Since I created this blog, I've given pumpkin noodle hearts to four women. They all have different stories: one was in the process of adopting a child and has since welcomed that child into her family; one very tragically lost a child at 23 weeks gestation; one was just completing a cycle of IVF; and one was newly pregnant, after having struggled with infertility for years.
The hearts represent different things to each of these women, but the one thing that unites them all in my mind is love: love for the children that might have been, love for the children that are to come. Women (and men) struggling with fertility challenges endure so much uncertainty, pain (both physical and emotional), joy, hope, grief, jealousy, anger . . . really the gamut of emotions. They do this because of love for those little ones living in their hearts that they hope one day to hold by the hands. I know that's the reason I did it.
I just created a Facebook page to help get the word out about pumpkin noodle hearts. It's called "Pumpkin Noodles for Healing and Hope," and I hope you will check it out and recommend it to anyone in your life who might benefit from it.
Wishing you so much peace and love.
--Amy
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
For You
Hi, my name is Amy.
In July and August of 2011, my husband and I completed a cycle of IVF. We had been trying unsuccessfully to have a child for six years. When I was waiting to find out if our embryo transfer was successful, my friend gave me a flannel heart that she made. It had two smaller hearts (one to represent each embryo transferred), sewn inside. The idea was that the big heart was my womb, sheltering the two little ones and helping them grow. It helped me so much to have something tangible to hold while I was waiting and hoping. I used it a lot when I was pregnant too. It is still one of the best gifts I have ever received.
Maybe you are facing fertility challenges as my husband and I did, or maybe you have suffered some other loss. Maybe you have a child but are separated for some reason; there are countless scenarios. However the why of it, doubtless you are struggling. I know I was.
I have started making hearts like the one my friend made for me. My plan is to give them to other women who are following a similar path as me. I would be honored to send you one if you would like.
"Pumpkin Noodle" is the pet name I had for our son, Matthew, when I was pregnant with him. That's what I call the little hearts I make. My wish for you is that one of the pumpkin noodle hearts will help you in the way that you need it most, whether that be in the form of helping you find peace, acceptance, hope, healing, or something else--whatever you most need.
I am offering the hearts free of charge, but if you would like to contribute to the cost of materials and shipping, it would be most welcome. If there is more money than I need to cover materials and shipping costs, I hope to be able to make a donation (or several donations) to organizations like Resolve: The National Infertility Association.
You can contact me by leaving a message on this blog, or by sending an email to amysue74@gmail.com. Let me know where to send your pumpkin noodle heart, the number of small hearts to sew inside (1, 2, 3, etc.), and if there is a color you would particularly like me to use. I've been using dark purple, dark teal, deep pink, orange and a vibrant green. I'll do my best to use the color(s) you request.
I plan to keep making posts here, letting you know when I make donations of hearts or money and maybe sharing some of your stories (anonymously or otherwise), if any of you feel like sharing. I hope you will think of this website as a place of hope and healing and as a source of support.
We're all on separate journeys in this life, but often we share the same road.
Wishing you well,
Amy
In July and August of 2011, my husband and I completed a cycle of IVF. We had been trying unsuccessfully to have a child for six years. When I was waiting to find out if our embryo transfer was successful, my friend gave me a flannel heart that she made. It had two smaller hearts (one to represent each embryo transferred), sewn inside. The idea was that the big heart was my womb, sheltering the two little ones and helping them grow. It helped me so much to have something tangible to hold while I was waiting and hoping. I used it a lot when I was pregnant too. It is still one of the best gifts I have ever received.
Maybe you are facing fertility challenges as my husband and I did, or maybe you have suffered some other loss. Maybe you have a child but are separated for some reason; there are countless scenarios. However the why of it, doubtless you are struggling. I know I was.
I have started making hearts like the one my friend made for me. My plan is to give them to other women who are following a similar path as me. I would be honored to send you one if you would like.
"Pumpkin Noodle" is the pet name I had for our son, Matthew, when I was pregnant with him. That's what I call the little hearts I make. My wish for you is that one of the pumpkin noodle hearts will help you in the way that you need it most, whether that be in the form of helping you find peace, acceptance, hope, healing, or something else--whatever you most need.
I am offering the hearts free of charge, but if you would like to contribute to the cost of materials and shipping, it would be most welcome. If there is more money than I need to cover materials and shipping costs, I hope to be able to make a donation (or several donations) to organizations like Resolve: The National Infertility Association.
You can contact me by leaving a message on this blog, or by sending an email to amysue74@gmail.com. Let me know where to send your pumpkin noodle heart, the number of small hearts to sew inside (1, 2, 3, etc.), and if there is a color you would particularly like me to use. I've been using dark purple, dark teal, deep pink, orange and a vibrant green. I'll do my best to use the color(s) you request.
I plan to keep making posts here, letting you know when I make donations of hearts or money and maybe sharing some of your stories (anonymously or otherwise), if any of you feel like sharing. I hope you will think of this website as a place of hope and healing and as a source of support.
We're all on separate journeys in this life, but often we share the same road.
Wishing you well,
Amy
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