the most memorable experiences.
March 15, 1953
Everyone had finished eating supper at John and Olivia's.
"Daddy, we have something to tell everyone." Jim Bob smiled.
"Go on Son." John smiled.
Jim Bob gently touched Patsy's arms.
"The other day, I went to Dr. Spencer and found out that I'm expecting!" Patsy beamed.
"Baby Number Four." Jim Bob grinned.
Everyone congratulated them.
"I'm happy for you." Elizabeth hugged Jim Bob, then Patsy. She forced a smile.
"Don't worry Elizabeth, your time will come too." Patsy smiled slightly and squeezed Elizabeth's hand.
"I'm beginning to give up."
"Don't." Patsy whispered.
Elizabeth nodded. She tried really hard to be happy for her brother and sister-in-law, but she was having a hard time. She and her husband Drew had tried to conceive since they were married six years ago. But they hadn't been able to have children yet. Their family doctor, Dr. David Spencer, had told Drew and Elizabeth that they would likely never have children.
That evening, Joy took Elizabeth aside.
"I can't imagine how hard this is for you." The 17-year old said sympathetically.
"I've given up all hope." Elizabeth said.
"Well, you handled it well." Joy tried to encourage her sister.
The 24-year old looked across the room at her husband. He was adoring his youngest nephew.
"Look at him, he loves children." Elizabeth paused. She whispered. "And I can't give him any of his own." A tear rolled down her cheek.
Joy squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "Elizabeth, I'm praying for you and Drew every day. I just know that God wants you to have children, whether they're yours biologically or yours by love and adoption. I know you and Drew were meant to be parents."
Elizabeth just watched her husband.
"I love you Elizabeth." Joy said quietly, leaving her sister alone.
Joy walked over to Erin.
"Is she okay?" Erin asked.
"I'm honestly not sure." Joy said gently. "She seems really depressed. She's upset that she can't have children. I think Patsy's news made her sad."
That evening, Drew and Elizabeth drove home in silence. Drew broke the silence once they got into their house.
"I sure am happy for Jim Bob and Patsy. They're gonna be great parents." Drew smiled.
"Drew, you don't have to play games with me." Elizabeth said.
"What? Can't a guy be happy for his brother-in-law and sister-in-law?"
"It's not that. I know how much it would mean to you to have children of your own. And I can't…" her voice faltered and tears filled her eyes. A knot in her throat made it impossible for her to speak for a moment. "I can't give them to you."
"Elizabeth, Honey, we can adopt."
"But that's a long and tedious process and I know how much you love babies. We'll never have a baby."
"We have nephews and nieces all around us, Baby."
"But they're not ours."
Drew put his hands on Elizabeth's shoulders and looked directly into her eyes. "Elizabeth, I love you. That will never change. If we have children, I'll love you. If we never have children, I'll love you. You're my wife and I love you more than words can say. We will be fine."
