The river of life that flowed
Slowly trickled away from me
All the ability I have known
Has now been stolen from me.
Menopause is seen as an end in society. When I think of it, I feel scared and know that I will have some grief when this time hits. First, menopause should not be referred to as "the change". In life, there are so many changes so why would this event get that title. Women have to realize that menopause is a natural process in life to protect life itself. To ensure we can grow with our children and ensure they make it into adulthood. The entire subject should be treated that way. No one should be made to feel it is their fault or something bad. It is a part of life we cannot change. Women shoudl be encouraged, loved, and counseled through the fears and insecurities associated with menopause.
My husband and I wanted to try to have a child. I have one from my first marriage but he has no biological children. After years, I never became pregnant and immediately we thought something was wrong with me. My doctor had talked about early menopause before testing me for anything and my husband's response was this, "Great. This affects me more than you, you already have a kid. How would menopause affect you now?" What a terrible attitude especially when it has turned out to be him with the infertility issues. Now at 32, I do not feel the need to have children but menopause will still scare me because of the way it is presented in society!
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Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope you do not fear this! I understand your fears, but menopause is a change, much like other changes your body has already experienced. You should speak to women who have or are experiencing it. I think fear is often overcome by facing something head-on and getting to know more about it.
I think those may be tied to your husband's reaction...which I can understand would make you fearful! The opening to your post was very eloquent in terms of how many women feel about this event. Who wrote that? You?
Hi Cynthia!
ReplyDeleteYour story is sadly familiar to me. I recall a time in my marriage to my ex-husband that he seemed to show more concern for my reproductive abilities than for me as a person. We never did have any children together, and I must say that I'm grateful. I've moved on in life, have a wonderful man and a beautiful daughter, and appreciate the opportunity to spend each day with them. I hope your experience does not contribute to your fear of the inevitable. If you really think about it, menopause and the ability to grow old is a gift. It means we've survived that long!;) In my immediate circle at work, I am the youngest person, and all but one other has or is experiencing menopause. They are talented, compassionate, and beautiful women. Knowing them inspires me. It is almost like they are members of an elite group, full of wisdom and humorous anecdotes to share about their life experiences. Sure they have hot flashes and forget things, but they make me look forward to earning a place in the group! I hope you are blessed with women like this in your life to love and support you. I am sure you would be less fearful of "midlife" if you could see it's daily hilarity!;)
Yes, I wrote that and thanks to both of these awesome comments! I am always so grateful for the wonderful feedback I get in this class. It makes me feel better so often!!
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