Many prayers as they ask the Lord's plan for them in the military. As in all of our lives there are doors that open and close and armed with prayer and faith we are led down the narrow path as we follow Jesus carrying/dragging our Cross!
Maria had just lost a pregnancy while we were there with her for Thanksgiving and our first time at their new home. Both times Maria had a miscarriage I was with her! Not only had I prayed long and hard that my girls would not have to experience the loss I had in my childbearing years, but I was with her both times! "Who better to help her through?" Ruth reminded me. Sad but true.
Loss has been a huge part of my journey of life and death. Losing a sister in 1986 - Mary was very close to me and was 28 and left behind a husband and baby daughter. At the same time of her wake and funeral, I had a scary loss of my 14 week old pregnancy while at my parents' home. I ended up in the hospital overnight on IV's as I hemorrhaged so much. At one point I thought not only would my baby join my sister, but I also! That was my 4th loss of 7 total! The two after were 20 week boys in the womb and William and Thomas are stillborn boys buried at the cemetery.
https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/my-most-cherished-cross-patrick-gerard.html
Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish,
had recourse to the LORD.
She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids,
from morning until evening, and said:
“God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.
Help me, who am alone and have no help but you..." Esther C
All is well with her baby sister, and we look forward to meeting her on June 1st! Therese will be there to help her every need!
https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/the-amazing-story-of-13-becoming.html
A week ago I had just had the powerful experience of spending the night at the bedside of my son-in-law's sister, Amy, who had come home after a week in the hospital on hospice. Together with her mom, dad, sister and brother... I was able to help with her pain and we found peace in her appearing to be "comfortable" through the night. I prayed so hard for Amy's healing along with Nancy and family, and when it looked like that would not be the answer - I prayed that hospice could allow her to come home and peacefully be surrounded by family as hospice met all her needs as they presented themselves. The Gospel that day about taking up her Cross was truly what she did. She died a week ago today peacefully and surrounded by her wonderful close family. So very hard, and I continue to hold them in my heart.
The ups and downs of life are made richer by our prayers intermingling with the tears. At one point I heard Bernadette crying on the couch for her Godmother. We prayed together and I shared with her all the tears I had cried constantly while sitting in the barn watching Pat milk cows for my sister, Mary. "I was pregnant with Susan, and wondered how she would ever turn out. As it is... she is my nun, but has no time for when I cry."
It is something that Berna shares with her mom... Amy was her Godmother, and my sister, Mary was Nancy's Godmother.
The Gospel today reminds us that we do not always understand why our prayers seem to go unanswered. LIFE and death is a mystery to us.
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened..." Matthew 7
Looking back at my sister's death now 35 years ago... I can see with wise eyes how the Lord has been at work in the life of her husband and daughter with wonderful addition to their family! Doors have indeed opened and love and family have been found! Thank you, Lord!
Jesus, we are brought to a deep place of Trust and Faith and prayer by LOSS in our lives. It brings us to fall prostrate in prayer asking you to hold us and show us how we are to pick ourselves up and follow you dragging our Most Cherished Cross. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen
Pat's mother said this every night before bed with her kids for her 2 years on hospice!
Danielle Rose - New and old and all amazing Catholic!
King and Country
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