Ellen Gable Hrkach baby loss | Plot Line and Sinker (Ellen Gable, Author)

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at This Ain’t The Lyceum for SQT Friday.

1. Catholic Writers Guild
I’m over at the Catholic Writers Guild Blog today talking about finding inspiration in the little things.

2. Latest Post at Catholic Mom
My latest post at Catholic Mom is entitled, “NFP Improves Marital Communication.”

Photo courtesy Tim Baklinski at Two Trees Photography

3. Interview at Carolyn Astfalk’s Blog
Special thanks to Carolyn Astfalk for the wonderful interview over at her blog!

photo copyright James Hrkach

4. A Chase in the Woods
Enjoy this entertaining video made by my second oldest son (and starring the three youngest sons). It was shot back in 2007 when at least two of my boys were shorter than me!

5. Anniversary – 33 Years!
It’s hard to believe it’s been 33 years! We’ll be celebrating by going to Mass and then out to breakfast. If you click on the link below, I uploaded a short slide show with photos and audio from our wedding 33 years ago. I thank God every day for our life together.
Wedding Slide Show

6. Reading Shelf
Hush, Hush by Michelle Quigley (review coming soon)

7. Anniversary Cartoon

copyright 2013 James and Ellen Hrkach (Please do not use without permission)

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.