Katherine Verrall

World Childless Week is the time for us to roar with worthiness, pride and joy.  A hearty, bellowing roar that fills the air with how very worthy we are!!!

The reasons for us to feel worthy, and be acknowledged, applauded, celebrated, appreciated and respected are numerous and varied.  I honestly believe that our worthiness is quite incalculable!!  I have listed some of the reasons below, but this submission would be tremendously lengthy if I tried to list everything, so please forgive me if I have left anything out!

Naturally, there are the usual, obvious reasons, such as our family relationships and friendship bonds.  We are stepparents, godparents, mentors, but beyond these usual ways of being worthy, I’ve listed a few more below; this list is, of course, far from exhaustive. 

We give our loving, caring, nurturing selves in the pursuit of looking after, and out for our fellow humans.  We care about the environment and the natural world.  We seek to protect wildlife, and with regard to domestic animals, we dote on our pets - I myself was a cat mum for 25 years.

We are productive and financial contributors to wider society - it goes without saying that we aren’t availed of all the benefits.  We donate our blood and bone marrow stem cells to treat patients with medical conditions, such as anaemia, cancer and blood disorders, as well as those having surgery.  Sometimes, within our lifetime or after our death, we donate our organs to prolong the life of others.  We volunteer in a wide range of settings, such as, charities and non-profit organisations, schools, hospitals and community centres.  In our lifetimes we donate to, and fundraise for charities; sometimes leaving sizable legacies.

We must be acknowledged, applauded and respected for our contributions to the worlds of art, music, and the performing arts.  In the literary world, some of us are world-renowned authors, poets, playwrights, songwriters and composers.   It seems to me, that from the smallest of actions, to the larger contributions that require immense amounts of time, energy, skill, talent, commitment and dedication, our worthiness can take many forms.

Out of curiosity, I just googled “what makes someone worthy?” and this was the result:

You are worthy because you are one-of-a-kind.  You might have similar qualities to some people, and you may even look identical to others, but still, no one alive today is quite like you.  You have skills, talents, personality traits and characteristics that make you, you.

Oh yes, and before I forget, I’ll explain the reason why I chose the above title, and share with you what, I feel, makes me worthy.  The embroidery reference is because I taught myself this needlecraft skill 5 years ago - the photo is of my first project.  I feel worthy in lots of ways, predominantly for just being me, which in many respects is more than good enough!!

Also, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a loving, nurturing relationship for almost 25 years, and I’m a loyal, caring, supportive friend and confidant.  I’m an Endo Warrior and infertility survivor.  I’m a qualified teacher and adult education tutor.  Since 2021, I’ve been an NHS Digital First Patient Lead for my county.  I absolutely adore this role, as it enables me to ensure that the patient voice is heard at senior level.  

So feel free to roar with worthiness today knowing that your value to this world is boundless and simply beyond words.  Always remember that the world would be a much, much poorer place without you in it. 

From today onwards, please nurture a gentle, but strong roar in your heart, mind and soul; may it sustain and comfort you always.