While researching books to read for myself and review on my blog, I came across the book Infertilty Sucks! (Keeping It All Together When Sperm and Egg Remain Stubbornly Apart)by Beverly Barna. First of all, what a perfect title, second of all, as I was reading the synopsis I came across her idea for The National Infertility Survival Day.
This got me really excited. Any excuse to celebrate, especially throwing a celebratory vibe to such hardship is a keeper in my book. My family celebrates almost everything. I remember my mom commenting that I could make a party out of anything, after she overheard me telling my infant daughter how special a certain day was because it was the last day she used her infant seat before going into her big girl, forward facing seat. I took this as one of the best compliments that I have ever received.
I started to dread Mother’s Day after my first miscarriage even though it was almost a full year away. The thought that I would be left out of such an honor that I had been looking forward to and had been taken out of by no choice of my own, seemed cruel and insensitive on the part of the whole world. Where would my cards, gifts, and flowers be? My breakfast out or in bed? I was devastated and hurting. Of course, during that isolated time, I thought that I was the only one who felt this way. Not so, I have learned in the years since. This is actually normal to feel that way. I wish that I had known that back then.
Beverly Barna has also dealt with infertility and the pain of Mother’s Day. While writing her book she came up with the idea of a National Infertility Survival Day and has since put it into force. Today is the 3rd year running. Her suggestion is that this puts women who want to be moms, who aren’t yet, first for a day. It is always the first Sunday of May. Any way to honor your survival from the struggles of infertility are a way to celebrate the day. Pedicures, shopping, enjoying an activity that has special meaning to you are all suggestions. This also allows the support system for these women to have an excuse to pamper them, just like Mom’s Day pampers mothers.
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May 11th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
I love this idea! I will definitely remember this for next year – or maybe just celebrate on Mother’s Day anyway!!
May 12th, 2006 at 10:49 am
Now that’s another great idea!