Mother's Day, then and now
In 2007, we spent Mother's Day in Kentucky with the in-laws. Sunday morning, I awoke to my period. Oh, joy! It marked the end of our 37th unsuccessful cycle of trying to get pregnant. And then we had to go to church with the in-laws. Their church had a baby dedication* that morning at each service; the service we attended had either five or seven babies dedicated. I sobbed through the whole thing. The family was going to go out to lunch after church, but I just couldn't handle being around any more people and especially mothers or babies, so they left me at the house. I can say without hesitation that it was one of the hardest days of my life.
In 2008, however, I woke up pregnant. Mother's Day marked the 20-week point (some would say the halfway mark) of my pregnancy with J. I had a smile on my face and in my heart that I just couldn't hide. Not to mention the belly poking out happily...can't hide that, either! D & I took another couple from church out to lunch with us for Mexican food. Yum! And I didn't want to find a corner and disappear.
I thought a lot that day about how different these two holidays had been. The Lord was definitely with me on both days. In 2007 D was merciful and always such a comfort. He allowed me to grieve without making me feel guilty. He's definitely an instrument in the Redeemer's hands...what a blessing! And in 2008 He has given me (and us) and invaluable gift in our child. We're so very thankful.
*A baby dedication is a ceremony held by churches as a substitute for infant baptism, because the churches do not believe paedobaptism is Biblical. In it the parents promise to raise the child in a Godly manner, and the church body in turn promises to assist.
In 2008, however, I woke up pregnant. Mother's Day marked the 20-week point (some would say the halfway mark) of my pregnancy with J. I had a smile on my face and in my heart that I just couldn't hide. Not to mention the belly poking out happily...can't hide that, either! D & I took another couple from church out to lunch with us for Mexican food. Yum! And I didn't want to find a corner and disappear.
I thought a lot that day about how different these two holidays had been. The Lord was definitely with me on both days. In 2007 D was merciful and always such a comfort. He allowed me to grieve without making me feel guilty. He's definitely an instrument in the Redeemer's hands...what a blessing! And in 2008 He has given me (and us) and invaluable gift in our child. We're so very thankful.
*A baby dedication is a ceremony held by churches as a substitute for infant baptism, because the churches do not believe paedobaptism is Biblical. In it the parents promise to raise the child in a Godly manner, and the church body in turn promises to assist.
