Infertility's Common Thread - Wear (or Post) to Make Aware

Despite several unsuccessful attempts to get the Thread icon into my left column, I haven't given up completely. I haven't thrown the PC across the room, although I wanted to. I have made a lot of ugly, grimacing faces and some uglier noises of frustration. Now, it's in this post for all to see, until someone tells me why the link appears as text in my sidebar, rather than as an image. Enough for one night.

The reason for all my effort is that I think the pomegranate thread is a brilliant idea.  It originated with post by a woman named Paz, who experienced a situation in Starbucks, of all places, when she realized that a woman had pointedly turned away from looking at her pregnant belly, perhaps out of emotion.  One of those "I can't bear to see what I don't have" moments. Paz wanted a way to signal that she had been there too. "Is there an international sign or secret nod to say, I am one of you and I did it, so maybe you will too."  Paz, Melissa and others got together to create the Common Thread.  There is no point in me paraphrasing what was already written so eloquently by someone else: namely, Melissa, a.k.a. The Stirrup Queen, a.k.a. Lollipop Goldstein.

"The pomegranate-colored thread holds a two-fold purpose: to identify and create community between those experiencing infertility as well as create a starting point for a conversation. Women pregnant through any means, natural or A.R.T., families created through adoption or surrogacy, or couples trying to conceive during infertility or secondary infertility can wear the thread, identifying themselves to others in this silent community. At the same time, the string serves as a gateway to conversations about infertility when people inquire about its purpose. These conversations are imperative if we are ever to remove the social stigma attached to infertility.Tie on the thread because you’re not alone. Wear to make aware. Join us in starting this conversation about infertility by purchasing this pomegranate-coloured thread (#814 by DMC) at any craft, knitting, or variety store such as Walmart or Target. Tie it on your right wrist. Notice it on others."

As someone who has succeeded in having children after several painful years immersed in the world of infertility/miscarriage, I care deeply about helping others who are currently struggling and suffering through similar experiences.  I have noticed that people are less reticent about talking about infertility now, however, I don't want to push.  There was some pregnancy guilt; that by getting what other women wanted, I had betrayed the "club" and lost my membership. There's a little reverse psychology there.  No one wants to be a member of the infertility club, but it binds you in a very intimate way with a lot of other infertile women who can all say "I know how you feel because I've been there too. Let me support you."  

The thread icon on my blog, and a thread around my wrist can be used by others who want a dialogue to recognize and approach me. They will know that I am open to having that kind of conversation.  If you see it, use it. Give me an opening and I will help you have that conversation.

For more information about the history of Infertility's Common Thread, go to Melissa's blog: stirrup-queens.

Comments

[sunnymama]

This is a wonderful idea. :)

[Mar]

I also think it is a wonderful idea, didn't know about it and it makes a lot of sense.

ICLW

[KatieeDid]

Wonderful wonderful post, and so meaningful. We have to do whatever we can to let folks know about this idea. I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to post a link to this article on my blog as well: http://www.bustedplumbing.com

[Lisa]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I don't mind you posting the link at all; in fact, I'm flattered.
I love your gorgeous red-haired avatar. Can you tell me what cartooning service you used, please? My daughter has been asking me to find one for her.

I'm on my way to visiting your blog right now.

Lisa

[Krystal]

I'd seen this icon on a few blogs that I've read, but had never read the post about it. Thanks so much for sharing this and it is a beautiful idea!

Happy ICLW!

[tubal reversal]

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[Tubal Ligation Reversal]

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