In the center of Falun, a small city in Sweden, a remarkable story unfolds. Hanna Efrik, a 40-year-old woman, and her 5-month-old daughter, Märta, have found a true sense of home in their log house. The move to Falun from Stockholm was initially not on Hanna’s mind, but when she became pregnant, everything changed. Just two weeks after the move, Märta was born, and since then, Hanna has never felt more at home.
Hanna reflects on the transformative power of motherhood, stating, “It’s not about Falun or our home. It’s about Märta. She has made me find home.” Hanna cherishes the moments shared with Märta, embracing the stillness and happiness that being her mother brings. She marvels at the beauty and goodness that she couldn’t have imagined before.
Before Märta entered Hanna’s life, she had been a searching individual, constantly seeking adventure and drawn to adventurous men. However, as the years passed, Hanna realized that she hadn’t actively taken steps to create the family she wanted. This realization prompted her to seek help from a fertility clinic in Stockholm at the age of 37.
Hanna’s experience at the clinic proved to be a life-changing one. The doctor she met was tough but pushed her to reassess her choices regarding relationships. The fear of a long waiting list due to the pandemic led Hanna to consider an alternative path. She remembered a conversation she had with Thomas, her best friend Marie’s brother, six years prior. Thomas had donated sperm a couple of times and had been a presence in Hanna’s life since childhood.
Taking a leap of faith, Hanna contacted Thomas to explore the possibility of him being the father of her child. To their surprise, Thomas agreed immediately, and they embarked on the process together. Hanna inseminated herself in her home, with Thomas in another room. Despite some rough moments during the six ovulations, Hanna remained dedicated, believing that everything would fall into place.
Märta’s conception became a reality when Hanna requested Thomas to visit her house for two consecutive days. On the second day, Thomas himself suggested he come the following day as well. Hanna laughs joyfully as she recalls Märta’s creation and the subsequent pregnancy, which was complication-free. During the birth, Thomas and Hanna’s sister were present, providing support.
Hanna and Thomas have an agreement that Hanna has sole custody of Märta while allowing Thomas to be as involved as he desires. Their arrangement reflects their close friendship and respect for each other. Hanna wants to give Thomas the freedom to decide his level of fatherhood involvement, as he is welcome to visit anytime, even if it may not always be convenient.
Thomas is not just a donor to Hanna; he has become one of her closest friends and Märta’s father. Hanna acknowledges the unique bond they share, stating, “Märta really has a father in Thomas.” Despite the unconventional circumstances, Hanna and Thomas have created a loving family for Märta.
Looking forward, Hanna has already started thinking about giving Märta a sibling in the future. The thought excites both Hanna and Thomas, further enhancing their unbreakable bond. As Hanna holds Märta in her arms, she reflects on the journey that has led her to this moment, cherishing the love and home she has found through motherhood.