My babies are no longer babies!

Compassion and Infertility

While watching my nieces and nephews, I have learned that taking care of someone, nurturing, mothering, is a natural instinct. My two year old niece India would haul her baby, feeds her baby, and loves to put her down for naps. She has no concept of what society expects of her, gender roles, or feeling restrained or forced in any way. That desire to be a mother is evident in so many of us, and I always just assumed that my chance would come when I was ready. I never expected to be among the women whose attempts “to try” wouldn’t come so easily.

Two blurry years ago I was blissfully unaware and just so thrilled to be pregnant. After years of invasive tests, financial stress, and many emotions, these two miracle babies were growing inside of me. They were tangible reminders that life’s most difficult trials can become your greatest blessing and hopefully a fleeting memory. Today these two little miracles are a symbol of faith, power and endurance. When I look back at the photos my heart aches at the physical trials they had to overcome I am humbled at the strength they each have. I am grateful that I was chosen to be their mom and can’t wait to see what the will accomplish in this life.

Compassion is a “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” My journey with infertility and premature children opened my eyes to the true meaning of compassion. Friends listening while I complained or cried. Phone calls, emails, compliments, text messages, donating towards fertility treatment costs, one kid free Friday night helping me paint a striped nursery wall, were all given to me and my family. In honor of a belated Canadian Thanksgiving, and an upcoming American Thanksgiving, I want to personally say how thankful I am for the compassion that has been extended in my direction.

Every generous thought, word and deed is so greatly appreciated.

If you struggle with infertility and would like someone who has been there to listen, feel free to email me at any time, comment here. You can also find support by connecting with Generations of Hope.

I am proud to be a part of the Generations of Hope social media team, as I 100% support publicly funded In Vitro Fertilization in Alberta. Feel free to follow the conversation by following @gensofhope or searching #ABHC4IVF #abpoli on twitter.