When it comes to the path to parenthood, we all have a story. Some of us have a very succinct story. Some of us have an extended journey that transforms our lives, changes our very existence and if we are lucky, connects us with others taking the scenic route to parenthood. I find myself surrounded by people with succinct stories - month 1 off of BCP they conceive, and 9 months later have their beautiful baby in their arms. They are wonderful parents and I admire them for that. However, I do believe that those of us taking the scenic route get, among other things, an opportunity to appreciate parenthood in a way others will never imagine. I believe that we experience strengthened relationships with our partners and the people we let into our circle of silence. Most of all, we experience a heightened relationship with ourselves.
My partner and I have been TTC for over 2 years now, including a loss at 10 weeks about a year ago. I know some of my readers have been trying for over 10 years and I just want to pause and acknowledge your strength and the great admiration I have for you. Some of you have never known even a short-term feeling of successful conception and again, you have my admiration for your courage. We all face slightly different struggles and we should never make comparisons as to who may face greater struggles or more hurt, we are all in this together.
What I can say about the past two years is that they have been filled with obstacles I never imagined I would face in life. Infertility, miscarriage, those were things that happened to other people but not me. When I decided I wanted a baby, I would have one. Simple, right? Hardly. Am I victimized by this journey? No. Our story has strengthened our relationship. Our story has helped me to grow to become a stronger person than I ever knew I could be. I look at life differently because of the loss I have felt and I know I am courageous because of the month after month of failure I have faced and the fact that I face the next cycle with courage.
How has your path to parenthood impacted you as an individual? How has it impacted your relationships?
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