Thursday, June 19, 2008

Is "knowing" really half the battle?

I had this idea that I was going to do my part to educate whoever reads my blog about infertility. I thought I would just journal about my experiences with the subject and hopefully make people more aware of the issue. What I've learned lately is that when i'm in the throws of treatment, the last thing I want to do is blog about anything, let alone the reason for the treatment. As I'm sure you've noticed it's been awhile since my last post. I could go on about how busy life seems or the transitions that are going on (mainly, that I resigned from my job). But the truth is I haven't been blogging because I haven't been in a very good place, emotionally. I have a ton of stuff on my mind but zero motivation to put the finger to the keyboard.

Infertility messes with you, in a cruel and unusual punishment sort of way. It strips you of any power you thought you had over the situation. The "birds & the bees" take on a whole new meaning; one that involves tests & medication & ultra sounds & shots & lots of other things that I won't go into at this point.

Infertility also messes with your faith. I've tried not to admit that last statement out loud, or even to myself, for that matter. But it does. Don't worry, I'm not losing my faith. I know God has me in the palm of His hand.... at least I think He does. Doesn't He?

See what I mean?

A friend of mine recently told me about a wonderful answer to prayer. He ended his story with "God is so faithful." Part of me was rejoicing with this friend, but another part of me was thinking, "is He? Really? And how does He decide who to be faithful to and who to ignore? And what if He hadn't answered that prayer? Is He still faithful?" Intellectually, I know the answers to these questions, based on what the Scripture says. But try explaining that to my heart. The only explanation my heart wants to hear is why.

Why? I mean, I get it: Bryndyn and I can do our part but ultimately, we can't create life. The doctors can do their part, but modern medicine & technology can only do so much. I get it. Our faith can't be in ourselves or in our medical treatment plan. There is only one Creator of life. I GET IT! But I still long for an answer to my question. Please don't tell me that I'm supposed to be learning and growing from this experience... even if it's true. My mind gets it; my heart just doesn't.

I know I'm blessed.
I know Caelleb and Tia are huge blessings, not to mention Bryndyn.
I know I should be content with what I have and stop focusing on what I don't have.
I know I should think positive.
I know God will somehow use this for good (He already has in many ways).
I know there is a lot of worse heartache in the world than my infertility.
I know I'm probably never going to understand why.
I know.
I know.
I know.

Well... my intellect knows. My heart stopped listening a long time ago....

OK, so now you know why I haven't been blogging. And now you are probably worried about my emotional wellbeing. :) Keep in mind that for me this blog is an outlet. I'm ok. Really. Just needed to vent. If you want to respond to this post but don't know what to say, that is completely understandable. You don't need to say anything. I mean, feel free to tell me what a fabulous person you think I am (just kidding) :) Or you can just pray for Bryndyn and I. Don't pray for us to get pregnant (well, I guess you can if you want to). Pray for us to be able to say (truthfully) that, God is faithful, regardless of the outcome of each treatment cycle. Pray for us to be able to lean on God (and each other) for comfort and support when we're discouraged. Pray that this experience draws us closer to our Creator. And pray for my heart to start listening again.

11 comments:

Amy said...

I love you, my dear, sweet friend.

Sandi said...

I love you, Taina. You've expressed yourself well. I'm praying.

Nichole said...

You are a fabulous person. I'm praying for you, and I'm so sorry you're struggling.

Crazy Crutchers said...

Dear God please be with my brother and sister in-law, please help them to never loose sight of you. please show them your faithfulness and your amazing power and love through this whole situation. you are an amazing God and i know you have big plans for both of them. thank you we love you, in your sons holy name AMEN

Dan McQuiddy said...

Taina I'm so glad you poured out your plantive psalm that like the psalms of old ended in the resolve that God is good and that His will leads us to the place we need to be... but that the heart aches not knowing where that journey ends. I know of no other couple who loves and genuinely enjoys children as you and Bryn do --so I'm sure God has a plethora of children waiting to sponge up that love --time will tell if it is of the Caelleb and Tia sort or natural birth (As Pappy I hope both!) and as brother in Christ I know whatever will be to God's glory and your joy! I love you and I know that God loves you and I banking on that!

Rachel said...

Thanks for your honesty my friend. It is so refreshing to hear someone else know and yet struggle with the faith/heart part. You are in my prayers. And I will say it again- you are fabulous and wonderful and amazing. I miss you.

Tiffany said...

Taina, I have had similar struggles with my faith: wondering why God has let us go through all that he has. Wondering why other people could have children in unsafe homes, but we lost our daughter. Wondering why he did not listen to the hundreds of prayers that went up to him on our behalf every day. The conclusion I am coming to is that God has his own plan and outlook on things and I will never understand it. And I hate that! I want a clearcut answer to my pain. I am praying for you. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles. Even though we are not in the exact same position as you, there are a lot of people suffering with you in this journey and who love you! Thanks for being honest with yourself about your feelings!

Karin Stuart said...

Loved this poem, hope it touches you like it's touched me

If you have a secret sorrow;
A burden or a loss,
An aching need for healing . . .
Hang it on the Cross
If worry steals your sleep
And makes you turn and toss,
If your heart is feeling heavy . . .
Hang it on the Cross
Every obstacle to faith
Or doubt you come across,
Every prayer unanswered . . .
Hang it on the Cross
For Christ has borne our brokenness
And dearly paid the cost
To turn our trials to triumph . . .
Hanging on the Cross

Melissa said...

Taina, thank you for sharing and letting us know how we can pray for you. My "head" wants to say something to that would help...my heart is frustrated and angry on your behalf the moment I try to picture myself in your shoes. So I'm praying, at first because it's my "last resort" for trying to help, and then, finally, because it should be my first reaction. God doesn't need my head to start talking...I know there is nothing anyone can say. We love you.

kate m. said...

Praying for you evey day, Taina! You are blessed, but you are also struggling. Nothing says you can't be both at the same time. Thanks for being real and letting all of us get a glimpse into your heart.

Crazy Crutchers said...

gotta let you know i am missing hearing about caelleb and tia and your new baby "artest". i know life is busy and it has been for us to but since i just recently posted i think its your turn :-) thanks love ya and hope you guys are doing very well.