After Mass and Benediction this morning, we finally took our children to the pumpkin patch so that they could pick out their pumpkins to carve.
While we were there, I couldn’t help but think about the last time we brought our children to this particular pumpkin patch, almost one year ago to the day. I was 8 weeks pregnant at the time, and we excitedly shared the news with some of our friends. Little did I know that just one month later, I would miscarry our little one, and be told by the doctor that he had stopped growing between 7-8 weeks. Looking at the pictures from that day, and remembering that I was 8 weeks along, still brings tears to my eyes.
What tremendous sorrow and heartache losing a child causes…
Yet, it is a strange thing — God’s plan. Had I not miscarried Gabriel last November, I would not currently be carrying the precious little gift He is sending us this Christmas, which is ironically just 8 weeks away. God is Good!!
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
I know exactly how you feel. I miscarried our second child, but one year later from the week I found out about the miscarriage, our third child was born. I was so caught up in the joy of the new baby, I didn't have much time or energy to dwell on the loss. You are so right about God's timing! Prayers for the rest of your pregnancy!
~By the way, I LOVE your blog! So inspiring!
God is Good! I too can relate. I was just thinking tonight before I read your blog about my little ones. I was at family camp one year, where I started to miscarry at 11-12 weeks (the baby had stopped growing about 8 weeks too). One year later, it was hard to be at the same family camp with the memories, but 32 weeks pregnant and praying for a healthy baby. Baby number 4 came a little early, fast and healthy! God allows us to heal in different ways, sometimes by giving us another baby to hold and love, but not to replace, huh? Many prayers for continued health and peace. You look beautiful!
So true, you always mourn the one you lost but.. you wouldn't otherwise have the one you have.{{}}
I just found your blog. It is, you are, so inspiring – love it! And it´s great to see another woman in her 32nd week – just like me (but it´s my first). I´m wishing you all the best and I will include you in my prayers.
And by the way, Therese is my favorite saint, too!!!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Magdalena from Germany
God's timing and plan is a strange thing, isn't it? I'm currenlty at a place of waiting and trying to understand what it all means for me right now.
Every year, the week before Christmas we mourn our baby who was to be our Christmas Child. Lost at 9 weeks, we still hold Natalie dear as we celebrate Christmas. But then, had I not miscarried, two months later I would not have conceived Jonah and carried a healthy pregnancy.
God's timing is something, but sometimes difficult to see through the pain and suffering.
8 weeks! It does hold so much for you. Praying and thinking of you in these last weeks dear Jessica!
I'm so happy for you. I've been thinking about you so often..seeing Christmas decorations out in stores makes me excited for you…and of course, miss Molly. Thank you for that post…it brought hope.
Much love,
Adele
We have Katherine because I miscarried before her, we always talk about how Gabriel was meant for Heaven, that God wanted him and knew Katherine would come next.
It's weird, on October 18th (feast of St Luke) it was 8 years since I lost our baby, yet, I cried a ton while nursing baby Bridget that evening. It's not weird, it just is even more proof, no matter what the world thinks, it's a life, it's a loved life and it matters.
You look sooo cute and little. Your baby tummy is beautiful, as are you!
God bless you, Jessica, as you remember your precious Gabriel. God is SO good! And I hope your faith gives you great comfort as you remember and still feel sadness from time to time. I can't imagine going through things like this without the Lord! Can you? Take care in these last 8 weeks. You look fantastic! I hope you're feeling good, too.
You look beautiful. God bless you and your precious unborn child. I have experienced six miscarriages, and I always remember my miscarriage date for each one. We named them all as well… I think it helps the healing process. Thank God, I also have seven beautiful children… and as many have stated, some of them would not be here had I not miscarried… that is unimaginable as they are so precious to me. In my heart, I am a mama to thirteen! JMJ
You're so beautiful! You're in my prayers.
Oh, my gosh! Jessica, you look so good!! 😀 I swear I'm way bigger that you and I'm only 23 wks along. I understand exactly what you are saying. I miscarried the baby right before this pregnancy as well at 12 wks. My first miscarriage. It was so, very difficult. God has a plan though, doesn't He.
I'm so very happy for you and you and your precious little one are in my prayers.
God bless!
Jessica, you are in my prayers. I think that I told you that I miscarried a little one at 19 weeks (she had died around 17 weeks). I had visited a corn maze and pumpkin patch around that time and I have not been able to go back. Everytime I think about it, I remember a friend who was there asking, "How far along are you?" I responded, "Between 16 and 17 weeks." And she replied, "Oh, you are safe." She had miscarried a baby a little bit earlier in the year.
Now, I look at my four-year-old son, who I conceived four months later, and I am so thankful that he is a part of our life.
I can't wait to hear your good news.
wow, Jessica – only 8 wks left! I'm so excited for your family. In my prayers 🙂