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Huh?
When I heard someone was buying--as a gift--a book about a woman's gut-wrenching journey through infertility as holiday reading it was a headscratcher for me, too. But when the emails started rolling in this week from near and far followed by a Tweet from a woman in Oklahoma, it was clear something was going on.
First came an email from an Australian woman who works with autistic children. She has suffered miscarriage and longstanding infertility and wants those in her life to understand the emotional stamina it takes for her to be in the presence of pregnant women and doting parents. Her email was to the point: "I ordered a few copies of Silent Sorority. I am going to lend it to people and they can read it as their Xmas present to me."
Then this Tweet arrived: "Hubby and I are ordering 5 copies of your book for xmas presents for his family..."
Then the more I thought about it, the idea totally made sense. The holidays are by far the most challenging time of the year for infertile couples. The constant chatter about kid-centric celebrations, and holiday cards with children as the centerpiece feel like death by a thousand cuts. It was underscored by this email from yet another woman waiting for her newly ordered book to arrive. She is recovering now from a failed IVF and the news that her doctor is advising against further treatment. She writes:
"Please tell me it gets better. I'm so afraid of getting stuck where I am now. I dread the upcoming holidays, and I'm tired of spending holidays in other people's homes, witnessing things that just remind me of what I don't have."
I told her it does get better, but it can be a slow and bumpy ride.
In the spirit of helping others as they cope with losses associated with infertility, I'm offering BlogHer readers a special discount on Silent Sorority. Simply enter this promo code: BV4NANBN when you buy the book here.
Your friends, neighbors, and colleagues may not tell you about their infertility (most don't), but they will appreciate your empathy more than words can describe. I know I did.
