Claire

MRKH 5000 in 50 challenge

The reason for my challenge this year was because I normally do mindfulness activities and wanted to do something different and a little more of a challenging for myself. 

As I am a member of the Diamond team with MRKH stars one writing prompt that I submitted inspired me to do my challenge. “My MRKH Journey” on a canvas and made as a collage.

The writing prompt was actually influenced by myself, as it was my prompt that was shared with the team. 

“Explain what you feel and have emotionally inside of where your uterus would have been”

When I wrote my piece, which for those who haven’t had the opportunity to read it, it basically mentioned that instead of a uterus I had a black empty hole when I was first diagnosed back in 1993. After therapy I learn to replace the “ black hole” with a meadow full of flowers, rabbits, butterflies, and birds, a sanctuary place that I’m blessed with.

Once I had decided on my challenge, I began to collect and collage pictures, photos, quotes for my canvas.

Not long after I began the canvas I soon realised that I had over estimated the surface area of the canvas. My collection was too great. I had to basically loose some of my collection and prioritise the ones I wanted to include on my canvas. 

Once I set my idea on a boarder , I began placing the pictures, quotes, photos into potential places. Each day slowly adding new pictures and with the help of my Hubby, helped me decide which ones stayed!

My Mum also helped me by the use of her printer so I could get photos printed. 

I have enjoyed doing this canvas, because although it has been quite overwhelming and slightly triggering, it has allowed me to appreciate how far I have come in my own healing journey. 

Without my amazing support network that I value and appreciate I wouldn’t be where I am today without them! These include, my Hubby, my Mum, Dad, two sisters, y two God Mother’s my best friend who I’ve known since I was 6 years old, and who has given me two God children, a girl and a boy. I also have three Niece’s and a Nephew who I adore and are very special to me. 

There are four charities who I hold very dear to my heart which I have included on my canvas who have shown such kindness, support, and I give the most credit to as without them I would truly be alone, My amazing “ sisterhood” that have my back no matter what!

Being that when I was first diagnosed there was no social media , I had no connections with other MRKHers, my art Journey was a very long dark road. It wasn’t until 2010 that I met another MRKHer online on a forum site, we connected straightaway and developed a great friendship, she later introduced me to the Facebook groups “ MRKH support and awareness” and “ MRKH experiences, advise, and support” it was then my healing Journey finally began and blossomed, bloomed, and have gone from a fragile , delicate flower, to a strong , brave, bold, Butterfly who has spread her wings Gracefully. 

My dream had been to write my story and share with the world , advocate , support others on their Journey. 

Being a part of the Trustee with MRKH stars only recently, has only made me feel honoured, and privileged that my own thoughts and dreams are being used and acknowledged. Along with experience, knowledge and wisdom living with MRKH for early 33years I will know my story will be someone else’s survival guide!

“I can, I will, End of story!”

I dedicate my canvas to my biggest hero’s 

“My support network !!”

– Claire