Hello hello, hello everyone! Civilla Morgan here! Merry Christmas! And welcome back to another episode of Childless, not by Choice, where my mission is to recognize and speak to the broken hearts of childless not by choice women, and men, around the world.  I am spreading the great news that we can live a joyful, relevant, and fulfilled life, although we could not, did not, have the children we so wanted.   Thank you to my Patreon Contributors: (Patreon contributors are those who have taken an interest in my platform whether they fit the childless not by choice demographic or not. They have decided to contribute a certain dollar amount on a regular basis to help fund my dream of creating awareness and conversation for the childless not by choice community globally. Click the Patreon link for details and to become a Patron!)   https://www.patreon.com/21stcenturyhannah   Podcaster Sarah Williams of The Tough Girls Podcast Jordan Morgan   iTunes Reviews: October 10, 2017, by Ateqers from the United Kingdom: 'It is an excellent program, full of insightful comments and educational.'  Thank you Ateqers, hope I am pronouncing your name/handle correctly, for your comment and for your five-star review.  It is greatly appreciated!    Many of you listen to this podcast on different platforms. Google Play Radio, Stitcher Radio, Apple Podcast, my website, just to name a few. But I am happy to announce that you may now listen on Spotify! How exciting right?   Well, I am so excited about today’s episode. I LOVE Christmas and to be able to post the final episode of the year on Christmas Day has me as excited as a kid in a candy store, literally! So, let's get started. I wanted to tell you about how the ladies in the Facebook group are doing, in their own words. I think it is fitting as we come to the end of 2017, that we look back at the growth: The growth of the women in the group and the growth of the platform! Here is the first post:  Ladies who have found solace in the group: Gaby--In one week, it will be the 4th anniversary of my 3rd miscarriage. Unfortunately, all my miscarriages have been during the holidays (Thanksgiving or Christmas). This time of year is always difficult - I'm sure for us all. I'm trying to focus on charity work for children in need. I also joined a mentor program for young girls who have few to no resources around them. While helping others may not replace having your own children, channeling the mourning and at times regret into something positive is hugely helpful. No specific reason to post other than to share with you all, my sisters on this challenging path. Thank you for being here. I wanted to add that when I asked Gaby how she felt now at the end of the year compared to January, she said the following: “By the way, I feel about the same since January. Strong and grateful, with a side order of some fear and sadness. They are all collocated. Coming to the group has almost immediately taken away my feelings of being alone.” I wanted to add that because I believed that would resonate with a lot of you. Joanna (upon welcoming a new member to the group) ‘Hi ----, I joined at the weekend for the same reason. So grateful for the group and glad you found us too. I feel better for the support in just a few days. Just knowing that people understand.’ I also wanted to add a word of encouragement given to Joanna by a good friend of hers who has children:   Debbie—‘Tomorrow my niece gets married. In all honesty, besides excitement for her, my husband and I are sad by what we will never experience. I made a decision about 6 months ago that if I start to feel discouraged over something to reach out and be an encouragement to someone. So, yesterday I wrote a message to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law because I knew that even though this is an exciting time there has to be some emotion of "giving their daughter away." She responded that the message was needed and timely. I know we all have an ache that most do n