I recently had a birthday, and often on our birthdays we share our highlights from the past year. One of my biggest highlights was the births of Laurence and Klarence.
Laurence was born to Mike and Norma Reuter, my friends who live next door. Norma has had 4 miscarriages. Two of them were before her last child before Laurence and one of them was after her last child before Laurence. All of them were emotionally painful. So when I heard she was pregnant, I immediately started storming Heaven for a safe pregnancy.
Klarence was born on to my daughter Rachel and Corey Phillips. Rachel also has had 4 painful miscarriages. Two of them were after her last child and one was before her last child. One of the miscarriages needed to be induced labor since she was so far along. So again when I heard she was pregnant I was on my knees begging God for a safe pregnancy.
Praying for these two babies was my daily litany to God. Sometimes all was going well, and at other times there were some scares. I would just continue praying, holding on to my Rock Jesus and Holy Mother Mary. I kept storming and begging.
I kept thanking God as I saw Norma’s belly growing. Rachel would send photos of her growing tummy, too.
Norma was scheduled for a C-section. I have been at all her other five children’s births. I was going to be at this one, praying at the hospital with Ellen, while Norma was in surgery. But then I got sick and could not go. That was hard for me, but I offered it up for a safe delivery. I prayed fervently. And on June 26th, Laurence was born. He was healthy and strong and did not have to go to NICU like her two previous babies did. When the Reuters got back from the hospital a few days later, I ran over to hold Baby Laurence. Oh the joy!
Then in August, Rachel called to say she was in labor. She labored from Monday-Thursday with a pause in the middle of it. It was a long four days. Due to a slower heartbeat and fetal distress, it became clear that she would need a C-section. More fervent praying. Thank God, on August 15th, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Klarence was born healthy and strong. Praise the Lord! Whew! I flew some weeks later to Washington to meet Klarence and help Rachel. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as I held him when I arrived. Alleluia!
What joy I have seeing these two little guys. We go through sorrows and joys in this world. He turned our mourning into dancing again. Thank you Jesus!
God bless you!
Mary Ann/Mother Hen
Phillip Penna says
Thanks be to God !