This time almost exactly ten years ago, some of the friends
I had met online( and got to know from the inside out - to quote one of them - as
we grieved and healed together) converged on London to meet up with me in real life. I’ve met
others since – in New Zealand (fellow kiwis, or world travellers stopping by),
Geneva, and London again. One or two I have yet to meet. I’ve talked about this
before, this gift of friendship and empathy we get through times of hardship.
But today, remembering that evening of fellowship and hilarity ten years ago, I want to celebrate
those wise, funny, caring, and slightly batty (most of them, but self-described)
women who were so important to me then, and are still so important to me now,
reminding me I’m not alone.
And the best thing? It’s that I’m continuing to gather up
wise, funny, caring people who are becoming firm friends, though I wouldn’t
presume to suggest that any of them (or any of you) are slightly batty. Or
would I?
Yes, there are also wonderful side affects of infertility.
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to meet you & your DH.
lots of love from sLOVEnia,
Klara
Agreed. Though no amount of money could convince me to travel this path, I would not trade a single friendship that I've made during this journey.
ReplyDeleteI've only been a part of this community for a short time but I've already made a few friends. There is something to be said for being able to be vulnerable in the presence of people (even online) with shared grief and knowing that you will be understood and not judged. I hope to meet some of you in person someday!
ReplyDeleteAs for me, the "slightly batty" description works. Maybe even if you remove the "slightly" part. :)
It is incredible when you find people who "speak your language." It is one of the gifts of infertility.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to think of "gratitude" and "infertility" together, but you are right--there are definite gifts. And I agree with Mel, finding someone who "speaks your language" is invaluable.
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful to the wonderful friends I have made, IRL & online, on this journey. You included! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm very grateful for the friends I've met online and for those who've crossed my path and I'm very thankful for a chance to meet a few of them in London (ha! What a coincidence!) sometime this year. I can't wait to meet them! :-D
ReplyDeletetotally agree. The blogs I found and the people I've met definitely helped to save my sanity and get me through the roughest of days. Definitely people I consider friends for life and hope to meet some day.
ReplyDeleteI will get back to New Zealand one day in the not to distant future and make sure we meet!