"I Don't Remember How I Loved You Then": How Child Loss Deepened One Couple's Marriage

The opinions and perspectives shared in this episode are those of Dr. Clay Brigance, Ginny Lupka, Susan Sirpilla, and Johnny Sirpilla and are intended for educational and informational purposes only as part of the Love & Infertility podcast. The content discussed is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you need assistance navigating infertility, reproductive trauma, or mental health concerns, please consult your healthcare professional or a licensed therapist in your area.

This episode contains topics that may be upsetting to some listeners including infertility and reproductive trauma, miscarriage and pregnancy loss, medical procedures (including IVF and IUI), childlessness, and mental health challenges.

Welcome to episode two of Love & Infertility—the podcast specifically created for couples navigating the emotional rollercoaster of infertility, IVF, IUI, miscarriage, and reproductive trauma together. Today, hosts and therapists Dr. Clay Brigance and Ginny Lupka sit down with Johnny and Susan Sirpilla to hear their extraordinary story of love, loss, and resilience.

Johnny and Susan's journey through infertility led them to IVF and the birth of triplets Nicholas, Mary, and Peter who lived only brief, sacred moments. After this unimaginable loss, they faced more heartbreak: miscarriage of twins, a complicated international adoption process, and the challenge of rebuilding their lives while honoring their children.

What sets Johnny and Susan apart is not just what they survived, but how they survived it—together. In this conversation, they reveal the decisions, the grace, and the intentional choices that allowed grief to deepen their love instead of destroying it.

What You’ll Learn:

(02:15) Johnny and Susan’s story of love, loss, and resilience

(07:17) The impact of losing triplets and rebuilding

(14:02) How they Support each other through grief and loss

(16:25) The importance of humility and acceptance in marriage

(39:34) Reflections on family, legacy, and gratitude

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Life is Hard, But I'll Be Okay by Johnny Sirpilla

• Couple Therapy for Reproductive Grief by Dr. Clay Brigance, coming Fall 2026
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Infertility and Mental Health Manual

LET'S CONNECT:

Johnny & Susan Sirpilla:

• Website: Encourage 33

Dr. Clay Brigance:

• Instagram: @dr_claybrigance

• Website: www.drclaybrigance.com

Ginny Lupka:

• Instagram: @ginnylupkacounseling

• Substack: "That's Our Time"

• Website: www.ginnylupkacounseling.com