So i'm always on the lookout for signs and trying to derive meaning from what I see around me, especially in regards to my own life. Well, I got a sign the other day. I"m a Damn Yankee ( someone who was raised in the North, visited the South, liked it and ended up moving there) and we are used to having a lot of geese be around in the summer months. If you paid attention in science class, you will remember that geese generally will stay in the Northern states for the summer, where it is more mild and will travel South for the warmer winters. Can't say I blame them there. I happened to be visiting Ohio the other day and by chance, saw some geese flying, presumably South. It is February, so I was surprised by their presence. I was immediately reminded of the story that went around by email a few years, regarding geese and teamwork. If you can't remember, or didn't get the email, here is a link to the gist of that particular email : Geese and Teamwork
Geese fly in formation (remember the V's you always see when they are passing by?) and the geese intrinsically know the best way to fly to ensure the survival of all of the geese. My favorite part from this speech is in regards to the sick, injured or shot down geese. THESE were the geese that I happened to see out of window the other day who inspired me. I saw three geese flying back to meet their V, honking all the way. I love the fact that God made nature the way he did, so that the hurt and down geese are supported and encouraged by the other members of the flock. What if humans were more like that?
Infertility is still such a taboo subject. It's an uncomfortable topic, obviously one that doesn't make good dinner conversation and so inherently, it's one that's not talked about much.We should push for a change in society in which it became more socially acceptable to be childless (which this is already happening I feel like, yay!) but more importantly, to be empathetic towards these individuals, rather than judgemental. I have a feeling that many times, society will see a childless couple, and without realizing it, will immediately pass judgement on this couple's decisions. It's not always the couples fault. (Think about it, have you ever thought you had it better/different/worse than a couple without children?)
I have known very few people (women) who have been open about their infertility, but I do commend these women that have braved the stigma, and put their stories out there. They are akin to the injured geese. These are the men and women we should be honking our support for, just like the geese.
I have really wrestled with the decision about linking this to my facebook page, because then potentially everyone will know that i'm "having issues". I took the geese sighting as a sign that I really did need to link my blog to my facebook page, to reach more of an audience. In this brave step for me, please "honk" your support---pretend that I am an injured goose. I hope to be reaching others out there that may be going through the same issues. I would love to be your personal cheerleading committee.
Jen
