Reflections

New Years Eve is always a time for reflection on the last year, as well as thinking of all the hopes and dreams for the coming new year.  For many, this is a happy time of the year, to appreciate and celebrate all the great things that they did or accomplished throughout the year, but for many, looking back can be painful and bring back many feelings and memories they'd wish to forget. This year, we move forward; no looking back!

J and I have come SO far in the last year, going through three fertility clinics, six (unsuccessful) inseminations, and ten disappointing, heartbreaking negatives. Instead of looking back with distasteful feelings, I look back with a smile. Through all the bad times, we also had one very good time that trumps it all. One very successful IVF cycle. And for that, 2011 was a GREAT year! We also discovered the strength and love in each other and our family and friends; I wouldn't take that back for anything!

A few things I learned in 2011:
- You can't plan for everything in life
- Never underestimate the power of love and friendship
- Don't judge someone; you have no idea what may be going in their life behind the scenes
- Patience is the greatest virtue
- Never. Give. Up.

I hope all of you can reflect on 2011 and look past all the bad things that may have happened and look deeper. Going through hard times do teach us things and make us better people. Unfortunately, it's never easy, but does and will pay off. Good things happen to good people.

So it's time to say goodbye to 2011, a year of lessons, hardships and many memories and time to embrace the coming new year. A new year of more lessons, some hardships and many memories, good and bad to come. Bring it!!