When Expecting Doesn't Happen

Maria V. Gallagher has discovered a valuable resource for infertile couples and those who long to ease their pain.

I will never forget the moment—I was sitting on my bed, the emotional pain coursing through my being, as if tiny daggers were stabbing my heart. I cried out in anguish, thinking that, after months of trying, I had failed to become pregnant. It was, by far, the worst suffering I had experienced in my life up to that point.

But a day later, through a pregnancy test, I discovered that I had been wrong—I was, indeed, blessed with a baby, and life would never be the same again.

I have also been saddened to learn of a friend’s infertility, wondering how I could best communicate my love to her. I struggled, wondering what would be the right thing to say. I desperately wanted to lessen her burden, but had no idea how to do so.

And so I was very curious to read the new book, When Expecting Doesn’t Happen: Turning Infertility into a Journey of Hope by Marie Meaney. Meaney has produced a profoundly important work which will be read with great interest both by those longing to conceive and those who care about them.

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Meaney knows first-hand the unique, complicated cross which infertility represents. She and her husband waited for years before they achieved their happy ending through the birth of their beloved daughter. In her book, she deals both honestly and compassionately with the various aspects of infertility—from filling the emptiness to dealing with the strain which childlessness can bring.

I especially appreciated the section of the book dealing with what not to say: some advice to family and friends. I so want to be a supportive friend to a woman struggling with infertility. Yet I am also fearful that I will somehow compound her anguish with my words. When Expecting Doesn’t Happen has given me the confidence that I need to engage in life-giving conversations with my friend, without the anxiety of saying the wrong thing.

Meaney’s book is both inspiringly spiritual and convincingly practical. She expertly weaves together the interests of body and soul to create a tapestry that gives glory to God. As the author notes:

Yes, children are a great good; they often bring great happiness, and life without them may seem dreary and empty. But even they, being finite, cannot fulfill the infinite longing of the human heart. Only God can do so, and only He can console us for our losses, and mend our broken hearts.

If you have a family member or friend who is Catholic and who is dealing with infertility, please consider recommending When Expecting Doesn’t Happen. It may just provide them with the insights needed to approach this heavy cross with renewed strength and encouragement.

Ask for When Expecting Doesn't Happen at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon or the publisher, StPaulCenter.com.

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