I'm a lucky, lucky gal. When I first got diagnosed with infertility I felt completely alone. Adrift and alone. I found the great high fsh support boards (yay!!) and was lucky enough to live near some of the fabulous women. I also found some sisters over in wedding land and we bonded as well.
One of the loveliest of ladies, Crispy Creme, invited me to her house a long time ago. I can't believe it's been more than two years since that fateful brunch. Six ladies met for brunch. One gave birth to a beautiful boy a few months later, one about a year later. One adopted a gorgeous baby girl. The hip artist has 11 month old twins from donor embryos. It's because of her that I opened myself up to that option and got on all those lovely waiting lists. I just got impatient.
The hostess with the mostess has 11 month old twins---from a South African Safari herself. She paved the way for me and many others to follow in her footsteps. She took me out to lunch last week and shared her knowledge, travel guides and best wishes.
One of the other lovelist of lovelies took me into her hearth and home last fall when we were both cycling at Garden State. She was a few days ahead of me. She showed me the ropes at chaotic and crazy Garden State. She got me hooked on crab cheesecake. It was so incredibly wonderful to share a cycle with her. Unfortunately neither of us got our desired results but we did become great friends. She likes to joke that we're twins--she's just a little older, a little darker, a much better knitter and speaks French the way my in-laws wished I did.
The good doctor always been several steps ahead of me and this time is no different. She leaves today for Cape Town. She's been through a very rough fall so please go show her some love and wish her well over at Welcome to the Dollhouse. (Since I'm still having technical difficulties, I can't actually link to her blog. It's in my blogroll--go on over, k?)
This should be enough, right? I feel like a cheap knife salesmen...'But wait....There's more!!!'
I found out recently that someone else who's cycling in South Africa in December lives THREE blocks away from me. THREE BLOCKS, people! Can you believe that? The mister is very, very jealous that I got to hang out with her a week or so ago. We're trying to plan a couples outing but our schedules and the holidays are conflicting. It will happen soon though.
It's simply amazing to me that I have these connections. There are others as well, internet sisters who are pursuing donor options here there and everywhere. Using donor gametes is still not talked about much and when you start down this part of the infertility journey it feels like you're bushwhacking and all alone again. I hope we can continue to support each other as we travel down this path. So today I'm just counting my blessings and there are many of them.
That is so cool that you have such great support, close by. I'm jealous. I have some friends who get it, but they are phone friends. My IRL friends treat me like some kind of freak show with all of their repetitive questions. I'm kind of anxious to move away, and start over with a new bunch of friends. Can you tell I had monthly Poker again, Thursday? Sigh. very excited about you and Liana. Can't wait.
Posted by: Lynnette | Saturday, 19 November 2005 at 10:49
You are one of the sweetest people I know. Seriously. I wish you only good things.
Funny about the couples outing. I keep trying to convince my mister that we could use some couple friends. He doesn't really want any though. He's pretty introverted (which I guess so am I).
Posted by: Bonnie | Saturday, 19 November 2005 at 15:27
It's so nice to have real life support. I'm happy for you that you have it!
Posted by: fisher queen | Sunday, 20 November 2005 at 10:55
I don't know what I would have done without all my friends (like you, my dear) that I have met online. I still don't feel entirely comfortable going public with our decision to people in real life (mostly my DH's discomfort rather than mine). But how wonderful that you are running into people right and left!
Posted by: wessel | Sunday, 20 November 2005 at 11:46
Millie it sounds like a great community of women you've got there, in real life and virtually. It must really help to have someone to tread that path with you a few weeks early, or a year earlier. Hoping that you and Liana and your other friends all get what you deserve from this winter (or summer in SA!)
Posted by: thalia | Sunday, 20 November 2005 at 23:58
There is nothing like real life virtual friends - they're really the best.
Posted by: T | Monday, 21 November 2005 at 10:18
Yes, you've got a friend :)
Posted by: Pamplemousse | Monday, 21 November 2005 at 11:37
Know that we're thankful for you too - without your support this would be so much more devastating.
I'm still trembling with excitement for your S.A. adventures.
Posted by: April | Monday, 21 November 2005 at 12:00
Hey Sweetie! I'm the neighbour down the street! I left you an email earlier today. It is cosmic how connections are made. After Thanksgiving bodes well for our couples gathering.
Just cked out your brown skinned sister today. She had an appt. I wonder how it went...
I have another neighbour hood Bud that you must meet too.
I hope to talk with you soon my friend.
xox, Fran
Posted by: Fran | Monday, 21 November 2005 at 16:45
My friends that I have in my life because of this blog have been the saving grace through all of this. And I thank you for being a friend as well.
xo
Posted by: Emily | Monday, 21 November 2005 at 19:10