Since beginning a second journey through an HG pregnancy, I have often felt almost removed, like a spectator to some gigantic upheaval in my family. My body, also, seems other most of the time (probably thanks to the meds keeping me hydrated). It is as if I'm not the one carrying any cross, but rather the one forever being carried.
This has given me a new perspective on the Church's teaching that we be "open to life." The emphasis with the teaching is usually that each conjugal act be open or that married couple be open.
But it's much more than that.
In our experience, being "open to life" has affected each and every family member and most of our closest friends. Everyone has sacrificed for this new little life and (thanks be to God) everyone looks forward to meeting the "new one."
My parents, happily married for almost 32 years and empty-nesters for 3 years, have taken two very energetic small children into their care. 24-7 care. Not to mention footing the grocery bills for an 18-month-old who eats like an adolescent male.
The Scientist's parents have given up weekends and evenings to help out my parents.
Back home, our employers, friends, neighbors and doctors have been outstandingly generous with their time and flexibility. And most of all: prayers.
This pregnancy exemplifies what healthcare should look like--openness to life, eagerness to serve, and understanding hearts full of encouragement and wisdom.
Being "open to life" is a call, I have found, to every single one of us. It is a love of God's own plan, not just for one couple's happiness and joy and sacrifice, but also for everyone around them.
We are filled with joy.
7 comments:
Thank you! I love this... It's so true that being open to life brings joy to everyone that that family encounters.
I also wanted you to know that I picked your blog for "the Gorgeous Blogger Award." http://laudemgloriae3.blogspot.com/2009/10/gorgeous-blogger-award.html
Thank you for keeping up such a great blog!
Everyone involved knows it's worth it!
I hope you do enjoy some of this time. Lemon flavored ice pops aside. Keep your little journal and keepsakes...
Thank you for sharing this, because so much of the news broadcast and printed doesn't reflect the beauty of everyday people who care and help and are looking forward to a meeting this new little person.
Thank you, ladies!
My God Daughter ROCKS!
I cannot tell you how inspiring your posts have been to me lately. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. Many more prayers coming your way!
This is what we have experienced in our adoption, too. Our whole church community rallied around us as we saved, worked, traveled, and finally brought our daughter home from Ghana.
It was so humbling and I kept thinking - I'm not worthy of this. And I'm not, but I'm loved and so is our newest daughter!
Oddly, our path to adoption began by us being "open to life". We had three bio children already and were convicted to be open to more. We actually had to be radically open to life with this adoption - maybe more so than we would have been with a bio child.
What a wonderful blog you have here! This post in particular really speaks to my heart, since we are about to embark on another pregnancy and are expecting hyperemesis gravitas for the third time. You have such a beautiful view of it! Thank you for sharing that with us.
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