Support

Support for someone with infertility who is trying to start a family comes in many different forms. Sometimes the best support is a hug without the exchange of any words. Sometimes it is from someone who asks how are you doing and lends an ear so you can spill everything. Other times, it's from someone who will hug you or hold you while you sob. I've been able to experience each of these various forms of support, among many others,  on our long and difficult journey.  One of my favorites is a bag of my favorite candy after a bad day (my co-worker has that one nailed!) :)

I love that I have support from friends, family, co-workers and even acquaintances, but nothing compares to the support I've recently gained by attending a local support group. I love my friends very much and appreciate their support and love for us, but there is something very different about having support from someone, even someone I've just met, who is walking this marathon journey right along with me. I know that my tears are truly understood by them, and my pain has likely been shared by them.

I was a little nervous about going to this support group for the first time. I should have gone in May, which was the first meeting that followed the infertility conference I attended in April. But I told myself, stupidly, that my IVF in May would work and I wouldn't need to go. I regret not having attended the group the week of our egg retrieval because I would have loved to have support from these women during this difficult time. I would have had even more shoulders to lean on when the unfortunate and devastating news came that our cycle failed. But, you live and learn, and I attended in June and am so happy that I did!

It was amazing to meet so many women who are in my shoes. However, at the same time, it's sad to see how many of us there are that are going through this. It was nice to be somewhere where everyone really knows where the tears are coming from. Seeing someone cry while sharing their story brings tears to another's eyes because we have walked in those shoes or are currently, and we truly know the pain that the woman is feeling as she cries. Many women are in different stages of the process but we all share a common goal and a common painful and arduous journey to attain that goal.

I feel like I have and will gain many new friendships from the support group and already can't wait to go back next month. It's nice to have an outlet to vent about things these women might understand while my other friends may not. Again, I don't want to sound like I don't love my other friends and whole-heartedly appreciate their support, but it's just comforting to have friends who can truly relate to my emotions and my situation.

So here's a big "THANK YOU" to everyone in my life and my husband's life who loves and supports us on our journey. We appreciate you all individually and all of the support you offer us! And thank you to my new friends for accepting me into the support group and for offering me your friendship and support!!