As I entered my 40th year on earth, and ten years into a potent longing to participate in one of the most epic acts of human creativity—building a family—I found myself, through a series of circumstances beyond my control, living alone and leading an autonomous life. My affections run deep for my joyous dog and two magical cats. Still, I feel a primal yearning to become the matriarch of a human family whose lineage will continue for generations.