A couple of weeks ago I went and did a session of acupuncture. You laugh, but research shows it really helps with women that undergo IVF. My fertility doctor also encouraged me to try it, so I did my research and found a local acupuncturist.
As I arrived to her house I had no idea what to expect. Television and movies hype these type of workers up to be either weird hippies or wacky crazy people. And of course I had watched movies where they stick these huge needles in you, yet another hype. I remember pulling into her driveway thinking I could turn around and no one would even know that I was here. I chalked it up and rang the doorbell. This lovely warm and kindhearted woman greeted me. She made me feel so welcome and soon all my anxiety left my body.
She wanted to get to know me a little so we sat down and I filled out paper work and she asked why I was getting acupuncture. I told her my fertility journey and she listened with great intent. After we were doing talking she took me into her office and the procedure began. WOW!!! All I can tell you is that you have to try this. It was the best hour of my life. I felt like I had the best power nap and vacation all wrapped into one.
When we were done with my session she gave me some water and I was sitting on her couch making small talk. She came over and she began to share with me her story. She and her husband also had to undergo IVF for both of her children. We talked for about five minutes. She then proceeded to tell me that when she got up that morning she was getting dressed and something urged her to put on the necklace that she was wearing. She wasn’t sure why she felt she needed to wear this necklace, but she knew she had to wear it. She put it on and went about her day. While she was in her session with me it dawned on her why she was urged to put on this necklace. She knew her necklace was suppose to be around my neck. It was a necklace of Mother Mary. Mother Mary, in the Catholic Church, is the watcher over you and protector of you. The intercessions of Mary are closely connected to this belief. Just as Mary was the link between heaven and earth when she lived on this earth, believers have historically believed that Mary continues to help us. Mary's prayers have been invoked by millions of people around the world who seek her assistance in every kind of difficulty.
Mary's prayers have been requested by sailors at sea, couples struggling with infertility, soldiers heading into battle, farmers sowing their fields, and parents who grieve the loss of a child. Just as little children run to their mother when they are afraid, for centuries, believers have invoked Mary's prayers.
By now I had tears in my eyes while she was telling me this story. She took the necklace off and put it in my hands and told me it was now mine. With the tears now flowing I could do nothing but hug her. This woman that I had just met had opened up her heart to me and shared with me something very special and dear to her. Some might think I am a little crazy for doing acupuncture but I am more than certain that my meeting this woman was not done by accident. That day I needed someone who had walked in my shoes, which had hurt like I had hurt, and who understood the pain that I have been going through. I drove away from her house with my heart at peace and my neck sporting a beautiful new necklace that I would wear daily and cherish forever.
