118. Keepsakes After Infertility | Letting Go Isn't All or Nothing

Host Elizabeth Tiglao-Guss shares a long-held tradition with Victor during their season of trying and waiting for a baby: collecting small, meaningful travel souvenirs intended for a future nursery, including a stuffed St. Bernard from Switzerland, a giraffe door stopper from Kenya, a stork from a French market, and a dolphin wind chime from the Maldives. She explains she still keeps these items because they now represent nostalgia and who they were—two hopeful people exploring the world—rather than only loss. She contrasts this with letting go of clothes and toys bought for two failed adoptions (one boy, one girl), a healing ritual guided by therapy. She encourages listeners to move beyond one-size-fits-all rules about discarding reminders and instead ask, “What does this mean to me right now?” to decide what to keep or release as grief evolves.A Waiting TraditionSouvenirs For The NurseryNostalgia Not SadnessAdvice To Let GoThe Healing RitualNot One Size Fits AllMeaning Changes Over TimeThe Question To AskChoosing What StaysClosing EncouragementConnect with Elizabeth:IG: @bychanceavenueStay connected & up to date with all things By ChanceWant to share your story? Apply to be a guest!