Over the many years since Taking Charge of Your Fertility was first released in 1995, I’ve had the joy of experiencing scores of amazingly serendipitous moments, but I think the one that will always touch me the most occurred just a couple years ago. But before I describe it, let me give a little context.

I gush effusively over most animals. And even though I’ve only actually had cats throughout my life, I love dogs, but I have to admit that I draw the line at the incessant poop patrol. Luckily though, for the past 34 years, I’ve lived by a lake with a 3-mile path around it, where I get to feed my soul daily with the sight of scores of jubilant pooches.

Several years ago, while detouring away from the path to an adjacent off-leash dog park, I realized there were no empty benches, so I asked a rather intimidatingly built man if he’d mind if I shared his bench (mind you, this was not yet the Covid-era that we’re all dealing with now). As we both sat there being entertained by the wild assortment of all manner of dogs, I asked him which was his. Much to my surprise, this clearly hefty man pointed to a tiny white female fluffball named Mochi racing back toward him.

“And which is yours?” he asked. I demurred “Actually, I don’t have a dog. Mind you, I absolutely love them, but I prefer to get my fix by watching other people’s dogs.” I continued, adding that “I chose to not have children either, but I love them, as well. Which is really ironic, given that my field is human fertility.”

I must have piqued his interest, because he mentioned that he and his wife had been trying to conceive for 18 months with no luck. I really felt for him, so I gave him my card as I was leaving and told him that I’d be happy to meet with her. He yelled back that his wife’s name was Susie, and his family just called him Beef.

Within a couple weeks, she and I met for a scrumptious lunch downtown, and I happily gave her a signed copy of my book. No later than about two months after we met, I got the joyous email that she was pregnant. Little Ethan was born nine months later.

Sigh. Serendipity is a beautiful thing.