The Strength of a Woman

So often I think we each find ourselves caught up in our day to day lives.  Rushing around trying to accomplish all the things on our "TO DO LIST." 

Most of time we seldom take the time to notice how truly amazing the people that we have in our lives really are.  I speak for myself when I say I truly love my family and friends, but nine times out of ten I am so consumed with stuff like: Did Kendall eat good today? Get a long enough nap? Did we have enough play time? And so on and so fourth and many times I don't even stop to notice the kind gestures of the ones I love so dearly around me. 

For as much as I hate to admit it if things just aren't going my way that day I do not often think "well my bad day is far less as bad as someone else's."  This is something I am truly trying to make a effort to get better at!

Growing up I loved to play softball.  While playing I made friends with a girl who was a grade older than me.  Although I stopped playing softball to start cheer-leading I remained friends with her throughout high school.  When she graduated we lost touch for quite a while.  But I had never forgot her great personality and what a great friend she had always been. 

Little did I know, our paths would cross again in the future. 

After being released from the ICU I was sent back to where I had originally started my trip in the OB.  One evening while sitting, chatting with one of my nurses her inner hospital cell phone rang.  The look on her face was simply priceless. 

She handed the phone to me and said "Kelly, it's for you!" I took the phone and said hello.  On the other end of the phone was my dear friend from school.  Years had passed and our lives had changed so drastically from the days of warming up out in the Monguagon practice field or sitting laughing in class together, but there she was choking back tears telling me how happy she was that I was OK.  I had no idea that she was in fact a nurse on another floor at the hospital.  She promised that as soon as I came home she would come and sit with me and that we would catch up.

Just as she had promised she came over as soon as I was ready for visitors.  And here I am thinking " wow, who has any problems like what I just went through?!"  How self-centered of myself! I know! 

As we sat and got caught up on everything that had happened over the past couple years she began to tell me about how she and her husband had been trying to conceive for years.  I could see the sadness in her eyes when she spoke on this topic.  As she continued I couldn't help but to immediately think to myself if my doctor helped me with what I had just gone through then he absolutely could help my friend!  After, listening to everything she had to tell me I mentioned my doctor to her and said "please, for me, go sit and talk with him!"

Fast forward to today.  She is still working on her own "Journey to Motherhood," but she is on a great path!  Her mind is in the right place and I will be the first to say I am beyond proud of her!  I have indeed had some obstacles that I have had to deal with myself on my "Journey to Motherhood" but you want to talk about strength, you talk about the women who are dealing with fertility problems.  Every single time that her and I discuss the topic I think to myself I just wish I could take this all away from her!  But, I also believe that a "smooth sea, never made for a great sailor." 

It has taken me some time to fully understand what happened to me.  But along the way I have gained so much respect for other women.  We are all on the same road and all trying to get to the same destination.  The determination and unbelievable passion that I have seen brings so much joy to me. 

Many people have asked me "Kelly why do you think it all worked out like it did?" and my answer is simple.  I was meant to be a mother.  My unbelievable desire to have children is what saved my life, it is what got me out of that hospital bed. 

The desire to be a mother I believe is like a fire burning inside of you.  Often times a fire that some of us do not even realize we have until much later in our lives.  But, regardless of when you notice it, there is simply no power like it.  My friend will never give up and I know that!  She lets her desire guide her.  She has taught me so much about life, friendship, hardship, and living by faith!  It is women like her that have inspired me so greatly. 

Many times I refer to the "manual" that I did not receive when I had Kendall.  Growing up my mom had always said to us "kids do not come with manuals, your father and I just do the very best that we can."  My mom also struggled with conceiving my brother.  And after four years of endless trying she was blessed with a healthy pregnancy. 

These are the women who have the strength in my eyes.  The women who believe in what they want and are not going to stop at anything to get there.  I personally want to thank all the ladies out there who have struggled or are struggling still with their "Journey to Motherhood" you strength and determination is simply beautiful!  Never give up on your dreams! 

--"Don't get discouraged. It may be the last key on the ring that opens the door"