I had this plan. I wasn't going to tell ANYONE about our fertility issues. I was going to just be one of those girls who pops up pregnant and everyone would think we just waited to try. There's that word... waiting. I stayed silent as long as I could, but when months turned into a year and people started asking (I'm LDS, it's not if you're having kids, it's when you're having kids. And lots of them. It's not a requirement, but we believe that "The first great commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife." For more about my beliefs on family, click here.) I had planned on having at least four kids, not because we are commanded to, but because I want a large family (I'm an only child) and I want my children to have siblings. Slowly, one at a time, I started telling people about our issues. I never told and haven't told the rude ones though, if they aren't considerate enough to be kind they have no business knowing.
I have the Instagram app on my iPhone, and recently figured out how to search for different topics. You put a # (known as a hashtag) and type in whatever you want to see i.e. #clomid (our medication) #food #pinterest or even #australianshepherds. I typed in "#clomid" and was shown thousands of pictures by other users who were either taking it or had taken it. After searching "#infertility" I was blown away at how many of us there are that suffer from it. All races, all countries, all body types, all different types and forms of the disease! We are everywhere! I then came across "#ttcsisters" and started liking and commenting on people's photos thanking them for their willingness to inspire others. I started getting add requests from them, and it grew! I finally created my own ttc (trying to conceive) profile you can see here (if I let you- please don't be offended if I don't add you... it's not you, it's me. No, really, we all post things you don't want to know about us if you aren't trying to get pregnant!!) I have gained a TON of friends, all girls who are going through the same things as me! I feel so supported and loved, and I finally feel like I have someone to talk to who understands. My friends do understand, but it's so nice to have someone on the same cycle day as me, or doing the same medications as I am. We support each other.
About a week ago I started noticing the different "swaps" people were doing, and I decided I wanted to start one. I put a message on it that said I was willing to swap with anyone out there who wanted to try it and hadn't been invited to one yet. I sent five packages in the first three days. I also received one back- a wonderful lady who sent me all sorts of amazing gifts and treats! Christmas in June I tell you!! I had one girl email me and tell me she had never gotten any sort of care package and that she was so thankful. Two of those five girls now text back and forth with me on a daily basis. I did another one this week and there are now packages on their way to and from all over the US and even Australia and next week Puerto Rico! I love being able to support each other. If you are struggling with infertility and need a friend, come find us. These women are amazing. You will never feel unloved, misunderstood or alone again. So thankful that I've found them all.
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