What you can do

If someone you know is affected by infertility, you may wonder what you can do to support them. I found a really great article that offers suggestions. Please take time to read it.

I will say on a personal note, here are some of the worst things you can say:

"I know how you feel."---Trust me. Unless you've been on the exact same journey as me you have no idea.

"Do you have kids? Don't you know your parents want grand kids?"---Yes, this was really said to my face. Talk about really having to bite my tongue. Fortunately, our parents have been a HUGE support for us and have not pressured us AT ALL. In fact, they will be awesome grandparents when that day comes because of this journey. A thousand times better than the person who said this to me!

"You know to get pregnant you have to do...."---Seriously. I think we all know what needs to be done. Please stop try to educate me. I am probably more aware of the technicalities of getting pregnant than you are!

I could go on and on but you would probably stop reading. So to close on a positive not. Here are some of the best things you can say.

"I'm sending you a invitation to (baby shower, kids b-day, etc). Please know you don't have to come"---Odds are I'll probably show up, but to know that you understand how difficult it may be is priceless.

"Is there anything we can do while you are (taking shots, on bed rest, going to the Dr. 24/7, etc)?"---I'll probably say no, but you might catch me in a vulnerable I need some help phase. Just knowing that you understand the stress created by living around Dr. appointments helps us stay sane.

"We are having girls/guys night. Please come."---Sometimes this is the best escape. And no, I probably won't like questions about our journey on this night. But if I bring it up, indulge me!

And finally, one of the best things you can say:
"We are praying for you."---Sometimes that is all I need to hear. It helps me remember we are not on this journey alone and that people to care about us enough to remember us in their prayers.

Did you know??

Did you know infertility affects over 7 million people? Did you know that averages out to 1 in 6 couples? Did you know it not only affects those 7 million people but also their friends, families, co-workers, etc.? Did you know we will all be touched in one way or another by infertility? Think about it.

I have read many good books on this journey. One of them welcomed me to the "club" no one wants to be a part of. It made me think of all the times I wished to be part of this group or that group in my life only to find out that God had grander plans. I often think of what would happen if I had the option to opt out of the infertility club. Would I do it??

At first the answer seems easy. Of course I'd take off running as fast as I could and join the land of the "fertile". However, the more I think about it, the more I realize how much I'd be giving up to have not walked this journey.

Don't get me wrong. This journey stinks!! I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. But the reality is I'm here and I should make the best of it. I love that I have drawn closer to God, to my family, to my friends, and even to my co-workers. I have developed a new sense of openness with people. I love that Joel and I have a deeper sense of the "for better/for worse" part of our vows. I love that we are walking this road with so many people supporting and loving us. These are the perks of being on such a tough journey.

My goal for this week is to share information with you about infertility. I hope you will check back and continue to pray for and support all 7+ million of us along the road of infertility.

National Infertility Awareness Week

It only seemed appropriate to acknowledge this week. I will be posting some stats/suggestions throughout the week. Please stay tuned.