My 1st Blogiversary? Say it Isn’t So!

, , 45 Comments

Has a year really gone by since I nervously posted my very first blog entry? Apparently it has.

According to my entry stats, February 8 is indeed my blogiversary. To say I was feeling vulnerable on that chilly February evening a year ago would be an understatement. I was shivering but not from the cold. No, I was shaken to the core because it was the first time I had ever publicly proclaimed my infertility. I felt nauseous, liberated and terrified all at the same time.

I wondered if I would be shunned as an infertile woman’s worst nightmare, or find others online who had shared some of the same thoughts and emotions that I had been struggling to understand. Within days my trepidation was all but gone as I was warmly embraced with welcomes, good wishes and acceptance.

It’s been a richly rewarding and healing experience to explore and come to terms with long-suppressed memories and feelings. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it is that infertility leaves deep scars — scars that are not evident to those who have not seen or experienced infertility firsthand.

My writing has been fueled by sadness, ah ha moments, laughter and friendship, indignation, and even hope. Equally important I want to make it clear to all who stop by for a visit that infertility is complex and multifaceted.

See also  Reader Mail: Infertility Affects More Than Infertiles

Your support and acknowledgments have gone a long way in helping me find a new form of peace.  Your comments have both given me food for thought and made me feel less alone in my experience. For that I am eternally grateful, and I hope in getting to know you through your blogs I have returned the favor.

Before I get too mushy, cake anyone?

 

45 Responses

  1. Deathstar

    February 8, 2008 6:30 am

    Congratulations! I raise my glass to you and this is my toast: Thank you for all your encouraging words, fabulous, inspiring and heart-wrenching posts, thank you for leading the way, holding the space, making us cry, making us think, thank you for opening up your heart and your life and your gut, thank you for speaking for others who dare not. Thank you. Salut!

  2. luna

    February 8, 2008 7:10 am

    Happy blogoversary, Pamela Jeanne! (what kind of cake are you serving?)

    your words are such a tremendous contribution to the i/f community. thanks for all you do to share your thoughts and to raise awareness of this complex and often misunderstood issue, and for providing a model for living childfree. your strength and eloquence are truly an inspiration.

    keep on writing…
    ~luna

  3. Geohde

    February 8, 2008 8:56 am

    Happy blogaversary!!!

    Even more happily, my internet now plays nice with your site!!

    J

  8. beagle

    February 8, 2008 12:27 pm

    Happy Blogiversary!

    Is it just me, or does it feel like we’ve all been here more like a decade??

    Ah well . . . please do pass the cake!

  13. DD

    February 8, 2008 2:28 pm

    Really? A whole year?

    Well, Happy Blogging Anniversary to you and may you find enjoyment and knowledge through many more.

  14. shinejil

    February 8, 2008 3:09 pm

    Congrats! I’m so glad you’ve found a resource in blogland, and that you share your thoughts with all of us.

    I’ll have the slice with the icing rose, please.

  15. JJ

    February 8, 2008 3:42 pm

    Happy Blogoversary! We ARE close blog-birthday-buddies! Glad we have both found each other, and SO thankful that you are blogging–I love reading your posts, and look forward to celebrating more anniversaries with you!

  17. Lori

    February 8, 2008 3:57 pm

    If it’s chocolate, make mine a double.

    You are such an important voice in this community! Congrats on stepping out and being heard for a whole year!

  18. loribeth

    February 8, 2008 5:29 pm

    Lots of frosting on my piece, please. ; ) Happy Blogoversary, PJ, & thanks for being such an inspiration to all of us (& to me personally)! I found you during the summer, I think, & always look forward to another post from you!

  19. Courtney

    February 8, 2008 5:32 pm

    yay! Happy blogiversary Pamela! While I didn’t know you a year ago, I am so glad to have met you. Thank you for being so willing to open up and say what you think and feel. You have touched many ppl, whether you knew it or not.

  22. Mel

    February 8, 2008 6:45 pm

    I never turn down cake 🙂 Happy blogoversary. A whole year of writing is a huge accomplishment. And your writing has not only touched so many people but it has opened so many eyes. Thank you.

  23. Summer

    February 8, 2008 6:56 pm

    Raising my glass, too, to your blogoversary!

    When I read your posts, I not only learn more about you but also more about myself. Thank you for always putting yourself out there.

  24. Dianne

    February 8, 2008 7:46 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. 🙂 Yummy cake!

  25. Jenna

    February 8, 2008 8:47 pm

    Congrats! I think it’s so important that you continue doing what you are doing. There are so many peolple who use your words as comfort and inspiration during difficult times.

    I hope you stick around for a few more blogversaries. I know I’m only one of so many who love your words.

  29. Ginya

    February 9, 2008 1:49 am

    Congratulations! I happened upon your blog not too long ago and am already a big fan. As someone who is also childfree after infertility, I appreciate the fact that you are giving such powerful voice to this journey – sometimes it can feel like we are very alone. I think I read most of your blog entries in one night and lost track of how many times I thought to myself, Yes, that’s it, that’s exactly right. Thank you for having the courage to start this blog.

  31. Andie

    February 9, 2008 4:28 am

    Happy Blogiversary! I’m so glad you took the plunge a year ago. Please, do pass some cake 🙂

    Andie

  36. luna

    February 9, 2008 7:16 pm

    hi again PJ, have you recovered from the blogoversary hangover?

    well I thought I’d give you something else to write about this week. been tagged lately?! well, you’re it! see the rules on my blog… ~luna

  37. Jackie

    February 9, 2008 9:32 pm

    Happy blogiversary! Thanks so much for all you have shared–your blog is immensely touching. I really admire you and I can’t wait to get your book!

  38. peesticksandstones

    February 9, 2008 11:24 pm

    Definitely want to take this chance to thank you for your contribution — your blog especially is one that inspired me to start writing, too!

    Can I offer to some ice cream to go with the cake?

  39. Schatzi

    February 10, 2008 12:26 am

    Happy Blogoversary to PJ
    Happy Blogoversary to PJ
    Happy Blogoversary dear PJ….

    And yes, actually, I would love some cake :-).

    Here’s to another thoughtful and inspiring next year.

  42. Iota

    February 11, 2008 5:06 am

    I’m glad I found your blog. You get a lot out of writing it, and we get a lot out of reading it. Win-win. And cake to boot.

  44. May

    February 11, 2008 11:10 pm

    Aha! I knew I’d missed something important! Happy blogiversary, dear Pamela, and long may your marvelous blogging continue!

  45. Makingpeace

    February 12, 2008 3:50 pm

    I can’t believe you’ve been writing for only a year! You seem like such a pro! I so enjoy what you have to say and the fact that you put a focus on what’s happening in the world as far as IF goes. It’s a very smart blog. Keep it up! 🙂

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