I had a very nice Saturday at a crop where I only knew a couple of women previously, but met some new friends too.
I was able to complete 64 pages! I have actually been working on them for a couple of weeks, but got all of them stuck to the pages and in my albums and it felt wonderful to get so much done.
I used to enjoy it when people asked how many children I had. I was always so proud to be able to tell them...whether it was one (in the beginning) or all the way up to six (after Caleb was born).
After Caleb died it is difficult. When people ask the number of children that I have I would never want to leave my precious Caleb out...for he is still as much a part of our family as he was when he was conceived and born...but it presents a problem for me to have to explain that he is no longer with us when people ask the ages of my children, etc.
It happened this weekend at the crop and the conversation ended up with me explaining that my son had died at 17 months old and would be 5 years old, had he lived. They asked me how he died and I told them of the tragedy. Mothers themselves, they were very sad at the news of my loss. One woman came over, before I even knew her name, and embraced me and held me close. What a blessing women can be for one another. I must remember that when my tendency can be to, even in my thoughts, tear another woman down.
I am Christian but most of the women aren't (that went to the crop). I pray that through my trials God can touch the hearts of these dear women and let them see the love of a compassionate and loving Jesus, the Christ. Afterall, what Hope do we have when we don't have God?
Have a wonderful week. Here in the Northeast it is supposed to be warm I heard...in the 60's! Yeah!
With Hope,
Cheryl
Hello! I am a wife, married for 23 years and a mother to seven. I have two daughters and five sons, one of whom is in heaven. We love the Lord are trying to bring our children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) We live in the Northeast in a cozy 100+ year old house. Welcome to my blog.
I pray you reach many with the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ!
ReplyDeleteI know the pain of explaining too,and I have said in the past I have five children...it about killed me and I cried because I left out my three heavenly babies...I felt and still feel like a bad momma.
I think that most parents who have lost a child can relate to not wanting to have to answer sensitive questions at times. That means that most of us have not included our beloved children who have died at times when asked how many children we have.
ReplyDeleteI have felt stronger, 3 1/2 years after Caleb's death, to say that I have seven children and know that I might have to explain myself. It wasn't always this way and I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring, but I do usually include Caleb at this point. Everyone is different and I judge no one who has lost a child (children) as to how they are "handling" things. God knows our hearts and that is the most important thing.
((hugs)) to you, my friend
Love,
Cheryl