Photo by kitchengraffiti at www.flickr.com
Editor’s Note: The Power of Moms is a website for mothers of all religions (and for mothers who are not necessarily religious). Each Sunday, we post a spiritual essay, and we would love to gather a wide variety of perspectives and ideas. Our goal is to be respectful of all beliefs while simultaneously offering opportunities to share meaningful, spiritual thoughts with one another.
The day after I had a miscarriage, I was sitting down to eat lunch with my three children. Before my four-year-old said the prayer, I quietly reminded her, “You don’t have to pray for the baby in my tummy today. The baby isn’t there anymore.”
She thought for a moment and then said, “How about I pray for your empty tummy?” I explained that she didn’t have to pray for my empty tummy; instead, she could just pray that Mommy could recover.
Before she could start the prayer, her younger brother asked if he could be the one to pray instead. She said that was fine, so he began his prayer–thanking the Lord for the food and then adding, “And please bless Mommy so she can be a cupboard.” (“recovered” and “cupboard” do sort of sound the same…)
We all laughed, and I realized that I was truly fortunate to have three precious children.
Going through a miscarriage–or a loss of any kind–is never a fun thing, but there is a light that can come in the midst of even the darkest challenges. Children have a beautiful ability to bring out that light.
After that miscarriage, I found myself crying at random times–as I was walking down the hallway, as I got out of the shower, as I drove to the grocery store . . .. One of the main things that helped me heal was thinking about my son’s request, and, as I would pray for help in my recovery, I would use my son’s words: “Please help me be a cupboard.” Then I would laugh to myself, think of the blessings I did have, and thank the Lord for His light along the way.
QUESTION: What has helped you to get through a tough time in your life?
CHALLENGE: Make an extra effort to look for light in the midst of your most difficult challenges.
6 comments
Stacey says:
May 29, 2011
Children can be so insightful and perceptive. I love how sweet and caring they are. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you are recovering.
April Perry says:
May 31, 2011
Thanks so much, Stacey! Children ARE very insightful. I need to learn to turn to them more often for the answers I need. Thanks for visiting The Power of Moms!
Julie says:
May 29, 2011
Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing April. I love your thoughts and open heart.
April Perry says:
May 31, 2011
Thanks so much, Julie!
Melanie V says:
May 31, 2011
After the 9.0 earthquake here in Japan, I noticed my son out riding his bike in the sunken part of our carport. It had filled with rain water and had formed a small, undrainable pool. There he was wizzing through it on his bike with glee, water spraying everywhere.
To add to the picture, imagine him missing 3 front teeth, his big, brown eyes popping open in sheer, bug-like joy. He got the bike as a hand-me-down from his sister. Originally it was pink, but he spray painted it bright blue. All of it, the basket, the seat, the spokes, the street all around the bike, the chain, and the peddles.
My son IS a magic wand… There I was feeling like I was handling overwhelming stress well and there he was turning it into a living delight.
Cynthia says:
Jun 6, 2011
Yes, I think gratitude is the answer to everything! When I was in the midst of struggling to conceive for a few years after we already had two children and after a miscarriage as well, I really learned to be grateful for the children that I already had. I remember a time where I just broke down crying while singing a lullaby to my son before bed. They are so precious, and even though times can be hard, there’s always a sweet smile and sincere gratitude to put me in the right mind-set.