The Hurt. The Heart. The Hope. HURT is something that none of us are a stranger to, yet so many of us sit alone in our pain. Here is the HEART behind one of the many faces of HURT. May her story help you find HOPE in the midst of your own pain, and may she be a sweet reminder to connect with and support the hurting hearts around you. #hurthearthope
THE HURT: Terrifying shock while staring at the cold fluorescent lights of a hospital ceiling, accepting the reality that this pregnancy (lost, again) may actually result in death. The sixth baby that she’ll never meet, touch, hold, smell, kiss, or know. A bank account drained of $40,000 in unsuccessful IVF treatments. A gut wrenching emotional roller coaster that is excruciatingly priceless. The frustration from living in a world that is all too quiet about the pain from losing an unborn baby. As she is silently looking for reasons why it’s happening to her, this is the raw hurt of losing her unborn little ones.
THE HEART: Jodee. 35. She’s a warrior who’s not willing to give up. She’s a wife holding strong in the reality that even though there’s a hole in her heart right now, it can absolutely be filled. She’s a mother triumphantly pressing forward through the pain caused by the fact she believes she has failed to perform her body’s most basic function, to produce another child. She’s a survivor who remains resilient through the losses, even in what seem to be merciless moments. She’s a storyteller who has graciously shared her journey and comforted countless souls. She is one woman facing this pain, but bravely being a voice for so many others.
THE HOPE: Hope is that she survived when it wasn’t guaranteed. Hope is that she’s alive to watch her son grow. Hope is having the faith that eventually she will no longer know this hurt. Hope is the sweet vision of joyfully telling her four-year-old son that he is getting the brother or sister he’s asked for. Hope doesn’t need to be monumental, just gentle reminders that even a glimmer of good can be found in hurt. While Jodee may never know the reasons why this is happening to her, may she be an inspiration for you and I that even when it seems impossible, we can all find hope.
{For more stories from my project, The Hurt. The Heart. The Hope., feel free to follow me over at Jen CYK Photography.}