Prayers for a friend....

facing one of the most difficult days of her life.

If there is one thing the pain of infertility brings, it is a camaraderie in knowing what others who face the same challenge feel. For the past several months I have been following the journey of a friend and her husband as they journey down the road to growing a family.  Their struggle has not been easy but one that she, they continue to face with great optimism, faith and hope.   Their journey has lead them through fertility treatments, surgeries and recently onto IVF.  I've followed their progress daily as she writes eloquently in her blog about the realities of what has happened, and the raw feelings flowing from her heart.  I applaud her for so many reasons; for her continuous optimism, when I know first hand how hard it can be to find a positive in the piles of negatives.  I applaud her for her honesty, for sharing the up and down battles and explaining the process in details for others on the journey to be able to relate.  And I applaud her for having the courage and the strength to share her story openly, honestly and with raw emotions.  I struggled for so many years in silence behind the walls of my home, too afraid to open up about the pain and heartache we were facing.  And so I believe it is for that reason I am most proud of her.  Not only do I hope she finds sharing her story to be cathartic but I hope she knows how much she is helping other women, other couples going through similar challenges.

This past Saturday morning I texted her bright and early to say my thoughts and prayers were with her.  Saturday was the day they would be able to test to see if the IVF had resulted in pregnancy. While I continued on with our day, my mind drifted back to them with great frequency.  I checked her blog several times and was thrilled on early Sunday morning, when I read they had learned their IVF was successful, she was pregnant!  I felt so much happiness for them and wanted to reach through the phone to hug them as we exchanged texts of congrats followed by cheery responses.

I dreamed for them of what their journey would be like and couldn't wait to follow along with their joy online.  And then this morning I received the following text...

"We had an early miscarriage. :-("

I was in the middle of an appointment when the text came through and immediately my heart sank.  I fought back tears for her as I tried to finish talking with the student I was working with.  After I had a free moment, I texted her back and expressed my condolences.  While our journey with infertility was unpleasant and difficult, I have never experienced the heartache and pain of having a positive test, followed by the shattering news of a loss.

I have prayed several times for my friend today and that God will watch over them.  It is very difficult to understand a larger plan when what you are living is so hard.  I've talked with her tonight and find her determination, hope and faith unwavering.  It is because of this, I know she will find happiness at the end of this struggle.  God answers all prayers and I know someday my friend will make an amazing mother.

Until that day, I continue to pray for her, for them, and that their journey to a happy ending is near.

Prayers, love and hope to you, my friend.

Until next time,
Angie