How a Hallmark Movie Sparked Memories of My Fertility Journey

We all have had experiences where something triggers a memory or a sudden rush of emotions.  These triggers can take you back to a specific moment in time, reminding you of the people, places, and events that were once a part of your life.  These triggers can be both positive and negative, bringing back happy memories or painful ones.  For me, it’s usually songs that evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting me back to my carefree days.  But today it was Hallmark!

This is my favorite time of year.  The time when Hallmark Christmas movies play all day long.  Truly my guilty pleasure.  Well, today while I was watching the movie Next Stop, Christmas it brought back emotions that I have not felt in a while.   Although not the premise of the movie, there is a scene where Angie (Lyndsy Fonseca), is talking to her sister Kristen (Paige Herschell) about Kristen’s fertility struggles and how she is giving up on IVF treatments because she is tired.  The strong empathy that I had for this fictional character about a topic that is real for so many. I was instantly transported back to my fertility journey and the tears started to flow.

Trust the process…

The five-year journey to get pregnant with my second child was nothing short of emotional.  The feeling of desperation, constant disappointment, and driving to weekly and sometimes daily doctor’s appointments was nothing short of exhausting.  The endless needles that pierced my skin from the medications I injected into my abdomen, felt like battery acid permeating through me.  Remembering the five years of treatments, lotions, potions, and everything else I tried just to conceive a baby.  As the tears were flowing, I watched my little girl, now 16 months, play on the floor, but in my mind, I was pleading to this woman to never give up. 

Throughout my journey, I never once entertained the thought of giving up. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against me and the disappointment of failed fertility treatments, I held onto an unwavering belief deep within my heart – the belief that destiny had another child in store for me. This conviction led me on a profound soul-searching expedition, as I sought to uncover the lessons I needed to learn or the actions I needed to take before God would bless me with the gift of another child.

It was a lengthy and arduous process, but it taught me invaluable virtues along the way. Patience became my steadfast companion, gratitude filled my every breath, and I discovered the liberating power of letting go. I also learned to shield myself from the stress and anxiety that certain people or situations brought into my life. However, the most profound lesson of all was the realization that I possessed an inner strength far greater than I had ever imagined. This newfound understanding empowered me to believe in myself and my abilities, knowing that I could conquer any challenge that lay before me.

Never lose hope…..

When faced with the challenges of fertility issues, it is crucial to maintain a sense of hope and resilience, regardless of the daunting odds. The journey towards parenthood can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but it is important to remember that miracles can happen, even in the face of adversity. It is natural to feel discouraged and disheartened at times, but it is essential to keep pushing forward and never give up on the dream of starting a family. 

It is also crucial to prioritize self-care during this journey. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with fertility issues. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing hobbies, can provide a much-needed respite from the challenges at hand. Remember, every individual’s fertility journey is unique, and it is important to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process.

If you have been facing the challenges of fertility whether it’s your first attempt at pregnancy or subsequent ones, I implore you to hold onto hope with unwavering determination. Remember, dear friend, that you are not alone in this struggle. Some countless other women have faced similar difficulties and emerged victorious in their quest for parenthood.   It is crucial to remember that we possess the power to shape our own future and manifest the arrival of our precious little ones.  Surround yourself with a support system of loved ones, seek guidance from professionals, and never underestimate the power of positive thinking.  I wish you the best of luck, may your fertility journey be filled with an abundance of love, positivity, and strength.

I beat the odds and had with my beautiful little girl at 42. After many failed treatments I conceived her naturally!

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