It seemed her happily-ever-after was right on schedule.
But little did Nancy know that the years ahead would be filled with sorrow, emptiness and loss, as she sent one baby after another to heaven. She felt her womb had failed her, and moreover, that she had failed as a mother.
“It was pretty awful. Like you feel guilty and like what did you do wrong? It makes you feel like a failure.”
“I had six miscarriages in eight years, so it was really hard, actually,” said Kerrigan on the DWTS set. “It almost felt shameful I think because I couldn’t do it on my own.”
“We had a good life, but I had that vision in my head since I was just such a small kid.”
But Nancy was as persistent in growing her family as she was in mastering her sport. If there’s one thing this world champion learned over the years, it’s that perseverance pays off.
And it did.
After accepting that they couldn’t conceive naturally, the Kerrigans opted for in vitro fertilization—and thanks be to God, they were finally able to have their second son, Brian.
“I think more than joy and love, I was relieved he was OK,” said the emotional mother.
Not long after, they were able to welcome a baby girl the family. Nicole’s birth marked the “blessing” and fulfillment of a lifelong family-of-five dream that Nancy envisioned since she was a little girl.
With her partner, Artem, by her side, Nancy performed a graceful tribute to her eight babies in heaven to the tune of Rascal Flatts’ “My Wish.” The breathtaking dance was also meant to send a heartfelt message to her three sweet children here on earth:
“We fought hard for this family and I want to say to my kids through this dance, never give up,” said the grateful mom. “Keep trying. If you have hope in your heart, you can persevere. I know it’s hard sometimes to have it, but it’s important.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJWIncZyZvo