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Debbie was raised in foster care after her parents put her up for adoption. Eventually, she found a permanent home with a firm but loving lady she would call “Mum.” Debbie was determined that when she grew up, she would have her own child to love and take care of as a way to combat the terrible memories of her time in foster care. However, after marrying, she learned her husband was infertile. Determined to be a mother, Debbie began looking for other methods of conceiving. This began a twelve-year journey involving numerous doctors, medicines, pain, and heartbreak. When everyone had given up and thought Debbie should move on, she ignored the pain and depression and relentlessly pursued her dream of getting pregnant and becoming a mother.
Bell’s story vividly recalls the abuse and neglect children can suffer when left in a state system that is not properly monitored. In addition, her difficulties in becoming pregnant highlight a struggle shared by many women but not often talked about. Bell calls attention to the medical procedures used to assist in fertilization and points out the differences in care shown by various medical staffers. She shares her story courageously, including details others might find embarrassing or too personal. This openness allows her voice to come across as genuine and will engage readers. However, the overall effectiveness of the work would have possibly been improved with a tighter focus on the narrative structure. Readers interested in learning about the amazing lengths some women must go through to become pregnant will find exactly that in this book.