Book Review – Ever Upward: Overcoming the Lifelong Losses of Infertility to Own a Childfree Life

The infertility community is undoubtedly a web of inter-connectedness. Often, I don’t even realize how I discover new resources, practitioners, authors or blogs. I stumble upon them and a connection is born.

This is exactly how I met Justine Brooks Froelker and began reading her blog Ever Upward.

Justine shares her stories about struggle, hope, fight and recovery through infertility and into child-free living – a choice and a voice that is unique within the infertility community.

When Justine asked me if I would be willing to read a chapter from her upcoming book, Ever Upward: Overcoming the Lifelong Losses of Infertility to Own a Childfree Life, I immediately said yes and chose Chapter 6 – Reigniting the Spark.

It’s no doubt that passion dwindles for couples facing infertility. My husband and I have definitely felt the strain, so I figured this topic would be a good fit.

In this chapter, Justine explains how she was able to reconnect with her husband Chad after enduring the hardships of IVF and the grief of letting go of the need to have biological children.

As I read each page, I smiled at the similarities between our stories, laughed at Justine’s humour and took moments to digest the personal insight that Justine so easily conveys through her words.

Over the course of 12 months, Justine and her husband planned monthly date nights ranging from low cost stay-at-home evenings to extravagant nights out on the town. It didn’t matter what they did; what mattered is what they discovered while rekindling their love.

1. They are a family (even if they are childless).
2. Their relationship is a priority.
3. They are a team.

These three lessons are valuable for any couple, not just those going through fertility treatments. These factors build the foundation of a relationship and are crucial to its success.

Justine and Chad have found balance in their relationship and peace in their choice to continue on as a childless couple. It takes strength to know your limit.

Justine’s story is vulnerable and raw, yet completely relatable. I guarantee you will laugh, maybe even cry, but most of all, you will heal.

Whether you are just beginning your fertility journey or nearing the end of it, I highly recommend you get yourself a copy and support a fellow infertility blogger/author.

You can order your own pre-sale copy of the Ever Upward via Justine’s website. The book will be available on Amazon and in book stores Spring 2015.

Grab a copy, flip to Chapter 6 and uncover inspiration for your next date night! I hope to “borrow” some of Justine’s ideas to reconnect with my own husband. If we aren’t in this together, we aren’t in this at all.

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