- So these aren’t really mine, but you get the idea.
Here’s a little introductory trivia question, an icebreaker, considering I don’t know you and you don’t know me:
What’s the difference between brown eggs and white eggs? Not much.
The difference lies in the color of the hen that laid the eggs. Brown eggs tend to come from red-feathered chickens, and white eggs come from white-frocked birds. Nutritionally, they’re pretty much the same — just like the chickens. It just doesn’t come up in your everyday conversation.
Neither does infertility among black women. The same problems that white women have with conception and problematic ovaries and wayward eggs are same that black women have. As a group, we just don’t talk about it. Discussing it every day might be overkill, but the silence of it all and resulting isolation is enough to kill the spirit of every woman of color who carries the universal desire to bear her own children.
Wow. That sounded really profound, well beyond what I was going for.
I’m just a brown girl who inherited the genetic reproductive misfortune from the Brown family and finds herself staring in-vitro fertilization in the face. Journalism saved my life once; I figured the foundation of it — writing — might ease the stress of bringing about new life in the form of a round-faced baby or two. Or three. Or eight.
I’m also giving myself and the universe permission to say “black woman” and “infertility” in the same sentence. Part of that will include sharing what I learn about cycles, procedures and shots (oh, my!). There will be flashbacks, observations and blatant use of anonymity to protect the ignorant. You can trust that every raw tale will be true and reflect my most authentic thoughts and feelings about unscrambling my Brown eggs to finally get pregnant.
It’s what all the inquiring mouths are waiting for, after all. So, this is also to shut them up.
On all fronts, wish me luck. — MBE
My Brown Eggs 
WOW! Thanks for opening up a subject that a lot of people are probably wondering about. Although I haven’t had to take this type of journey, I applaud you for sharing yours. Here’s to educating the masses! And God bless you on your quest.
Thanks, madam. I’m happy you’re around for the journey.
Wende – this is perfect!i’m stuigglrng with infertility, now – and you’re right…it is a secret we keep…mostly to protect our fragile hearts during this time of struggle.LOVE this story, it is so special, and what an amazing perspective you have – you get to create a unique treasure for their home!xo
You’re so brave! I’m equally encouraged and convicted. Thank you. 🙂
You have no idea how you opening up helped me. Thank you right back.
You know, I’ll never forget the lessons I learned from you on the copy desk. You are part of my foundation in communication, so I appreciate the irony in my words on infertility being some help to you.
Brown eggs, white eggs – I don’t care if they have purple polka dots – they all suck when they don’t work as they should.
I hope your blog brings you tons of support and understanding for this journey. I’m sending tons of love and prayers your way, friend.
We had great times at the IT, Jenny. I’m humbled to be considered part of your communcation foundation. I’ve been enlightened, entertained and inspired by your life put into words. Thanks for the love and prayers. Keep ’em coming, dear friend.