The two brothers getting to know each other for the first time after a family supper celebrating Patrick's first night home. Therese and I were talking this morning that when I arrived on Sept 27th... we have been waiting for him to come ever since. Maria's due date was the 29th, so until I arrived we were hoping that she would wait until I arrived. Well, day after day moved into weeks and we waited for him to come. Then the fateful night of October 9th and the Cross was set on Patrick's shoulders 20 minutes before he was born! Now the past 2 1/2 weeks of constant prayers as we have gone through the stages of "the sickest in the NICU" to now home with a few meds but nothing else! He shocked the nurses most by how wonderfully totally and without any hesitation he took to eating. They have shared with Maria that many babies that have faced his issues have come home with a feeding tube in his stomach. He has sailed along with that huge part of him coming home. "Momma, last night I prayed that Patrick can never get sick." said little Therese in her sweet voice just now at the breakfast table. He is such a quiet baby with just little sounds and not all out crying... last night when he was given his medicine, however, he did cry!
Nestled close to mom's heart not only physically but in every other way! A child is a part of us and our prayers never end for them! Today, as is every Saturday, is devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary - our Spiritual Mother! "The Holy Name of Mary is powerful. By keeping the name of Mary on our lips we show our devotion to her. Mary's mantle is always present to protect those who are her own. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the pinnacle of God's creation. She is the most perfect, the greatest, the holiest human being ever to live. When we repeat her name we greatly honor God her Creator. Mary never keeps any glory for herself. Her soul magnifies the Lord." (Luke 1:46) see www.magnificat.com
As a mother.... I am totally blessed and touched and assured that Our Lady is truly there for me! Why? Because as a mother... I know that I am in the constant state of prayers for my children and am blessed by all 11 I have been blessed with - the 5 with me here on earth and the 6 that are praying for me in heaven!
It will be hard in many ways for me to leave and head back to Marshall this afternoon. I am leaving undone one photo project that I wanted to do with the family at Church, but life wouldn't be normal without undone photos in my head. The family will be able to take Patrick to mass this weekend as I had prayed for a week ago. The fact that they will be able to introduce him to his Faith family will be a huge thing for them! There have been so many blessings pouring over us! They arrived home with Patrick to a wonderful/gift letter from Marge and Ron... a couple that they have never met, but now through the experience sharing empty arms for the first two weeks... Marge shared that 28 years ago she had a daughter, who she had to leave in the hospital for close to two weeks too! Now her daughter is a teacher of 5th graders, and surprises her mother with catching her with a rosary in her hand. I should say that what we share is love of Christ and his Bride, the Church! That truly is the tie that binds us. So wonderful to hear the testimony of Faith and Trust in Him! Thank you to all that have supported us so powerfully throughout all of this time!
Our celebration ceremony to welcome Patrick home last night... he was awake and taking it all in! It is very wonderful and joyful and peaceful here in this faith filled home. Jesus, we are filled with such gratitude this day as we celebrate our first day full day of his peaceful presence here in his domestic church/family home! From the first reading today..."living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the Body's growth and builds itself up in love." Ephesians 4:7-16 Followed by the Gospel of the fig tree that bore no fruit, but they gave it one more chance before it was cast into the fire... Luke 13. Lord, may we take to heart the call to be fruitful in our lives whether it be a call to being open to family and sharing the Faith with them, or sharing our Faith in the Truth by word or deed. Jesus, thank you for the miracle of Patrick and his health and ability to show us how to be Lambs of yours - totally leave self behind and follow YOU carrying our Most Cherished Cross. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Halleluia
Bless-bless, Barb
"Mary began where others end, whether in knowledge or in love. Mary was the first clothed in sanctity, destined for perseverance, luminous and glorious in God's sight, and incessantly employed in meritorious acts, which continued till her last breath. Hers was emphatically 'the path of the just, which, as the shining light, goes forward and increases even to the perfect day'..."
Blessed John Henry Newman (1890)
They are so loving and gentle with their long awaited little brother, Patty Joe!!!
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