Tuesday, November 25, 2014

My Inspiration

We're a few days from Thanksgiving and what better way to celebrate thanks on my blog than by having my first guest post. But before that is published...I want to introduce her.

Many of you don't know her, but she knows you. For the past several years that I've been blogging, she's been reading. And not just reading my story (even though she hears it firsthand) but she's also been reading yours. She knows almost all of you, your stories and your struggles. 

She's not a commenter for the most part, not even on my blog except those rare posts that really resonate with her and pull her out of lurk mode. Amanda has been privy to a few of those comments due to their common path which warms my heart on a whole other level for another day.

Many of the women I've met had very little thought about infertility before it so crassly landed in their life. For me, infertility did not come along 4 years ago when I experienced our first loss and struggled to become pregnant again. It came along almost 9 years ago when my best friend experienced multiple losses and failed infertility treatments. 

I cried for her and for her husband for the pain that they were going through. The anguish of years of loss, hormones, treatments and failures that come with infertility. 

I want you all to know that while I've received so many loving comments and support from all of my fellow bloggers and infertility fighters that have praised me over the past few years for being strong...and brave...and many other compliments you've blessed upon me. There is a reason that I've been strong...and brave...

And her name is Jill. 

I learned from someone long before infertility reached my body how to be strong when life shoves you down. When the most unfair possibilities and scenarios come to fruition. When the world around you keeps on going (and procreating) leaving you behind. But you continue to get up each and every day and live your life the only way you can. Sometimes through laughter; and sometimes through tears. 

I've had the kind of love and support in my corner from day 1 of my infertility struggles. Because she knew...all too well. I've had a resource to turn to, from the very beginning. I've had someone to laugh with and to cry with. Someone that truly got it better than anyone else in my life ever could. 

I truly believe that we will all get through this hell that they call infertility. It just may not be when we hoped or how we expected. But I have no doubt that my happy ever after is coming.

We always talk about how it's 1 in 8 that will struggle with infertility. But how often do we talk about the 10% of that statistic that will never "recover" from infertility. That cannot be treated with IVF or medication. That have to move on to adoption or surrogacy or even to live a child-free life. 

What are the odds that my very best friend in the world and I are BOTH part of that 10%? We've known we were kindred spirits from the first moment we met almost 10 years ago. I never thought this would be something we'd both have to experience. 

I longed for a child almost 9 years ago. One that was not to be my own. But for one of the most special people in my life. My best friend. 

And thankfully, almost 5 years ago, that child arrived. It's hard to imagine loving my own more than I love her precious little C. This child lights up my life and melts my heart. So I can only imagine how full her heart is...

But that's Jill's story...and I'm so happy that she's going to tell it. 

Stay tuned...




15 comments:

  1. Oh Suzanne. I'm so glad you have had a close friend to walk this journey with! I can't wait to read Jill's story! I know yours is going to end up the same as hers - being a wonderful mother of a precious little one!! Please don't keep us waiting too long!

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  2. This journey gets a little easier when you have someone on your corner. I'm glad she's been there since day 1. Can't wait to hear her story.

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  3. Beautiful post. I'm very grateful to Jill for having supported you all this time.
    It reminds me to be more vocal about my own gratitude. Thank you.

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  4. Your friendship sounds so special! Can't wait to read her story.

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  5. YAY! I. Cannot. Wait. So excited, Jill!

    I know that I'm personally so thankful for Jill, not just for the words of wisdom and encouragement in my situation but even more so for the support that she has given to you during these really hard years. It's hard to love someone from afar. Hard when all you can do is "send" hugs from hundreds of miles away. I'm forever thankful that she was there, with real hugs, on some of your hardest days.

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  6. We hate to be in this position but it always helps to have support!! Sounds like you two are a great support for each other :)

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  7. How lucky you two are to have each other! Can't wait to hear Jill's story...

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  8. Wow...talk about statistics...both a part of this 10%...and best friends. It's horrible that any of us have to deal with the struggle of IF...but I can only imagine how helpful it would be to have your best friend to talk things over with :) I can't wait to hear Jill's story...and I also can't wait to read the ending to your story as well...very soon sweet friend...very soon! xoxo

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  9. This has me teary eyed. What an amazing blessing your friendship is. Thank you for sharing this story with us!

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  10. This is so wonderful! Having a friend to go through all of this with makes a world of difference. Praying for you in the coming weeks.

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