Babies and pregnancy

I'm at that age where pregnancy and babies are all around me and in the beginning of this process it was VERY difficult. It was hard to process how some people who should clearly not be parents become pregnant time and again, while others struggle with a variety of infertility issues. I have a ton of questions related to these issues that won't be answered in this lifetime, and coming to terms with that fact has made it a tiny bit easier. Mark and I dealt with our own infertility issues prior to even knowing I had cancer, so I understand that emotional roller coaster and all I can say is that I'm thankful to be off that journey. My heart truly goes out to those trying to become pregnant and having difficulty. Anyway, I started writing this post because what is bothering me in this season of life is well-meaning friends not telling me they are pregnant until they pretty much have to tell me because of their baby bump. I totally understand their reasons/concerns and honestly initially, I appreciated not hearing baby news all the time as I was dealing with my losses. However, I'm not as fragile as I once was and while there is still a bit of a sting, I'm able to celebrate with others too. I'm at that age where everyone is starting or growing their families and I know that, so please don't tip toe around the subject with me anymore. I appreciate the space people have given me when it comes to kids but I don't need it anymore. I've accepted where I'm at and while that doesn't mean some days aren't hard, I don't fall apart like I once did. It is what it is. Mark and I have talked a lot about adoption (which I believe is a great thing) but we aren't pursuing it at this point in life for a variety of reasons. I hope people don't feel sorry for us because we don't have kids, I don't want to be pitied. In a strange way, Mark and I have become content with where we are in life. Our dogs are our kids and we have wonderful nieces and nephews who we will pour our lives into. We talked the other night and I was surprised to hear Mark say he feels led to join Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I think it's a fabulous idea as he is great with kids and has a lot to offer them! As soon as I'm done with treatment, I want to get involved with the children's ministry at our church and pour my life into those kids as well. This isn't what we initially planned for our lives but I think we are both finding peace in the way it's turning out. Parenthood is a ministry and a very hard one at that and I think our ministry with kids and parents is just starting to unfold itself. God's doing something in this area for us and I'm excited to see what comes of it.