I remember this day like it was yesterday. I stood there on the balcony overlooking the farm, the place I had just married my husband. Everything in the world felt perfect, and everything was. Things had fallen into place just right, and I was so excited to begin this next adventure as husband and wife. I was filled with hopeful dreams of the life and family we would create. There were no doubts, fears, or worries, just love, and excitement for our life ahead.

I didn’t know that much of my happiness would be taken away by infertility. I had no idea the physical and emotional pain I would endure, and I could have never guessed the number of appointments, procedures, supplements, needles, bruises, and anxiety I would experience through it all. I never imagined this journey. I never prayed for it, and I would never wish it upon anyone.

But, I also never pictured this hardship strengthening my marriage and friendships in the ways that it has. I never imagined the bravery I would find deep within myself. I never dreamed of this journey guiding me to new passions and new hopes for the future. I never envisioned a life without children, but it has taught me to find the joy within these obstacles and to love and mother myself. ☾

Standing on that balcony years ago, I didn’t perceive our life to be overcome by infertility. But I have learned through the heartache to find gratitude for what it has taught me. I can now see that even during life’s greatest storms, beautiful things bloom. ⚘⋒