I have
Gifted a Giving Key
With the word
BRAVE
My Story
After 4 years of infertility struggles, my husband Rob and I chose to try IVF. To help us through, we got a set of BRAVE giving keys, inspired by the name of Caitlyn's son. Rob and I shared with each other what we thought BRAVE meant before we started treatment: to go into the unknown with no guarantee of an outcome and to continue to chase our dream, even though we knew the heartache we had already been through. We both wore our keys every day and it was so comforting to have something to hold onto during the rollercoaster ride that is IVF.
A few days before we were to learn whether our first embryo transfer was successful, I learnt the true meaning of the world BRAVE for myself. I was walking into present a women's networking meeting, feeling particularly emotional, when one of the ladies who knew what I was going through asked how I was. I lost it. In the middle of the cafe I burst into uncontrollable tears, which for me was incredibly embarrassing.
Another lady kindly offered to run the meeting on my behalf while the other lady took my away to the bathroom. I then needed to decide whether to go home or stay for the meeting. A voice in my head said, the bravest thing you could do right now is go back into that meeting. So I did. Instead of being laughed at I was showered with love and care. My key taught me that the bravest thing we can ever do is to show up, be vulnerable and allow ourselves to be seen.
What a gift! Our IVF was a success and shortly after our daughter Grace was born I saw a Giving Keys posts urging to pass on your key. A day later a friend shared with me they were also starting IVF, and I knew they should have our keys. Their IVF was also a success and their key served them well when their son spent time in ICU. A little while later they shared with me that they had passed the keys onto another couple whose child was in ICU, a beautiful way for the keys to keep giving to parents in need of courage and bravery for our little ones! Thank you x
Michelle
