Things I've Learned On Our Journey

Each day on this journey has enlightened me and taught me a lesson that has changed my outlook on our struggle and my life. These are some of the things I have been able to recall in this moment:

1.) Infertility is more prevalent than I had known.

2.) Different doctors/specialists have different ideas on fertility and the treatments they practice on their patients. Good luck choosing the one that will happen to work for you.

3.) Doctors/specialists have more of a limited knowledge base and fewer treatment options for PCOS than I had hoped for.

4.) PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) affects more women than I ever imagined.

5.) PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility.

6.) The majority of people have no idea what PCOS is and how it effects those that have it.

7.) People inadvertently say things about infertility that hurt more than help.

8.) It's more than ever increasingly difficult to understand the following:

a.) women that don't want a baby get pregnant "accidently"

b.) women who sell their bodies for drugs, money, etc. get pregnant

c.) women who are in prison and give birth in prison

d.) girls that get pregnant at the ages of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, etc.

(I have often contemplated becoming a crack addict that walks the streets in order to conceive - that seems to be the secret! j/k)

9.) I've learned hope is enduring, unwavering, and persevering.

10.) It is possible to begin crying at the sight of a baby or small child - not only because they are so cute or adorable, but because the very sight causes your heart to ache for what it desires and for what it may never have.

11.) Our plans and timing are not that of God's and His are supreme. Case and point, I always said I would at least have my first child while in my twenties. Too late for that now . . .

12.) More people love, pray, and hope with Chad and me than I had known before this journey began.

13.) I have been blessed with more than most people on this planet could ever dream. Of course, I have always known this, but this journey has amplified this truth and these blessings will never again go unnoticed, unappreciated, or un-treasured.

14.) The sheer, gloriously miraculous blessing it is for us, mere mortals, to conceive, carry a growing, developing child in the womb, give birth to that child, and then have the blessing of watching that child grow and learn about our world.

15.) There REALLY are one million and one things that have to happen PERFECTLY for a baby to be born. It's a wonder that any of us are here! Truly! Proof that each of us have a special purpose.

16.) There are no guarantees or certainties in life - ever!

17.) I want a baby more than I really ever realized.

18.) My husband wants a baby more than I really ever realized.

19.) I will be alright and the world will continue to turn if I shall never carry or deliver our baby.

20.) Each day that passes is one closer to the day we shall meet our baby. And, that is something to hope for and be thankful for!