This week, we are discussing Invitations: Coping, Responding & Participating.
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Picture this…an envelope comes in the mail, it’s a hand-written address…you know it’s an invitation. You slowly take it out to see a cutesy teddy bear staring back at you. The Psycho crescendo plays in the background, and you tear up.
A Baby Shower? A Christening? Or maybe a 1st Birthday? It doesn’t matter what child related event it may be…they all are extremely difficult to accept and participate in. So, what do you do? How do you respond?
Well, I’m sure we’ve all had our share of pain as well as guilt when it comes to getting and RSVPing to invitations. On one hand, it may be family or a close friend and you don’t know what they will think or say if you don’t show up. Also, you’d want them to reciprocate to your blessed event when that may arise. But on the other hand, you wonder if you could fight the tears or the prying questions.
Come back tomorrow for ways to “grin and bare it” when RSVPing yes and on Thursday for ways to say no and still “save face.”
What have you done when you’ve received a baby related invitation?
what a great topic! I’ve actually gotten this question emailed to me several times…
I am really open with my infertility, so most of my close friends and family know that baby showers are extremely hard at times…most of the time I am 100% honest with the person it’s for and let them know and 99% of the time they are understanding.
Here lately I’ve surprisingly been able to attend quite a few baby showers, I’m not sure if it’s because I’m on my 4th year and things are getting easier or what…
Prayers for all the infertile couples—from one to another May God Bless You!
I let them know that I’ll purchase a gift but may not be able to attend…. and so far its worked every time.
Since my hyst, I’ve only gotten a couple of baby related invites. I haven’t felt up to going to any baby showers, so I always make sure I talk to the mom to be and tell her how I’m feeling and that I hope she understands, and so far, they always do. Then I’ll do something for them but on my own terms, something that is still in my comfort zone but will acknowledge their joy and excitement.
Hey Babe,
I got one straight after my 1st miscarriage and it was actually a JOINT one-yes double sucker punch to guts!!-but anyway it was with my co-workers so I just volunteered to stay behind and do some extra work which had arisen and the deadline was the next day.
Right now I’m in a good place, I haven’t been to one in awhile but if I was invited I think I’d go!! And maybe have a few extra drinkies
Take care
This is a tough one. I will always RSVP, but I normally decline. Unless it’s a really really close friend, I just don’t feel like I should put myself through the pain for someone I’m not really close to. I do try to give them a little gift that fits in our budget because it’s polite and I’ll want them to do the same for me when I’m pregnant!