For some reason this came into my mind today. I guess because I speak to s o many women and men struggling with forgiveness, not only for others but for themselves.
Years ago I attended a talk sponsored by the CFR’s and
Youth 2000’s Grassroots Project, “A Grief Unveiled”. It was the story of a very
special young boy, John Paul, whose
life was ended prematurely as a result of an accident.
In the talk John
Paul’s parent, Maureen and Gregory, share their walk through grief and the
realization that “all things work together for good for those who love God”,
even the death of a child. Needless to say, their courage, faith and love, were
an inspiration to all, as they invited those suffering such a loss to turn to,
instead of away from God, promising hope and healing through His word.
Perhaps what struck me most profoundly was their
unselfishness, their forgiveness, and their compassion in the face of
indescribable pain. Their sensitivity was profound as they included in their
invitation to healing those who have lost a child through abortion. This was
truly an insight given to them from heaven, for we too are mourning for our children, a fact
many in society still refuse to admit.
As they went through John
Paul’s attributes I remember thinking, “I wish I had been able to have memories
of my son Joshua, to be able to announce his virtues, his goodness and love”.
Then I realized I do. Each time I get up and speak to women in the ministry at
The Sisters of Life I reflect Joshua’s goodness and love. Each talk I give to
educate the general public reaches out in his understanding and compassion.
Joshua may not have been physically present to me in this
life, but as Maureen and Gregory meet John
Paul in prayer and in the Eucharist, I too meet my son.
I have no doubt it is Joshua’s love, forgiveness and prayers
that brought me back to the faith and the sacraments. I have no doubt that he
assembles an army of unborn to pray from heaven for their moms on our Days of
Prayer and Healing at The Sisters of Life. I have no doubt it is he that
inspires me in prayer and joins me in adoration, or that he is the catalyst in
my families healing. I have no doubt that we touch with each communion I
receive as he lives and directs me to the Lord of Life.
After that talk when I received Jesus, I embraced John Paul as well as Joshua. I wanted to thank him
for all the good his parents are doing. I know it is through the intercession
of John Paul and Joshua that Maureen
Greg and I are able to do the work we do in spreading the word of God love and
mercy. I know that it is because of them that the Lord looks favorably on us in
all our human misery ever ready to heal. Yes, all things work together for good
for those who love God, for God in His goodness never lets us down and our sons
through their lives, no matter how short do not let us forget it.
Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion 
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