The Struggles Of Staying the Course

I've recently realized that I'm jumping head first into a political, emotional "adventure" that seems to be pulling everyone's heart strings - in a million different directions.

Embryonic stem cells are of huge debate, as is healthcare in general. Some people bust in the ring with their fighting gloves on because, well.....that's what others are doing. Some understand what their stance is and some are longing to figure out how they feel in the midst of everyone else trying to tell them how they should.

All the while, I'm sitting right in the middle grounded firmly in my decision. Like it or not, I'm going to get attacked. By publicly sharing my story, I'm becoming part of the firestorm I've watched from a safe distance for quite sometime. At first, I struggled with the immediate need to defend myself. A list of facts were ready for aim-and-fire in my head. Do you know that thousands of stored surplus embryos are abandoned each year, or destroyed because infertility clients from years ago have decided their families are complete? Should I remind religious nay-sayers that the doctor in India is using ONE donated embryo to create stem lines for all her patients? Should I support my neutrality by telling my story of being an egg donor? I, like many couples storing embryos, too had to make a decision as to what to do with my excess eggs after my donor cycle was complete. I have lived both sides of this story. I have been able to give the gift of life, and now am able to receive it. Does karma really work everything out in the end?

So, should I get out my list and be ready for all the people who just don't understand where I'm coming from? Can I possilby explain the agony of the physical pain I go through to justify wanting this? Is that even the point? Nah. I have my reasons and they are tucked so deep in my heart that no matter what anyone says, they cannot be tampered with.

Opinions will be hurled at me, as they already have, and my journey has just begun. I remember when I donated my eggs so many years ago, there were people in my life leery of the idea. But equally as many were supportive. And some of the ones unsure in the beginning were the ones waiting there first at the finish line when it was over. So, there is a lesson that you must keep reminding yourself as it applies to your own life; it is YOUR journey. Inviting people to follow you, to share with you, to experience something they might not if it wasn't for you, gives them one right only - to be there. But still, it is all yours. It may be in its glory, despair or triumphs, but it is yours to hold in the end. It will be your tears of joy or despair (and probably both) that makes it what it is. But, when you are so grounded in your path, the spitfire around you just seems to crackle in the background.

So, opinions and rebuttals galore....I am ready for the tossings. I apolgoize in advance if I don't catch them. The decison part of this is over. And I must respectfully remind some that I didn't ask for votes.

However, if you'd like to stick with me to see how this whole thing turns out, I'll save you a seat. You never know, you might just find out how steadfast you are in your own beliefs. Or, maybe you'll be glad that you didn't speak until you saw with your own two eyes.

Plato said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." I promise to remember that, if you do too.

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About Amy B. Scher

A passionate author, pioneering patient, and sassy spirit with just enough sweetness to get me by, I live by my self-created motto: when life kicks your ass, kick back.Amy B. Scher's profile Amy B. Scher's blog