September is a busy month for me – a transition in seasons and also a time that brings up sadness in my heart for the loss of those I love, particularly my aborted children, which occurred this time of year over 40 years ago. At the same time, the month of September is devoted to Our Lady of Sorrows, with her feast day falling on September 15th. I have grown close to Our Lady of Sorrows over the years and it is through her that I have been brought back to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She is always with me, supporting and loving me and comforting me in my many shed tears.
On her feast day, I was fascinated to read in my daily reflection book entitled, “Jesus Speaks to Faustina and You,” about the essence of tears. Scientists have looked at tears under extreme magnification and depending on the emotion that causes the tears, they have different appearances. For example, tears of grief and sorrow look like shards of broken glass. And when we cry, Jesus sees the very essence of our tears. It was no coincidence then, after returning from my summer vacation this year with my family in August, an unforeseen event occurred that caused our front glass door to shatter into hundreds of tiny shards of glass. It happened when I was busy getting back to daily life after being away and feeling a bit overwhelmed.
After time in prayer and reflection, I was shown that each piece of shattered glass represents my tears which Our Lady tenderly wipes away turning the sorrow of loss into a union of love. And, when I step away from the busyness of my life and allow her to embrace me, she unites me to her son at the cross where my brokenness and tears are transformed into a mosaic of hope, joy and peace as I continue my journey on the road to eternal salvation.
-TH
Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion 