Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Where's that confounded bridge?

On Thanksgiving Day I was forced (yes, forced) to reveal my Alternate Path to my family. My Alternate Path is the next step in my journey towards motherhood should my Current Path not lead me to my destination. My Alternate Path is something very personal to me. It took a lot of crying, a lot of soul searching and a lot of researching before I became happy (and actually excited) about my Alternate Path. But I was only going to reveal my Alternate Path if I needed an Alternate Path. I still have one more cycle and I am praying that this is it. I am praying that I won’t need an Alternate Path. I am praying that the Current Path leads me to motherhood!

“I would never be content or happy not being a mother at all…”

I read those words on S.I.F.’s blog and they have been ringing in my ears ever since. My heart embraces those words. Those words hit home because I know that the same holds true for me. I know that becoming a mom is a “non-negotiable”. It was in that moment, that moment when I read and re-read those words, that I realized I needed a solid Alternate Path. I needed a new path in case the one I was on ended at a dead end. I figured the best way to move past the pain that I may never carry my biological child or the pain that I may never be pregnant again was to have a solid path laid out in front of me. I needed a solid path to motherhood and that is what I have been doing for the last month. I have been finding my way. Finding my path. And if it’s my way and if it’s my path, don’t you think I should be the one to tell people?

I made the mistake of including my sister, Sissy L, in discussions about my Alternate Path. I brought up the topic of my Alternate Path to V when we were out to dinner. Sissy L was with us. I included her. I didn’t think that my sister would tell others. Now I did not state that my Alternate Path was top secret so in that respect it is my fault. I just didn’t realize she would take my Alternate Path and make it her topic of conversation but I should have known better. Ever since we were little she’s tried to retell my stories and when she does they never seem to come out right. I can only image how she butchered the tale of my Alternate Path. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not mad at her. I just wish that it was me telling my friends.

But either way, it doesn’t matter. She revealed my Alternate Path and now my Alternate Path was out there! Close friends knew. Friends that I wish I was the one who told but instead my sister did. I had to reveal my Alternate Path because others knew and my mom would be so upset if she wasn’t told by me.

* Lyrically, the bridge is typically used to pause and reflect on the earlier portions of the song or to prepare the listener for the climax.

So I knew Thanksgiving Day would be the perfect time to reveal my Alternate Path to the rest of the family. I tried to avoid bringing up the topic of my Alternate Path by leaving information about it directly dead center on my coffee table. I figure one of them, my mom or my other sister, Sissy M, would point it out and say “Michaela, what’s this?” but nooooo, the giant elephant just sat in the room the whole time. And Sissy L kept making side comments the whole time. It was like she had Alternate Path Tourettes! Spurting out random words here and there! Till finally the moment came when I started to tell everyone what my Alternate Path is if my next cycle doesn’t work. And as soon as I started to tell the tale my mom cuts me off and says: “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there” and I looked at her and said: “I can’t do that. I can’t do that knowing that the bridge might collapse underneath me. Knowing that I can be dropped into the darkest abyss without some way out, I can’t. I can’t cross that bridge when I get there.” I know my mom is just trying to protect me by avoiding talking about it. If we all act as if it’s not there maybe it will go away and then we won’t have to face the giant “What if” staring right at us. But it won’t go away because there is a very real chance that this next cycle won’t work. There is a very real chance that I might never carry a child but there is no chance that I won’t become a mother. So I told my family my Alternate Path. They all embraced it.

This is my journey to motherhood. No matter what path I end up taking, no matter how many bridges I need to cross I will in the end be a mom. I need my Alternate Path. Right now my Alternate Path is my security blanket. It's a way to protect my heart. And in planning my Alternate Path it is my time to pause, reflect and prepare for the climax.


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8 comments:

  1. As you know, I found myself crossing that same bridge a few months ago, now my Alternate Path has me anxious and excited to begin this new journey. I pray you will not need your Alternate Path, but know the comfort it gives to know you have it to motherhood. Hugs! Lisa (the changes you made to layout are beautiful!)

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  2. To borrow a quote from Juan Ramon Jimenez: "If they give you ruled paper, write the other way." I think your Alternate Path is beautiful in that it allows you to maintain hope and 'build a bridge' to cross any obstacles life may bring you. Thank you for sharing.

    (By the way, I love the new layout.)

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  3. What a beautiful layout..

    Your Alternate Path sounds beautiful and I support it..

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  4. Hon, I feel the same way. I will be a mom someday, in some way.

    ps. I love the lay out.

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  5. Hi Michaela!

    I don't know if you remember me. We were on fertile thoughts and cycled together that month you got your bfp. I was checking in, and found your blog, I love it. You've always been able to find the humor in the difficulties infertility presents... Thank you! I too, am still working on becoming a mother again. I also have moved on to IVF, and have been through 1 failed IVF cycle, and then a miscarriage after a FET. Working on a 2nd IVF cycle, but have been cancelled twice after suppression but before stims. It's hard. But I was reminded the other day (by a girl in the finance office of my IVF center of all people), that when you want something badly enough, you find a way to make it happen. The road to motherhood may not be easy or typical, but I have faith that we will get there. Never give up your dream! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    r0sewater

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  6. Thank you ladies! And yes, rOsewater I do remember you! I'm wishing you the best of luck on your 2nd IVF!!

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  7. This one has me crying. I wish I had thought of my alternate path ahead of time, because right now I am just feeling so freaking lost!

    But you're right - I will be a mother no matter what. And you will too.

    Seriously though - I am LOVING your new design!

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  8. I have to hang onto my Alternate Path. I think if I let go of it, I will be even more devestated if this last try doesn't work. It does suck though that first, you were forced into sharing your Path, and then that your family couldn't understand and support its importance.

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