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So a funny thing happened on the way to remodeling our house. We knew it would be expensive, aggravate our neighbors, test our marriage, and bring a whole new meaning to the word inconvenient -- bathrooms and the kitchen (running water, etc.) are hard to live without.
We also knew that the process would contain all sorts of fees but one of them stopped me in my tracks. It was called the "School Impact Fee." To the tune of $2,500.
Yeah, only the house in question belongs to an infertile couple. Ain't no offspring springing from these loins. More than 10 years of trying and $45,000 (not covered by medical insurance dontcha know) on unsuccessful infertility treatments have proven that.
Now I've come to accept that a significant portion of our taxes go to fund services in the community and education sphere that we'll never have chance to sample. The party line is that we all benefit because good schools maintain good housing values. Fine. But, that bright shiny, newly renovated elementary school within walking distance of our house. Never been on the inside. Never will be. (By the way, didn't the last huge bond issue pay for that?)
For $2,500 I expect to have one of those mini chairs that first graders sit in contain a plaque with my name on it.
So...I've done my part for the fertile community. Now it's your turn. National Infertility Awareness Week is Oct 19-25. I'm giving you plenty of time to prepare. Here are some ideas for your participation:
- Be Extra Nice to Childless Couples All Around You. They don't advertise their suffering. Reach out and offer
them some understanding. In fact, I'm happy to open up a little
challenge. I keep examples in my Act of Kindness
Awards category. The posts there celebrate those in the
fertile community who step up or reach out with a simple act or
behavior done with the conscious attempt to help an infertile couple. Overwhelm me, please!
- Blog About it. How many in your very active mommy and daddy blog network
know that there are millions of women and men who want desperately to
do what comes naturally to other couples: conceive a child with their
partner. For more than 7.3 million in the U.S. alone (think the entire state of Virgina), that dream
becomes a nightmare when they learn they have conditions contributing
to infertility. There are multiple contributing factors, some better
known or addressable by the medical community than others. Help them
and the girls and boys today who may face problems in the future.
Sadly, each day young couples get devastating news about faulty
biology. You can help by removing the stigma and misunderstandings
about infertility.
- Take Action. Contact your representatives and ask them to support legislation affecting infertility treatment and adoption. It's easy and can make a big difference.
- If you're looking for a new non-profit to support and would like to make a tax deductible donation, you can learn how by clicking on this link.
In the meantime, I'll keep paying my taxes and buying girl scout cookies, wrapping paper and other assorted items from those trying to raise funds for children's organizations and education efforts in our community. Whaddya say?
