Remembering…and Gratitude

Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach

Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I’m happy there is a specific day to remember pre-born and newborn children who died (although, for me, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of our seven babies in heaven).

Here are a few of the posts and reflections on pregnancy loss that I’ve written over the years:

In the Arms of Jesus

At the Hour of Our Death, Amen

Ecce Ancilla Domini, an article on openness to life.

Seven Little Souls in Heaven, an updated version of my first published article in 1995, “Five Little Souls In Heaven.”

Probably the most viewed article on my blog is entitled “Difficult Anniversaries, Responsible Parenthood,” which speaks of the difficult decision we had to make after I nearly died from complications of an ectopic pregnancy. The doctors were urging us to get sterilized and we refused; instead we used Natural Family Planning to avoid pregnancy for a few years. As time went on, however, we felt God calling us to be open again. After speaking with a pro-life physician, as well as a faithful priest, we made the decision to be open to more babies. The photos below are of our two youngest sons: the two children we were told not to have (top) in 1999 and, most recently, (below) in 2012. I thank God every day for them.

image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach

Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach