As the school year approaches, there’s one question that looms over my head like an unwelcome cloud: “How was your summer?” This inquiry comes from all directions—colleagues, parents, and students alike. Some ask out of habit, others to fill the silence, and a few might genuinely want to know, especially after seeing my incredible vacation photos on social media.
The typical response to “how” questions is often just a simple, “Good.” “How are you?” “How is your family?” “How was your weekend?” But what if the truth is far more complicated?
This summer wasn’t easy for me. I faced two heartbreaking miscarriages, my second and third losses. After my first, I was convinced that I would still have a good chance of conceiving again. But after three losses, multiple surgeries, and endless medical evaluations, it’s getting harder to hold onto that hope, and that’s a struggle I carry with me.
Yet, like many of us, I have a collection of stories that paint a different picture. I enjoyed 28 glorious days of camping, tackled breathtaking mountains, and paddled across serene lakes while even getting paid to bring kids along on some adventures. I laughed until it hurt, hiked until my legs burned, and if you could smell my laundry, well, let’s just say I had to wash it twice to get the stink out.
Those vacation photos? They are truly spectacular. Stunning sunsets, serene sunrises, mist hovering over calm waters, smiling campers, and heaps of delicious, fire-cooked meals.
Before we dive deeper, let me clarify something: backpacking doesn’t cause miscarriages or infertility. Human beings, like all animals, are designed to be active. In fact, if we couldn’t reproduce while staying active, our species wouldn’t have survived. My midwife reassured me that myths about heavy lifting during pregnancy are just that—myths. (Of course, always listen to your body and heed your healthcare provider’s advice!)
So, how will I respond when that dreaded question comes up? Sometimes, I’ll just say “good” and pivot the conversation to their summer stories. Other times, I might share highlights from my best hiking experiences, perhaps even pull out a few photos to showcase. And then, there are those moments, with the right audience, where I hope to muster the courage to say, “Awful. I had two miscarriages. I’m ready for school to start so I can focus on something else. How was yours?”
I hope you’ll be honest when I ask, too. After experiencing three losses, I believe I can handle the truth.
For further information on navigating pregnancy challenges, consider checking out resources like the CDC’s page on pregnancy. And if you’re interested in home insemination options, you might explore the At Home Insemination Kit. For those looking for specific tools, the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo is a great choice.
Summary
As the school year begins, teachers often face the question, “How was your summer?” While many respond with a simple “good,” some may carry heavier truths. The author reflects on personal challenges, including two miscarriages, while also celebrating summer adventures. With the right audience, there’s hope to share the truth and foster meaningful conversations about difficult experiences.
Keyphrase: Teacher summer experiences
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]