Deo Gratias

 "If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough." - Meister Eckhart

Colleen, from her inspiring blog Thoughts on Grace, hosts this wonderful meme each Wednesday. She says, "Deo Gratias is Latin for Thanks be to God. Remembering to give thanks for all of our blessings, big & small, helps us to find God in our everyday moments and gives us an attitude of gratitude!"

Each week, I join Colleen in remembering & sharing the many blessings in my life. This is such a great exercise for me, helping me to focus on the good that truly is happening in my life, no matter how many trials & stresses I may have.

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As I mentioned in my previous post, I had a miscarriage last week. Some people may wonder what I can find to be grateful for when it comes to losing a baby. My answer...Plenty!

1) There have been many people who have offered their love, prayers, & support during this time...whether it be through hugs, cards, emails, or Facebook comments. Deo Gratias!

2) I've also found many people who have gone through the same experience, some more than once. Deo Gratias!   

3) The Friday before my miscarriage, I had gone to the doctor w/ some concerns. He did an ultrasound & I was able to see the baby's heartbeat. YES, at only six weeks, a baby's heart is beating! So don't ever let anyone tell you it's not a baby! Deo Gratias! 

4) On Sunday, I talked to our parish secretary about having a Mass offered for our baby. Our regular Mass time is taken up for quite a while, but she was able to put our baby on for Christmas Eve. Such a blessing! Deo Gratias! 

5) We've been open & honest w/ the Blessings through this whole experience. It has lead to many wonderful conversations about how important our Faith is to us. We know that our baby is safe w/ God in Heaven & we look forward to one day meeting this beautiful saint. Deo Gratias!

Light in the Darkness

Welcome to my Light in the Darkness meme! (If you missed my post on the inspiration for this meme, you can read all about it HERE.)

This is the place to share good things that are happening in our world...whether it's a link to a news article/video, something from your personal experience...anything good that can bring light into darkness!

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This past week has been a very dark one for our family. I was six & a half weeks into my 5th pregnancy & had a miscarriage. We'd been praying for this baby for more than a year & a half. So, when I received a positive pregnancy test, I was overjoyed! Unfortunately, that joy was soon turned to sorrow. (I am mentally working on a full blog post, but am not ready to put it online yet.)

In this time of darkness, many sparks of light have shone through for us. Many family & friends have offered their prayers, love, & support. I've found several websites & a Facebook page offering support for women who've had miscarriages. 

The following poem is one in which I found much comfort.

My Dear Mother:
I did not die young.
I lived my span of life
Within your body
And within your love.
There are many
Who have lived long lives
And have not been loved as me.
If you would honour me
Then speak my name
And number me among your family.
If you would honour me
Then strive to live in love
For, in this love, I live.
Never ever doubt
That we will meet again.
Until that happy day
I will grow with God
And wait for you.
        (Author Unknown)

So, yes, even in this sorrowful, emotional time, we are able to find "Light in the Darkness". I look forward to the day we will meet our dear little one in Heaven. Until then, we have a new saint to intercede for us there.