Last year I talked about the shame of silence - how there is a stigma attached to infertility because so much about it is still not discussed out in the open. This remains true. But so many people are affected by infertility - one out of every eight - so when you are out in public there could be a handful of people struggling with infertility around you at any given time.
We are warriors.
We battle a disease that sneaks into aspects of our lives we thought it couldn't touch. We are dreamers and hope seekers. We struggle privately and publicly. We can describe complicated medical terms so others understand. We are all ages and races. We are men and women.
We know this might always be our war.
We know joy and despair. We know how to wait. We've endured pain physically and emotionally. We cringe at what it can cost to have a family and somehow continue on, hoping it pays off in the end.
We have been told no more than yes.
We have suffered losses others don't know how to acknowledge. We know (contrary to popular belief), pregnancy doesn't happen once we "relax."
We are whole, yet still know brokenness. We are childless parents. We've celebrated and cried over the families of others. We are brave and fierce, as much as we are fragile and unsure. We make hard choices. We do what we think is best without having a guaranteed outcome.
We find strength in unexpected places. We pick ourselves up after we've been knocked down. We fear the worst and hope for the best. We are educators and trail blazers, leaders and followers.
By giving this disease a voice we loosen the grip it has on our hearts and bodies; by sharing our stories we help others know they are not alone on this journey.
We are your companions at the grocery store, the coffee shop, and the library. We are daughters and sons, sisters and brothers.
We are the bearers of infertility.
This week, take a moment and resolve to know more about infertility, and what you can do to make others aware of it.
7 comments:
Beautiful post, Becky. I am proud of you for breaking the silence and sharing your story because I know that others will feel less alone as a result. I wish that infertility wasn't something that you had a very personal connection with, but I know that all of my wishing won't take away the fact that it is the reality of your life. I'm thinking of you and looking forward to this week of posts!
I agree with everything that Lisa said. I am always amazed when I read your posts at how honest you are, but I also know how much that must help others to read your story. I look forward to reading more posts from you this week.
It's one thing to know facts about infertility. It's another thing to know the stories and people who face infertility. Becky, you've done such an amazing job putting a face to infertility. You have been so incredibly brave on this journey on so many levels, including your decision to come forward with your story. I hurt for you and yet, I also celebrate you. I'm looking forward to reading more this week.
Another beautiful post, my dear friend. Proud of you for getting involved, for speaking up and out, for sharing your story, for being brave and honest. xo
This is a beautiful post, friend. Without a doubt, I know your blog has been a source of help for other women who are struggling with infertility. You are vulnerable in your words, brave in your story, and as Lisa said, I wish you didn't have a personal connection to this. I am constantly inspired by you. <3
Becky this is so wonderful, absolutely love this and love how involved you are with this week. I'm so proud of you for being a voice and being a beacon (if that even makes sense). You truly are a warrior and I'm glad to call you a friend xoxo
Love you and your blog so much and this is why! You are so raw, open and honest. Never change. I guarantee you are offering support to someone who felt they had no one else to relate to.
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