First Blood Draw

It was dark and cold this morning when we first heard the alarm clock. We both took a deep breath and got up at 6 even though we are not morning people! We decided it would be a good idea to start waking up early before the actual in vitro process starts because we are going to have to be at the Dr. office every morning by 6 for blood work and ultrasounds. So this morning we went for a really beautiful hike really close to our house and hiked 4 miles. It was so calm inside the park and it was just what I needed to make me calm before my blood draw appoint. We saw 2 different sets of deer each with at least 4 in the groups. Hints of the horrible fires from last year were all around us and it reminded me that although fires and destructive events occur in life.....life repairs itself and moves on in a bigger way and with much more growth which is what the trees and nature showed me today!
Now I know that most people can have blood work with no problem and I applaud you, however it is not that simple for me. I am absolutley terrified of needles!!! I know that it really isn't that bad and very quick but when it comes to that time my heart races, my hands get sweaty and I start to panic. And the whole time my poor husband realizes that there really isn't anything he can do to help. So we get to our appoint. and I purposely made mine before Mario's so that it would be over with, and of course they took Mario back first. As i sat in the waiting room I said a prayer and at the same time prayed to Mary. I know a lot of people don't believe in that but I will try anything. I don't think God minds but they say she is the mother of miracles and if anyone needs one I sure feel like I do. So after my brief prayers I was rummaging about in my purse looking for a mint because my mouth was dry. I came across a dedication card for a very close friend of mine who we call The Fatha' who just passed away recently. On the back side of it was a picture of Mary. I felt a sense of peace and placed the card in my pocket so that I could have both of them with me. They called my name and it happened to be a blessing that Mario went before me because he warned the lab tech. She was extremely nice and helped to calm me. Mario and her asked me about my future babies and I did it like a champ!! At least that is what Mario told me :) It felt like it took forever and when it was all over I was shocked at how much they took. Mario and lab tech didn't want to tell me before but they had to take 9 vials. They are testing us for infectious diseases and to see I am a carrier for chromosomal abnormalites like cystic fibrosis and others. I am so happy that it is over but I have to do it again in about a week and a half. The tech told me I will be really used to it by the end. The rest of our day was fabulous we saw Benjamin Button and relaxed. In the movie Benjamin says that all opportunities in life make an impact on our life whether we use them or not. I truly believe that and if we never tried this I think I would always question the outcome and it is definitley already impacting our lives!