In a world where the pursuit of love and family often follows a traditional path, Michele Elizaga, a remarkable woman from Arizona, chose to embark on an unconventional journey to motherhood. At the age of 40, Michele decided it was time to fulfill her dream of becoming a mother, even if it meant doing it on her own.
Having spent years patiently waiting for the right partner to come into her life, Michele celebrated her 40th birthday surrounded by friends and had an epiphany. She decided that she wouldn’t let time pass her by any longer, and she was determined to start a family on her own terms.
With unwavering determination, Michele entrusted all her savings, a total of $5,000, to purchase a single vial of donated sperm. She embarked on her journey towards motherhood with hope in her heart, knowing that the road ahead might be challenging.
In June 2019, her perseverance and courage bore fruit as Michele discovered that she was pregnant. Her son, Matthew, now two years old, brought immense joy to her life. Matthew was born with Down Syndrome, adding a unique dimension to Michele’s journey into motherhood.
As a single mother, Michele’s life is centered around caring for her beloved son, making it challenging to find time for dating and relationships. Nevertheless, Michele remains steadfast in her desire to have a family. She has found empowerment and strength in her journey, proving that the love of a mother knows no bounds.
Reflecting on her path to motherhood, Michele shared, “I want a family, and I love being a mother. I fear that my time is running out. When I found out I could have children without a man, it surprised me. So, I decided to save money to make it happen because I knew it could be quite expensive.”
Despite the odds, Michele’s determination to become a mother prevailed. While doctors initially cautioned her that it might take multiple attempts, she held onto hope. And when she saw those two lines on the pregnancy test after just two weeks, her joy knew no bounds.
However, the journey had its challenges. Due to her age, Michele underwent prenatal testing at 12 weeks, revealing the gender of her child and the possibility of Down Syndrome. Learning of the nine out of ten chance that her baby would have Down Syndrome was heartbreaking for Michele. She recalls, “I was devastated. I cried a ton.”
Nonetheless, Michele’s pregnancy was smooth, and she welcomed her son, Matthew, into the world through an emergency C-section on June 3, 2019. The moment she met him, she was filled with indescribable happiness. Matthew spent two months in the NICU before finally coming home, marking the beginning of Michele’s incredible journey as a single mother.
Being a single mother has its challenges, especially when caring for a child with special needs, but Michele embraces every moment of this remarkable journey. Matthew’s infectious energy, humor, and sweetness bring immeasurable joy into her life, making every sacrifice worthwhile.
Michele Elizaga’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that the path to motherhood can take many forms, and love knows no bounds.
