I didn't know this, but today is the National Day of Remembrance for infant and pregnancy loss. As most of you know, Steven and I have lost three children over the last seven years. We've also been blessed with two wonderful little boys.
Over the last month, I've had some conversations with friends and with my mom and my aunt about pregnancy and loss. One of the things that came up in those conversations and one of the things that the Lord taught me through the death of our daughter, Abigail, is that no matter how short a life is, every moment should be celebrated! Every moment should be treasured!
After our first loss, we struggled over the decision to tell our family and friends when I got pregnant that second time. It was so hard to have to make those calls! I remember especially that the morning before I miscarried the first time, I had called my aunt to tell her our good news. Within a few hours of that phone call, I began to suffer the symptoms of losing the baby. I remember how shocked she was because she had only just learned our news.
So, is it easy to think of calling family and friends and telling them you've lost your most precious gift? Absolutely not!!! But, for Steven and I, we feel that we should give all those who love us a chance to join with us in the joy of a new life, whether that life be weeks or years long. As my mom has told me more than once, the only time she ever had with my daughter Abigail was in those months that I carried and nurtured her within me. It's the only time any of us had with her, and how priceless that times is to each of us! Every memory of those nine months are sacred to us because they tell her story, and they remind us of how many lives she touched in her life and in her death, and how many people around the world love and pray for our little family.
Today, as I think of that day when I will meet my three little ones in glory, and as I watch my two wonderful boys play in our home, I will be thankful for the little moments. The little boy hugs and kisses. The giggles and sounds of my husband wrestling with the boys while I cook supper or read on the couch. Those baby coos and babbles that Brandon blesses us with. The stories and imaginations that Ryan loves to spin. The little moments that become a lifetime when you understand and remember that eternity truly is around the next corner.
Treasure your loved ones today.
Hug your babies, big or small.
Share each moment of your pregnancy with those who love you--if it's long, they will rejoice with you; if it's cut short by loss, they will cry with you and carry you through the pain.
Most of all, look to our blessed Saviour, the Creator of all life, and thank Him for becoming Man that He might redeem to Himself a people. Without Jesus Christ, all the joys and pains of life would be meaningless and empty. He alone is our Hope and Joy and Reason for living each moment to the fullest--For His glory and honor, each and every day.
