April’s Journey to Fertility: Week Thirty

Posted by April on Dec 29th, 2009 in news | 0 comments

April is a CNY Fertility Center patient and has been on her journey to fertility for approximately two and a half years. April will share candid stories and a unique perspective on the fertility challenges many women and couples face.

Week 30: Counting your Blessings
As 2009 winds down, many of us are probably experiencing a variety of emotions. Personally, I am upset to have not yet achieved a pregnancy and I have recently been overcome by the many common “what if” feelings women undergoing fertility treatments experience. As we begin to seriously consider IVF options and payment plans, I know that there is a possibility the entire process may not work. However, I also know that not trying is not an option, and we will never know unless we move forward.

One constant challenge I have as we move through this process is remembering that although I may not yet be a mother, there are many other prosperous aspects of my life. Serving as an adviser for my school’s service club this holiday season has helped keep me focused on my many blessings.

When I called one grandmother to let her know that we would be providing for her entire family of nine, I introduced myself and began the conversation by asking her how she was. Her reply, “blessed.” The reality of this woman’s situation is that she would have had every right to reply with a bitter or depressed response. After all, she is elderly, caring for eight grandchildren and living on a limited income. Once I let her know that our service club would provide plenty of food and gifts for her family, she was incredibly thankful. She began to explain a bit of her situation –this year had been harder than others, she had always been able to provide for her family, but she needed some help this holiday season. Her enthusiasm and genuine gratitude left me smiling for the rest of the day.

Although the woman’s sincere gratitude made me smile, the reality of my own problems lingered as she said, “I hope God blesses you.” My reply, I am ashamed to say was, “I hope he does, too.” My reply should have been, “He already has.”

Everyday, I wake up in a warm house, have plenty of electricity and hot water to prepare for my day, go to work or enjoy a day off, eat decent meals and come home to a husband who loves me. I have a family who is there when I need them, true friends and health. These blessings may seem essential to many, but imagine not having any of these essentials. Having spent the holidays getting to know some families who do not have enough food to last the month or who have recently had their power turned off, I can honestly say my blessings are plenty. Although there is one significant void in my life, I have too many fortunes not to be grateful.

As you ring in the New Year, try not to focus on what you do not have. Instead, try to focus on what you already have.

Happy New Year!

Peace, joy and hope to all of you as you begin 2010,
April all Year

Below are links to April’s past articles in case you missed any of them:

Week twenty nine: The Holidays

Week twenty eight: Making yourself a priority

Week twenty seven: The truth is…

Week twenty six: Making a Plan

Week twenty five: Attitude of Gratitude

Week twenty four: Giving

Week twenty three: De-cluttering

Week twenty two: The Voice from Within