In the past couple of months I have reconnected with some friends over lunches here and there. And it was incredible! I had forgotten how much I need the fellowship and encouragement from Godly ladies. I have that already with my family, and it is so nice to have that in friends as well. This was a big step for me, as I am kind of an introvert, and putting myself out there is a little scary.
I sat and talked and listened to each one of my friends and what is going on in their lives. (FYI- I am not much of a conversationalist but I love to listen!) As they each talked about their struggles and their forms of infertility, my heart broke for them. So many memories were brought back to the surface. Their hurts and fears were almost word for word the same feelings that I felt. When they said that they knew I would understand how they felt and what they were going through, our bond of friendship was made even stronger. I cried with them and for them. Infertility is cruel and even more so, some of the comments made by people about a couple's situation with infertility. And every situation is different. Here's my PSA: if you don't know what to say to someone who has been given heartbreaking news (whether it's dealing with infertility or any other situation), a simple "I'm so sorry" or "I am praying for you" or even just a hug is enough. Please don't try to give advice or reason away the situation.
My take-away lesson was first to get my eyes off of myself because there are a lot of hurting people around me. That really does make the pity party go away. Second, God is still moving and working even though I don't see it. Every situation is a chance to show God's love and to point people to Him.
It was so good to have lunch with my friends. I sometimes think that the struggles that Brandon and I have faced in the area of infertility aren't a huge deal. Maybe I've just pushed it to the back of my mind. But if it can help someone else that is going through it, then I'm glad to be there for them.
We had a recent trip to Houston to visit my Mamaw. We celebrated her birthday while we were there. It was a good trip, but I really missed Brandon being there! Here are some pictures.
Mamaw in her usual "Fox News watching" pose. Check out her shoes!
A fun spot we found while shopping at the Kemah boardwalk.
Margaret, Aunt Lynn, and me on the train at Kemah.
My Mom and Dad with the birthday girl!
