Hi, My Name is Karen and I am Infertile

Seriously, I am. But you already knew that. I was silent, but you knew that too. What I am learning to be is a listener. Honestly, this is what I feel that I am being taught. Since beginning this documentation, this blog of my life that I have lived for the past dozen years, I have been learning to not only share, but to listen. This is what I've heard, this is an epidemic. Men, women, and couples everywhere are struggling with this. I get misty-eyed just considering the number of people who have approached me in the past year asking for advice and direction. Questions ranging from, "Does it get easier?" to "How do I begin the adoption process?" to "Who did you see as a fertility specialist?" Often I am blessed to hear their story or the story of their loved one. I say "blessed" because when someone opens up and talks about their infertility story I do not take that lightly. I think back to the women who I shared the secrets of our battle with and consider what they did that made it so easy to essentially dump such a heavy topic on them, and what I continually come back to is the fact that they listened. They didn't talk or give suggestions, they were quiet and let me vent. When that was over, they prayed for me, hugged me, and told me that they loved me. Now its my turn and I am trying to do the same. I will pray for you, listen, cyber-hug, and love you. This is how I picture a meeting for addicts (sorry, my reference is limited to what I see depicted in Hollywood). "Hi, My name is Karen and I am infertile." I see a group of people who accept me. Even if they haven't walked the same path, they empathize. They listen to my story, in its entirety. Finally they don't judge me as the "crazy-woman" (that honestly, I know I am). This is what I desire for all of us. Whether its in infertility, divorce, death, or depression. Be there for that person, listen, hug them, and let them know that they are loved. This is my #1 advice to man-kind. I am so blessed to have a loving family (in-laws included), wonderful friends, and a very understanding husband.