Today at work I was asked by an aquaintance why we aren't able to have children. She heard through the grapevine about our infertility and felt comfortable asking me questions about it. Naturally, I am really open about it. However, it bugs me a bit when someone doesn't even know my last name or anything else about me and they ask about it. Just FYI- it is a very personal and loaded question when you ask someone why they can't have kids. Just because my trial is "worn on the outside" so everyone can see, doesn't mean I want to tell you all about it. It is hard. It is painful, and so please be understanding when you ask. I really don't mind people asking me. In fact, Mikes parents talked to Mike and I about some options and just some help. We didn't ask for it, but it was so totally welcome. They said how they prayed about it to be able to talk to us about it. How sweet and understanding is that? I felt so loved, valued, and supported in our trial and in our decisions about it. That's what we need. This trial is by far the hardest thing that I have ever had to deal with. I feel so isolated and alone. I have prayed to have friends that don't feel awkward and uncomfortable around me since I can't have children. You don't realize how much women bond and become great friends, because of their children. I have had numerous friends that have come into my life, and then when they get pregnant they feel bad and pull away, as they think this will save me the pain. I promise that when you pull away, it not only hurts because I am jealous and wish it was me that was preg. but also because I lose another friend and feel more isolated and alone. There are so many other trials that come from this one trial. Its not just a trial of not being able to have kids.
When I first was called into primary in my ward to teach the sunbeams and then "promoted" to teach the ctr-4 I felt totally inadequate. It was hard. It was frustrating that I don't even have my own kids, and I am called to teach the gospel to these kids. I really struggled. But, as in every case, Heavenly Father knew it was where I needed to be. I have grown to love these kids as if they were my own. I taught the same group as sunbeams and then I was moved up and got to teach them again, and I was so happy. I love those kids! I learned so much, and if all they learned was that Heavenly Father and Jesus love them, and I love them, then it was a success! I looked forward to teaching them every sunday, and loved when they would see me in Sacrament and smile and wave. Made my heart melt and made the gap in my life feel a bit better. At the start of the year "my kids" moved up to the next class. I cried. I knew it was going to happen, and I dreaded it! I know that I will fall in love with these new kids as well, but its hard to say goodbye.
Only a loving Heavenly father would know that teaching these kids could fill a gap in my shattered heart. I am so thankful.
I know that I will continue to have ups and downs. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow and help others to learn as well. I am thankful for the love and support that we receive and for those with an understanding heart.
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