One expectant mother's sentiments

I came across a beautiful reflection from an expectant mother at The Wellsprings of Traditional Life who tells us about her pregnancies and what she has learned about living in the present moment, cherishing her children and pregnancies.

She said, "Early pregnancy is such a joyful time! And as it should be for ALL mothers! In January of this year, I was an excited mother for what would be the second time. With my positive pregnancy test in hand my husband, son and I soon began preparations for the new baby. However, God had another plan that was different than mine. I lost my second child, who we named Gabriel, at 8 weeks. It was a shock because at first my pregnancy signs seemed good and my HCG levels rose? Was science playing a trick on me? But suddenly the baby seemed to just stop growing. During the last week of my pregnancy I became almost obsessed with my symptoms, always trying to decode them to see if I would get to raise this child or if I would lose him. Well, I did lose my precious Gabriel, and I was left wondering why I wasted the time I did have with him to anxiety, worrying and needless suffering.

Today, I can look back at this experience and say it was the hardest one of my life but at the same time one that I am extremely thankful for it! I learned many things from it that are just so very priceless. I learned that we must cherish every minute we have with our children, (even when still in the womb) and not waste it worrying about how the next test will turn out, or what the future holds..." (her post is continued here which also includes tips from St. Francis de Sales)