2) My solid relationship with my husband – I have read of many marriages that ended after battling infertility. I am grateful that for Eric and I, though we did have bad days, in the end, our common battle with infertility made our relationship stronger and even more solid than before. We have a shared experience that makes us close, and love each other even more for having gone through it together. Eric, I appreciate, love and thank you for being amazingly fantastic you, and love you to the moon and back.
3) The new friends I have made in the infertility community – Through reading and following various infertility blogs, supporting documentaries on the subject, and reaching out through social media, I have made new friends in the infertility community that I cherish. They help me feel not alone in my trials, and offer me much needed support and advice in the times that I need it most. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship.
4) The strengthened friendships with existing friends who have also gone through infertility – I have learned of many of my existing friends who have also gone through this experience who now have wonderful children of their own. They not only understand how lucky they are to have succeeded with treatment, but they also empathize with Eric and I and our journey. We now have a shared experience that we bond over as well as “get each other” on this sensitive topic.
5) The increase in my communication skills and feelings of empathy from going through such an experience – I’ve learned that my emotional health is just as important as my physical health. In dealing with very difficult topics, we must learn to be as sensitive as we can be in our word choice, and in how we may affect other’s feelings. Through study, research, and trial and error, I have been working on my own communication skills, as well as have gained a natural increased level of feelings of empathy for others and their own struggles, no matter what those struggles are.
6) Mental health professionals, alternative therapy professionals and their work – Dealing with challenging and not pleasant feelings of depression, deep sadness, anxiety, anger, loss is no picnic. I thank the professionals that have helped me get through these trying times via professional therapy and even acupuncture. I have learned much from these wonderful people, and have a new respect for those who work in helping others.