Gratitude

Thanksgiving can be a trying time for people struggling with fertility. When asked, "What are you thankful for?" my knee jerk response is "nothing." When you are denied the one thing you want most in the world, it is difficult to be grateful for those things you do have.

For me, I try think of the things I am thankful for that have helped me through my fertility journey. Amongst the darkness, there are still silver linings. Perhaps you can resonate with some of these ideas during this time of gratitude and make your life feel a little bit more full.

First, I am grateful for my husband. I could not do any of this without him. He is my biggest cheerleader and is always there to pick up the pieces when I fall apart. So many people say that infertility ruined their marriage, but is has made ours stronger.

Next, I am thankful for my family and friends. I am lucky that I have so many that support my journey. They send encouraging messages, sympathetic notes, and always love. There are many people on this earth that "don't get it," but I am blessed to be surrounded by either people that do get it or people that are trying to get it.

Finally, I am so grateful to live in this day and age. If I was born 50 or 100+ years ago, I'd have no chance at growing my family. No matter what percent chance the doctors give me that treatment will work, it isn't 0%. The fact that I have the opportunity to have hope is a miracle in itself and absolutely worth being grateful for.

What are you grateful for? Share with others or just yourself. Remember, "A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles" (Jane Fuller).