Saints and Scripture Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at The Kennedy Adventures for “Saints and Scripture Sunday.”

On this Mother’s Day, I remember my own mother (who died five years ago). I miss her so much. She often said that the happiest days of her life were the births of her children (she had five), one who was a “Surprise Gift.”

You did not choose Me but I chose you, and I appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. John 15:16

Today’s Gospel reading was the Gospel my husband and I chose for our wedding 30 years ago. Both of us were open to the fruit of many children and I commented to him just before we were married that a dozen kids seemed like a good number. I prayed frequently that God would bless us with many children.

Well, I didn’t give birth to 12 babies, but God indeed answered my prayer.

It hasn’t been an easy journey to motherhood: I’ve been pregnant eleven times with 12 babies. I’ve lost a set of twins as well as five babies through miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. There were times we were accused of being irresponsible. My novel, Emily’s Hope, is based on my true story of love and loss.

The difficulties and challenges have made me more fully appreciate my five sons. I feel so blessed to have them in my life.

It was only recently that I realized that God had indeed answered my prayer. He blessed us with 12 eternal souls, the fruit of our love: five sons here on earth and seven precious babies waiting for us in heaven.

Text and photo copyright 2012 Ellen Gable Hrkach