Hope For The Holidays
(Don’t Let Infertility Steal Your Joy This Season)
Friend,
As we approach the holiday season, we understand that this time of year can be particularly challenging for those facing infertility. In the emails / content to come this month we are calling HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, we want to provide you with encouragement and support that may help you not just endure the holidays, but find joy and hope through this season.
When we first entered the season of infertility after our initial year of trying to get pregnant and not being successful, what we "needed" most wasn't just pithy encouragements and “you'll get there” statements. We needed a caring and faithful friend. (Btw, If you want to hear some of the worst "what not to say to a couple with infertility" stay tuned for the blog called "Tips for Loved Ones.") We honestly didn't know what was wrong (yet), so we didn't need unsolicited tips or tricks from people, we needed a tribe of people willing to hear our frustrations as we unraveled our heartache and processed dreams that seemed to be dying right in front of our eyes. We needed hope and we needed encouragement minute to minute, hour by hour, and day by day. We shouldered so much pain, confusion, and dread, and we knew we didn't want to do that alone. We couldn't do that alone.
This, my friends, is exactly why we began filming our journey nearly seven years ago. We would recap the disclosing of hard news, negative pregnancy test results, and more by reminding our YouTube community that, "if this information or encouragement helps just one person, it will be worth it to us." And that is how we truly felt. We believed in our hearts that trading our private sorrows for a public opportunity to bring awareness, knowledge, and community while sharing the hope of Jesus made it all worth it. We want you this holiday to feel less alone. We want you to find courage and hope and strength and even laughter, as we unravel lessons we've learned from our personal journey.
In the coming emails this month, I want to show you this season how to get through and thrive through the struggle, and how to find hope through the holidays. We will be talking through topics that I believe are critical to observe, discuss, and process if you are going to not let the holidays get you down. I believe if you follow this advice, not only will you get through what you are going through but you will find strength as you do it as well.
Here is a little teaser of some topics to come...
Developing A Game Plan for Family Gatherings
Tips To Tell Loved Ones
Making The Most of Every Moment (without trying to run away)
First and foremost, remember that you are not alone in this journey. We were created for community, and it's crucial to acknowledge that there are others who understand and support you. Although the statistics may be cold comfort, they emphasize that you're not isolated in this struggle.
Did you know that earlier this year, the World Health Organization published a New Report that 1 in 6, or 17.5% of the adult population are affected by infertility at some point in their lifetime. The clinical definition of infertility is marked by 12 months or more of unprotected intercourse without a positive pregnancy result. This is not only jaw dropping, but highly concerning that for the last thirty years, this statistic was known as 1 in 8, and it is not improving. But one thing that is improving, is the growth of caring communities all over the internet and in many social circles.
If someone hasn't looked you in the eyes to tell you "I'm Sorry" yet today, let it be me. Friend, I'm truly so sorry for the pain and the losses you've faced. I'm sorry you've felt alone. I'm sorry that this is so unfair. I'm sorry you don't have answers yet. I'm just sorry. It sucks. Infertility Sucks. I just want you to know that you are not alone in this. We've been there. And yet also, because we were there, we can relate to you and let you know that you will get through this. Let me be your encourager. Let me be your friend. Let's get through together, whatever you are going through. Okay? Okay.
You are loved, friend. Talk to you soon,
- Phil
