My failure at fatherhood took over my entire life
Jon Waldman always imagined he would have a big family – but then he and his wife received a bombshell diagnosis
Jon Waldman photographed at home in Winnipeg, Canada
Credit: Sarah Fuller
I will never forget the day my wife and I were given the diagnosis of unexplained infertility – that neither Elana nor I seemed to have anything wrong with us that would prevent us from having a child naturally.
The bomb was dropped during the first meeting with our new fertility specialist, an appointment that came after months of disappointments, failed attempts and a devastating miscarriage. In a signature case of poor bedside manner, he had pictures of his happy family – wife and two children – plastered across the walls of his office. His tone was very clinical, offering little concern or care. I remember remarking to Elana as we were leaving just how insensitive this seemed.