This story has got through a number of changes. Maybe it is because it is Halloween season that the supernatural aspect if this story has come to be. i hope you enjoy,
My doctor had requested a meeting to discuss my test results. That is rarely a good sign.
"Mr. Griggs, the tests show that you have a very low sperm count, and those you have are not good swimmers. Your chances of impregnating your wife are, as my dear father would say, "slim and none, and slim just left town."
"So I can't get my wife pregnant. We can never have a baby."
"That is correct, of course you can always consider adoption or artificial insemination by donor."
"Why? What caused my sterility?"
"Most likely some sort of viral infection, likely something you caught around puberty."
"Surely there are some treatments available."
"There are treatments but they are only indicated when you have a moderate sperm count. Unfortunately your count is well below that."
"Okay, I guess that's it then." I stood up and left the small examination room. I sat in my car and cried over the news. My wife Dianne was not going to be happy. she wanted children so badly. We had been trying for months but with no luck. At least now I know why.
I couldn't go home right away. I needed courage, liquid courage. I found a pub that looked like a good spot, found a seat and began whiskey therapy.
Several hours later I realized that I was in no shape to drive home. I got a taxi to take me home. Dianne met me at the door.
"What the hell happened to you? Where have you been?"
"Had a couple of drinks at a pub after the doctor. Time just slipped away.". I said slurring my words.
"You're drunk! I've been here worried sick about you. What did the doctor say?"
"We had better sit down, before I fall down."
We sat in the living room. She took the couch, expecting me to sit there with her. I took the recliner instead.
"The doctor had some bad news for me. I am incapable of having children. Honey, I am shooting blanks. No viable little swimmers to fertilize those cute little eggs of yours. I am sorry Dianne. We both wanted children and now because of some past illness I am sterile."
"Did the doctor suggest any treatment?"
"No, nothing short of a miracle will revive the dead. I am so sorry. I wish I could express how inadequate I feel right now. The best I can do is this, I feel like less of a man than I used to be. I am your husband and I can't give you what you desire most, children. I wouldn't blame you if you filed for divorce so you could find a real man who can get you pregnant."
"James Griggs, I love you. I don't want to divorce you. If we have to be a childless couple then so be it. I am sad about it, but it doesn't make you any less of a man."
"You say that now but down the road...fuck, I have had way too much to drink. I am going to pass out."
Dianne got me reclined on the couch, covered me with a throw and placed a bucket close by in case any whiskey wanted to escape being metabolized.
I ended up unconscious till the following morning.
The morning dawned like thunder. Shit, I was I severely hung over. Dianne had thoughtfully put acetaminophen tablets and a glass of water on the coffee table. I scarfed those down and lay back down.
My mind drifted as I considered my problems. I didn't want to lose Dianne, she was the love if my life, but to condemn her to life without children was cruel. I hated even thinking about how much this hurt her.
After I felt a little more human I ate some breakfast. Dianne had gone to work. I phoned the doctor and asked him to please refer me to a shrink. He said there was a woman who specializes in dealing with couples with reproductive problems. He would refer me to her office. We were able to get in to see her the following day due to a cancellation. Dianne was glad I wanted to seek help.
The specialist was a pleasant looking middle-aged woman. She was very professional yet personable. She sympathized and guided us through the various choices. She said that the spouse with the fertility issue almost always feels guilty and spousal support is very important. She emphasized that the pressure this can put on a marriage is massive and it often ends in divorce.
Our choices, should we decide to exercise an alternative method to have children ran as follows.
1. Adoption (long wait period)
2.Artificial insemination by donor (cold and genetic roulette)
3.Artificial insemination by family or friend
I jokingly suggested a cheaper option, buying Dianne a sexy, new little black dress and sending her off to the clubs at night.
Neither the doctor or Dianne appreciated my attempt at humour.
The specialist emphasized that the most important thing was to make decisions together. Communication was going to be essential.
On the way home we started a discussion.
"I don't like any of those options Dianne. We waited till we were ready for children, we are ready now. Adoption would take far too long. Donor insemination just seems genetically dangerous. All my male relatives are dead so no donation from them."
"I know James, we'll figure it out. We will find a solution together." Dianne offered.
She was far more optimistic than I was.
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A few days later I had a phone call from my friend Trevor. Trevor and I went way back to our time in school. We were so similar in our appearance that we were often mistaken for brothers. Hey! That gives me a scathingly brilliant idea!
Trevor was maybe a little taller than me, and he had a little more meat on his bones, but we had the same hair colour, the same eyes and mouth. There was even talk at one time that my Dad might have sewn a few wild oats back in the day.
Trevor was in town on business, he lived a few towns east of us. He wanted to meet for a drink. I told him which pub and what time.
Trevor sat at a table nursing a dark ale. I got my usual whiskey.
"Great to see you old friend."
"And good to see you James. You are looking a little down lad, what's the issue?"
"Pregnancy, that's what is wrong."
"You've knocked up Dianne?"
"No, she most definitely not pregnant, that's the problem."
I explained everything to Trevor. I was touched at how seriously he took my news.
"But you and Dianne are all right aren't you."
"I think so, but the issue is becoming an emotional sink hole. It is wearing me out. Listen, I have an idea that I would love to run by you and Dianne. How would you like to come to my place for a take away food dinner so we can air some ideas."
Trevor nodded, it would be great to see Dianne again.
James called home and told Dianne that Trevor was coming home and we will bring supper with us.
We got to the house with three bags of Chinese food and a couple of bottles of whiskey. It was a wonderful dinner among good friends.
After the meal was over and we started the whisky. I called the meeting to order.
"Trevor knows the situation Dianne. I have a plan formulating in my brain that will help us achieve our goal."
"I recall the specialist suggesting sperm donation from a family member or a friend." Trevor is perfect. He looks so much like me. We used to fool everybody. We have very similar temperaments. I can't think of a better candidate. However you two will have to agree to it if this plan is a go or not."
Dianne agreed with me that this was our likely best bet. Trevor was already a father to four and was actually thinking of having a vasectomy soon.
Trevor agreed that the plan was great, brilliant and totally doable. He asked when this would happen. I responded that it would happen around Dianne's fertility periods and that was two weeks away.
"So we will have sex then?"asked Trevor, giving me a big toothy grin.
"There is no sex, unless you want to call masturbating sex. Essentially you would produce the sample and I would inject it into Dianne."
"I still vote for the old fashioned method, how about you Dianne?"
"In your dreams Trevor!!" She replied with a laugh.
"I will have to talk to Trudy about it and get her seal of approval but she loves you two, and I am sure she will love the idea."
So the three of us agreed this could happen. We crossed our fingers that Trudy would agree too.
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Dianne's mood improved over the next few days. It was great to see her full of hope, happy again.
James got back to me and said Trudy was fine with the plan. She was excited for us.
I spent time digging up proper supplies to carry out the procedure. I was thinking of using a turkey baster but common sense told me to ask at a medical supply shop. They recommended a much better apparatus.
I was happy but also very nervous. My wife would be carrying the child of my old friend. What if this gets weird psychologically? I had questions but no answers. It seemed that I would simply need to have faith that this was what would make Dianne and I happy.
The day was approaching quickly. Dianne had been monitoring her temperature so she could tell when she was ovulating. We estimated it would be Friday/Saturday.
It was zero hour and there was a knock on the door.
I answered it and I see Trevor and behind him I see Trudy.
"Come on in guys. I wasn't expecting you Trudy. I thought James was coming solo."