This is a post with a simple purpose-to thank everyone who is "following" this blog (officially or unofficially) and everyone who comments.
I know I am not a great writer. I know that many ladies with IF are turned off by blogs of those that have children, and that is understandable-no judgement.
When I started this blog, I had no readers. I knew it. I didn't make my blog public in any way. I didn't want it public. It wasn't "ready." That was years ago! In November, I read This Cross I Embrace's blog through getting to know her from the Dr. Toth yahoo health discussion group. I was blown away. She introduced me to the larger Catholic IF community and...wow. I knew I needed to get my blog up to speed. I wanted to share back with these amazing ladies. That was last November.
A lot has happened since then. I got it up to speed, became addicted to a million other blogs out there, and started spreading the word about my blog, mainly trying to share what has worked for us-the effective treatments as well as the spiritual healing that took place throughout our IF journey.
I am someone who likes to see tangible progress (which is why the dissertation is so dang hard!). And can I just tell you, seeing the number of followers increase exponentially to twenty just blows my mind. Literally beyond my wildest dreams! I know it isn't supposed to be a pat on the back, it can be for so many reasons that you follow, but can I just say THANK YOU! I think it is awesome! And can I also just say don't ever leave me! Just kidding-but one follower did leave and I tracked her down and dragged her back, so I am just warning you, I love each and every one of you, even those without a blog I know nothing about! Seriously, if you do decide to stop following, feel free to send me an email with the reason why, if has something to do with something I have said or done. I am not saying I will change for people, just that am open to feedback and I want to know how I am being perceived. As I have said before, I am not a talented writer (admit freely) and it is a little scary that people are getting to know me only through what I say on here...never quite sure if I come across how I intend...or how I do in person...but anyway...
I am always especially grateful when someone takes the time to go through my archives. I know that time is precious, and I guarentee my archives are a lot juicier than the day to day stuff going on right now. I love it when people read and comment on old posts-it lets me know you visited! Sometimes I comment back, I love it!
I also wanted to tell you I am always open for anyone to email me if they want to know more about a particular topic I've mentioned or just share their story. I love this personal aspect to blogging, and am always willing to answer a stranger's email. We won't be strangers for long!
Anyway, it has been on my heart awhile to thank you, so there you go! Being part of the blogging community has truly enriched my life! I pray for each of you often!
I am on the journey we are all called to-to accept God's will and perfect love. Whether I am white knuckling it with my eyes shut tight or standing up with my arms outstretched enjoying the ride, I try always to let God be the driver and not bail out the side when there are bumps (like IF!). On good days, I trust He won't run me into a tree. :)
14 comments:
Great post! Though I am new, I am loving the experience of reading up on everyone's blogs. Thanks for sharing your story!
It is an honor and a pleasure! Thank YOU!
You are in my thoughts and prayers! I will remember you, your unborn baby, your son, and hubby in my daily rosary!
It always brightens my day to come here and read your blog! You have a very caring heart and write such wonderful, thought provoking posts!
I was wondering, what do you think about the connection of endometriosis and diet? Do you think if someone is diagnosed with endo changing their diet can help turn things around?? I have some posts up on my blog about this subject! I would LOVE to hear what you think!
Have a great and blessed week! Talk to you soon!
May God Bless you and your beautiful family!
Love,
Maria
P.S. This is Maria from Hail Full of Grace!
http://hailmaryfullofgrace-mt.blogspot.com/
I know it's sad to lose a blog friend over a pregnancy (or lack thereof)...isn't it? I happen to like your blog and will keep reading and following. You seem very genuine. I like that. :)
I love all the information you share and I am glad you are willing to share it!
Thanks, everyone! Wow, again, wasn't really expecting any comments on this one. I love it! PJ, I figure if you can't be yourself on your blog...lol. However, in all honesty I didn't lose the follower to a pregnancy, but to sticking my foot in my mouth! We have gotten past that, thankfully. Maria, I try not to comment on something I know nothing about and diet and endo is an area I have never explored personally. It seems others in blogland are more qualified to comment. If you want to know about infection, well that is something I know something about! :) I hope you find answers, and thank you for your prayers!
Always love your blog, and I am glad you are here!!
Glad you are here. Don’t take offense if someone ever decides to stop following. I’ve found there are some blogs that I followed initially b/c they were Catholic or IF, but really just didn’t have anything in common with the person. Still, I don’t stop following b/c I know people can read into it (and take it personally) if you stop. I still “follow”, but I don’t read them anymore at all. I’ve had people stop following for whatever reason.
I've definitely felt, similarly, that being part of this world has been an amazing experience. How much all of these IF ladies (whom I've never met! There are some I have, but they are a minority) have affected my life is indicated by the number of times in conversations I'll bring up something I've read on a blog - a recipe, a funny story - and then realize what my source is and think about how to explain. "A friend," I usually say. (And then I worry about what will happen if someone asks what her name is. Um...Wheelbarrow? Jelly? Sew?)
FWIW, I follow your blog, but not through google's technology (I refuse to be rebuked by an unread reader). I put the blogs I want to read on my blogroll and then I run through whenever I have time and catch up on new posts. I definitely miss some, but over more than fifteen months (!!) it seems to be working for me.
I am not an official follower either. Like misfit, I've got you on my blogroll...but I read lots of blogs that may or may not be on my blogroll. I am unorganized and lazy. :)
I love your blog, and all your help with the infection info...so, thank YOU! :)
I'm an ex-follower stalker, too. You've been warned! :0)
I pop over as much as I can...I'm kinda obsessed with the song you have playing in the background, haha! You are so helpful to me via email with baby info.! Thank you! :)
I hope I'm not the follower that you think dropped you! Just like the misfit and lowly, I've recently changed to the Blogroll approach to following blogs. It works better for me. Have faith....I'm still here reading every post!
Also, I too have that paranoia about having a child and being pregnant while trying to "fit in" with the Catholic Infertiles. I get so much out of reading "them" that I hope they get at least a fraction of that from reading me.
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