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Wednesday, August 09, 2006

More Common Threads

So...we're settled on #814...aren't we? It's been unanimous thus far and I'm assuming that few people are going to weigh in with thoughts between now and the morning. So...(shifts from foot to foot for a moment, glancing at the clock)...I mean, we're settled, right? #814 it is.

The graphic is...well...the only graphic we have. Therefore, I say, let's just use it for the time being. If this was a giant fundraising campaign, I would say that we should wait until we have the best possible visual and the best possible write-up...possible. But this is an information passing campaign. And we should just pass along the information. So, feel free to pass along these words and images via your own blog. Tie on a thread. And start spreading the word. And tell me how to put this image on my sidebar.

I loved Royalyne's words and I've used them as a jumping point. I think it needs to be succinct. And there needs to be two versions--a short version and a long version. So below are two drafts. Make suggestions, changes, additions, opinions.

Short version:

Infertility. Simple word with a complicated definition. Yet whether one has difficulties carrying a pregnancy to term or is unable to conceive naturally, our common emotional response is the same: anger, frustration, depression, shame, guilt and loneliness. One in seven Americans will experience infertility and a far greater number are affected by this silent problem. Tie a pomegranate-coloured string (a longstanding symbol of fertility) around your wrist to start a conversation, make a connection, provide an education, and end the silence. This common thread that binds us can be the common thread that builds community as well as building understanding between the fertile and infertile worlds. With a simple thread, infertility doesn’t need to be a lonely experience.

Longer version:

Pomegranates, a longstanding symbol of fertility, serve as a strong analogy to those suffering through infertility. Though each pomegranate skin is unique in colour and texture, the seeds inside are remarkably similar from fruit to fruit. Though our diagnosis is unique—endometriosis, low sperm count, luteal phase defect, or causes unknown—the emotions, those seeds on the inside, are the same from person to person. Infertility creates frustration, anger, depression, guilt, and loneliness. Compounding these emotions is the shame that drives people suffering from infertility to retreat into silence.

The pomegranate 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 A.R.T., families created through adoption, or couples trying to conceive during 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.

And then there's the informal version:

Listen, you damn Stirrup Queen or Sperm Palace Jester. Tie the freakin string on your wrist so I can place you on the right side of the sliding scale when I see you pregnant at Starbucks.

Sigh.

I'm off for the one-hour massage promised by my fantastic, wonderful husband. And I promise, no more thoughts about infertility tonight.

10 comments:

C said...

Excellent write-ups, ladies! My only comment is that I think there should be some mention of pomegranates (and thus the rationale behind the string's color) in the short version.

My suggestion is to change the middle of the paragraph to read: "Tie a purple string around your wrist to symbolize pomegranates, an ancient symbol of fertility. Make a connection, provide an education, and end the silence."

Something like that, anyway.

Unknown said...

I'm in tears...That is just amazing.

mandolyn said...

Perfection.

BeckyZ said...

Hey--I'm a graphic designer with access to all sorts of cool graphics programs--if you're interested in a more polished string pic, I could do it for you. And I'm a fellow crusader--I'll be undergoing ivf #1 this october-- let me know if you'd like some help!

BTW your "nightmare" post was awesome--if I may, can I download it for my files?

BeckyZ

Somewhat Ordinary said...

I hope you enjoyed your message yesterday! I like Carolyn's suggestion for the middle paragraph.

Maybe since we have a grpahic designer who volunteered to help maybe the pomogranate could be part of the logo?

Rebecca said...

I love this idea, and the explanations are excellent! LOL at the informal version. BTW, thank you for stopping by my blog.

Kir said...

brought me to tears, it's wonderful.

I think the informal version should go on national TV ! (HA)

I also like Carolyn's suggestion ot change the middle paragraph.

I love the whole idea, it's wonderful
and yes 814 is all cool with me

Anonymous said...

You did an amazing rewrite of the babble I sent you (good thing too, because I know the original had some grammatical issues). Carolyn definitely has a good idea for the middle paragraph. I can't wait to see purple strings next time I'm at the grocery store and I'm ready to wear mine and talk about it. I can't wait to hear what the people at Resolve think.

heather said...

hey,

coming out of lurking here to let you know i posted the link on the babycenter hi-tech ttc board. hopefully that will get the word out a bit more:)

:)heather

mandolyn said...

I went to the craft store just a little while ago on my lunch break. #814 was sold out. I stood there starting with a goofy smile on my face. Awesome!

(I eventually found #814 in "pearl cotton" as opposed to regular floss.)