They say age is just a number, and you’re only as old as you feel, but when it comes to pregnancy and childbearing, there’s definitely a belief that it’s best left to the young.
This mother chose to buck the norms, though, and agreed to carry her own grandchild at the age of 61 so that her son could experience parenthood for himself.
Her name is Cecile Eledge, she’s from Nebraska, and she sounds like a pretty wonderful mother in her own right, if you ask me – when her 32-year-old son Mathew and his husband Elliot wanted to become parents, she immediately suggested she be their surrogate.
Cecile says she has always enjoyed pregnancy and also had an easy time of it, so even though she had undergone menopause a decade previously, she still wanted to give it a try (if a doctor would agree her body could handle it).
The couple’s reproductive endocrinologist thought the idea was swell, and so Cecile started a rigorous testing process that included mammograms, pap smears, blood work, ultrasounds, and cholesterol testing that revealed a body in tip-top condition for baby-baking.
Elliot’s sister surprised them by donating her eggs, they were fertilized by Mathew’s sperm, and Cecile started the treatments.
The pregnancy took on the first try, and though she experienced some tough stuff like blood pressure spikes and morning sickness, baby Uma was eventually born without complications – and without even requiring a C-section.
The fathers were overcome with emotion watching her come into the world (like most brand-new fathers are in that moment!), crying with joy and gratitude at the appearance of their special gift.
Mathew spoke with Daily Mail about the experience, and about his mother.
“I don’t know how to describe her; she’s remarkable. I have such deep respect for her and am so gracious that even as a grown adult, she continues to go above and beyond for me.”
I mean, my own mother is amazing and loves me a lot but I don’t know that I could have convinced her to do this. Ms. Eledge is truly a step above.
May we all be such selfless mothers, such grateful children, and so shamelessly thrilled at the unexpected beauty of life.