National Infertility Awareness Week

It's been super hectic at work this week and I've had almost no time to blog, but I couldn't let this week go by without mentioning that it's National Infertility Awareness Week.

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I know there are people out there who are dealing with the ups and downs of infertility, some out loud and some in silence.

To those of you out there, I just want you to know that you're not alone. I know the pain of each pregnancy announcement on Facebook or in blog land. I know the pain of watching your friends' baby celebrate their first birthday when you were trying to get pregnant the same time they were. I know how it feels to dread getting your period every month. And I know the struggles of making your life revolve around trips to a fertility clinic.

I also know the things that people say, that make you angry, or want to cry. Yes, they're just saying those things to try and empathize or to help, but they don't realize how hard those things are to hear. (And for those of you supporting someone through infertility, I'll re-post something that I posted a while back about things you should and shouldn't say).

It's ok to be angry. It's ok to struggle to be fully happy for someone else when they tell you they're pregnant, and just wish that for once it was you. It's ok to cry and grieve. This process isn't easy on anyone, physically, mentally or emotionally.

I've learned so much about myself by going through infertility. I'm stronger than I thought I was. I'm  able to face fears better than I was before. And most importantly, I've grown closer to my husband through this process of getting our miracle baby, as well as discovering a whole network of incredible women who are always willing to listen, support, and lend an ear or shoulder to cry on or celebrate with.

Keep the faith. Keep rooting yourself on. If you need a cheerleader, I'm cheering you on!