Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

Years ago I attended a talk sponsored by the CFR’s,
a “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 where he was struck down by a car.

John Paul’s parents, Maureen and Gregory Floyd, shared
their walk through the 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 us 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. Some people may have been resentful having lost their child through no fault of their own, and we had participated in our childrens deaths, but I felt nothing but their compassion and sincerity for our loss. This was
truly an insight from heaven, for we too are mourning our children. A fact
society often refuses 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 “Entering Canaan” ministry, I reflect
Joshua’s goodness and love. Each talk I give to educate the clergy,therapists
or 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” . 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.

Now, after I received Jesus, I also embrace Joshua and at times John Paul. I  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.

If you are interested in reading a book by Gregory Floyd about thier experience: http://www.amazon.com/Grief-Unveiled-Fathers-Journey-Through/dp/1557252157