"We Can't Have a Baby"

Her Turn, continued

"As a result, we're drifting apart. Our conversations are impersonal, and we rarely laugh anymore. We're strapped for cash-IVF costs around $10,000, and we're maxing out our credit cards to pay for it-so we've stopped doing things we enjoy.

"My other relationships are suffering, too. Lately, I've been making excuses to go out when my stepson visits, because seeing him makes me sad. It's awkward being around friends who have kids, and I hate it when people ask, 'Why don't you just adopt?' That makes me feel as if it's somehow wrong to want a biological child when this other option is available.

"I told Bob I wanted to try IVF again, but only if we saw a marriage counselor, too. I hate feeling so bitter all the time. I don't want to lose my marriage -- but I don't want to live with regrets the rest of my life, either."