Gratitude
Our fertility story is actually fairly basic and brief compared to others we have heard, but not an uncommon one. Having tried to start a family for a few years, we went through the typical tests and were diagnosed with unexplained infertility. This diagnosis seemed somehow tougher to stomach than receiving the news that something was really wrong, because we just wanted a problem fixed, and in our case there wasn't anything significant to fix.
A year prior to seeking more professional help, we had begun treatment with basic fertility drugs prescribed through our family doctor. This proving unsuccessful, the Regional Fertility Program advised a number of rounds of intrauterine insemination, all with no success. It was month after month of disappointment. Eventually we were advised that In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) was our last option.
IVF has been referred to many times as a big rollercoaster ride, with its twists, turns, ups and downs. But in our minds that somehow seems to glamorize the whole experience, and in a way makes it sound as though there were some really fun parts. Instead, it was tiring and trying - both emotionally and physically, stressful, at times pretty painful, and the drugs came with a price tag no rollercoaster could compete with. But like the famous cough medicine ad says: for us, it worked!
Our first ultrasound sighting Liam's tiny heartbeat was on Christmas Eve, and the second follow-up showing that he was still thriving was on Kristen's 34th birthday. Instead of receiving birthday wishes on the big day, Kristen was speed dialing loved ones to share some amazing news - we were finally going to be parents.
The whole IVF experience has taught us many things, but most importantly to be grateful. Grateful for each other, for support from friends and family, grateful to live in a city where such medical miracles are offered and grateful that financially we were able to pursue IVF.
Infertility feels in one word - unfair. It seems unfair even to those that challenge it with overwhelming support and proper resources. To struggle with infertility without all of the things we are so grateful for would be, to us, unimaginable.
Looking at the first photo we have of Liam, as a teeny tiny eight-cell embryo, not only do we feel overwhelming love for our little miracle, and so much gratitude to those that helped us along the way, but we are also hoping that more people can experience these joyful feelings that are so difficult to put into words.
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
Albert Schweitzer
