"a mom."

I was one of those little girls who would take her doll everywhere... until I was 11.  Yes, my parents were embarrassed.  :)  When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say, "a mom."

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I never thought that goal would be so hard to reach, but after three years, infertility has become a reality for us.  I believe that one reason we face challenges in life is so we can help others.  I hope that if you are struggling with this, you'll know you're not alone - you're far from alone.  If you don't struggle with this, I hope I can at least provide some awareness because I can pretty much guarantee you know someone who is, even if you aren't aware of it.

I've been through my fair share of trials, but this one takes the cake.  The emotional roller coaster every month is exhausting.  Every twinge of nausea makes you think you might be pregnant... and then you're late... two weeks late, but not pregnant. You go through doctors, surgeries, failed treatments and more.  Our doctor says we have about a 3% chance of getting pregnant on our own, 8% with IUI, and a really good chance with IVF.  But, I know it doesn't have anything to do with "chance."  I know that the Lord will bless us with the opportunity to become parents someday.

Although this has been extremely difficult I have learned how to be more patient, how to have more empathy, and how to trust in the Lord.  And, I know that when we are able to become parents we will appreciate that opportunity even more.

I hope to do posts periodically to raise awareness about infertility.  Some will give advice on how to help those you know who may have infertility.  Others will share ways I've found to cope and hopefully they can help you as well if you find yourself in a similar situation.

If you have any specific questions, want to talk, or just need someone to listen you can always email me at stephaniecpurcell@gmail.com.  I'm far from perfect in all of this, but I'm always willing to listen.