Oh, this picture.

This was taken in February of 2010. Harlan was OBSESSED with Thomas the Train, and we took him to visit when Thomas came to a local train depot. We got to ride Thomas, we played with trains, we had the fun, and then we all napped hard. Super fun day. This picture sits on Harlan’s dresser to this day!

To Harlan, he sees a little boy that loved trains and his parents that were supporting the obsession.

Here is what I see and remember from that day. We had just had our 5th miscarriage the week before. A family member asked me if I ever thought I would have another baby, and while I was confident in saying “yes”, my heart HURT at the possibility of me being wrong. I remember loving that we were getting to show our two-year-old miracle child the wonders of Thomas the Train, but I remember forcing myself to smile through a broken heart and physical cramps that still were working through my system.

It was a fun day. It was a hard day. And, it is amazing that those two memories come to me whenever I see this precious picture of the three of us.

I am not the only one. I am not the only one that has dealt with infertility and loss. There are a TON of us, sadly.

Next week is National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW).

NIAW is a movement founded in 1989 that has a mission of empowering change with the conversation around infertility. So often, women don’t talk about their struggles, and instead they internalize their journey. Myths and misinformation are out there, and people feel isolated in their struggle to build a family.

NIAW’s goal is to empower women and men to share their stories of infertility. To give and get hope from a community that cares.

When I started to share my story on Lunchbox Babies, the women that had suffered with infertility came out of the woodwork. Women that I had known for years were knocking on my window at carpool, texting me, or finding me at Starbucks, just to tell me the story of their struggles in building a family. It happens to so many. We are not alone. You are not alone.

During NIAW, the infertility community would like to:

1. Enhance public understanding that infertility needs and deserves attention.
2. Ensure that people trying to build a family know the guidelines for seeing a specialist.
3. Educate lawmakers about how infertility impacts people in their state.

I will be back on the blog next week offering more resources to those of you that are struggling with infertility.

I get it. It’s hard. But, you are strong. You are not alone. Share your story with those that you love, and allow people to walk this road with you.

If you need a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or just an extra person to pray for you . . . please let me know. I have walked in your shoes. I am here for you. So much love.

XO