Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“An inspiring true story of love and perseverance that will bring you to tears and make you believe in the power of miracles.”

If you enjoy reading memoirs about real people, about perseverance, about hope, then this is a book you will want to pick up. It follows Abby Gray’s journey of pregnancy struggles and loss, as well as navigating her husband’s declining health. But it also has the most beautiful ending that will fill you with love and a newfound sense of gratitude for life. It was so fiercely moving and I really hope it helps anyone going through similar issues. I’m so happy to be sharing my review for Impatiently Waiting For Miracles!

About the book

Just two months after saying “I do,” Abby and Reid faced a challenge that would shake any marriage: Reid’s diagnosis with two chronic illnesses. As they pursued their dream of starting a family, they encountered one heartbreak after another-infertility, failed IVF treatments, and devastating miscarriages-pushing their love and endurance to the breaking point.

But when Reid’s health deteriorates further, and a liver transplant becomes his only hope, their story transforms into an extraordinary testament to courage and unwavering faith.

Abby shares their inspiring journey through her raw honesty and heartfelt storytelling, highlighting the power of love, the necessity of community, and the miracles that can emerge from life’s toughest battles. This love story will captivate you, leaving you feeling heartbroken yet uplifted as you root for their triumph against all odds.

My thoughts

As soon as I started the prologue, I knew this was going to be a very raw, heartfelt read. Told from Abby Gray’s perspective, we hear about such a traumatic time in her life, shared with her new husband, Reid. My husband and I got married last year, so I know only too well just how beautiful that newlywed bubble feels. You feel invincible. Like nothing can touch you. So to have this feeling completely shattered by the news of Reid’s health issues, which would soon require a liver transplant, is something I couldn’t comprehend.

After the prologue, Abby starts from the very beginning, from how she and Reid first met. She shares every detail, some happy memories, some funny memories, but also, the reality of finding out Reid’s diagnosis. Instantly, Abby’s story is heartbreaking, but I really admired the fact that she didn’t sugarcoat their experience. Every horrific detail is explored, every heartbreak, every uncertain feeling about the future. Their future. But when they try to start a family, the heartbreak would only get worse, as they’d soon find out.

“Both of us knew the fight ahead would be a big one. We had yet to learn what the future would bring and whether our dream of building a family would ever become a reality.”

I couldn’t get my head around just how much Abby and her family suffered. She first has an ectopic pregnancy, something which I’d heard of before but didn’t quite understand. I was surprised by how informative the book was about things like this, as well as perfectly portraying the thoughts and feelings that surround it. It was completely devastating to read. So incredibly upsetting. But the pain and suffering doesn’t end there for Abby and Reid. They try again. They suffer miscarriage after miscarriage after miscarriage. Each time, my heart broke a little more. How much strength must these two beautiful souls have inside them, to push on as much as they have done? I admire them both, so much.

I really appreciated how the topic of discussing pregnancy when you aren’t pregnant is covered. I hate it when people ask, “When are you having a baby, then?” “Oh, you’re married now, are you pregnant yet?” No one can know if you’ve been trying for years and years, just like Abby and Reid. No one can know if you’ve found out that you can’t have children and don’t want to discuss it. No one can know if you’ve already decided you don’t want children. I’ve had this so many times since we got married, and it really grinds my gears. Take note; asking these direct questions is not okay!

“Pregnancy loss is grief, and grief comes in waves. With the loss, there are always reminders of what could have been.”

If all their issues with starting their own family weren’t enough, Reid’s health declines much quicker than they were first anticipating. Whenever any more bad news was delivered, my stomach sank and my eyes glazed over with tears. Just how much more could they take? How cruel could life be? How unfair was all of this?! With Reid’s progressing disease, it was time to start the process of looking into organ donation. How Abby dealt with this, on top of multiple rounds of IVF was something I will never be able to imagine. I admired her so much, more than I could explain. After every set back, every loss, the disappointment within me was so strong. I could not stop reading; there just had to be some light at the end of the tunnel for this much deserving couple. They needed some good luck. They needed a miracle. And I’m so glad they never gave up hope.

With a new liver from Clayton, a donor who will never be forgotten, and a successful pregnancy resulting in miracle twin babies, I was completely overcome with emotion by the end. From the very start, I’d wanted nothing more than for Abby and Reid to live happy, healthy lives and to start their beautiful little family and, after years of pain and trauma, they’ve managed to do just that. Their journey isn’t over, but there is happiness, there is love, and there is hope. And I feel so incredibly proud of everything Abby and Reid have achieved together. And now I’m tearing up!!

“Expect miracles. A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.”

Impatiently Waiting For Miracles is such a devastating, yet hopeful story of balancing life-threatening health issues with pregnancy loss, and the uphill battle to starting a family so desperately wanted. This was a tough read on so many levels, but the strength and bravery Abby and her husband Reid have was so incredibly inspiring. No one should have to go through what this couple have endured, but hearing Abby’s experiences will give other families hope in such traumatic times. Aside from the heartbreak and sadness, it’s a beautiful story of hope and believing good does and will happen. This book puts so much into perspective and encourages you to take chances, love fiercely and believe miracles can happen. It’s beautiful, raw and honest, and I don’t think I’ve ever loved a memoir more. I feel so proud of you, Abby, and everything you and Reid have achieved together! You’re an inspiration to so many.

Huge thanks to Abby Gray for sharing such an important story with the world and to raise awareness of so many issues. You’re incredible! ❤️ You can grab your own copy of Impatiently Waiting For Miracles right now on Amazon. Make sure you’re following Abby and her incredible story over on Instagram.

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