14 Weeks

When I was 14 weeks pregnant with my son, I knew he was a boy and we called him by name.

Today I learned one of my dearest friends miscarried over the weekend at 14 weeks. As she recounted the story, tears streamed down my face. I never realized how traumatic the experience -- I'm not sure what I thought it would be like. Perhaps I really never thought about it, and until tonight I'd never heard a woman share all the details. My friend told the story so calmly and so matter-of-factly -- this is her fifth miscarriage (though I can't imagine that makes it any easier). She and her husband have two boys and were making plans for this third one, now plans are for a third through the path of adoption. Please join me in prayer for this dear friend of mine. Pray for the family's pain. Pray for the child who will join their family. Pray for a timely and smooth adoption. While I'm not sharing my friend's name, God knows exactly who your prayers are for.

Tonight, I feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of God's grace and blessings over my life. Both of my children came just as planned. No trying for months. No miscarriages. Two pregnancies. Two healthy babies. When I feel tested and tried through this thing called parenting, may I never forget how truly blessed I am. And, may I remember the women around me who have agonized over their loss.