Heartbeats

Tennessee just passed the “Heartbeat” Law.  So many people had made this topic so controversial and yet, it is a topic that should be a no brainer.  Its sad really.  From different political stances, and religious stances, it is mind boggling how a person can be “ok” with having a choice to choose if a small life lives.  Dr. Seuss said “A person is a person no matter how small.”  He’s right.  No matter if the heart beat is at 4 weeks or if the baby is at a full term of 9 months.  This topic is so controversial, but why? 

Why are we given a choice?

Why is this even a choice or a thought that has processed through our minds?  Yes, bad things happen.  There are women who are ill. There are high risk pregnancies.  And until there is a stop to it, women are raped. Why is it man’s job to choose who lives and who dies? Don’t we have more important things to worry about in this world?  Why not give it to God?  Give it to God and let him worry about it! Why must we feel like we need to take on that responsibility? 

You are not alone!

The woman who was raped, you don’t have to be alone. What you went through was something so horrible, hurtful, embarrassing, so much to were your insides feel sick and disgust. It’s such a taboo topic to talk about. Who wants to relive or rehash something so horrible and degrading? But, I would hope and pray that you would accept the life of the child, if it were to ever happen.  If not for your own sake, but for the sake of that life. That child’s life. For the sake of a couple who cannot bare children. You are not alone in this. God’s got this!

I know a woman who died after child birth.  A time so agonizing, and hard to understand why it happened.  It still hurts.  I miss her daily, and yet, her daughter is growing and thriving.  She would not wish it any other way.  Why is it our decision what happens? Why not let God decide? 

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

To the woman who gave birth to a still-born baby.  It was the most beautiful baby.  The mother was able to hold the child in her arms and see her face.  The mother was broken hearted. She had gut wrenching, agony and pain, asking God why?  Yet, had a peace come over her when she saw her daughter’s face knowing she would see her again.  Doctors making the decision, women making the decision to end a life before it can even try to begin outside of the womb. 

I know a woman who’s child “survived,” LIVED outside of the womb for six weeks.  And what a glorious six weeks that was.  The mother loved held and cherished her son for those six weeks.  They saw he ocean together, they laughed and smiled together, and at the end of his life, she held him in her arms until his last breath.  She will see him again.  Again, tell me why it is ok to take those six weeks away from a mother and her son? 

One Chance To Live, One Chance To Love

So many stories.  And yet, as I sit here and type, my heart also breaks.  For all the babies who do not get that chance.  Those who do not get a choice to live outside of the womb.  And to the mothers who do not get to see their baby that they made outside of the womb.  Are these women in their right sound and mind to make such a vast decision while in the hormonal state of confusion, grief, relentless, and so lifeless when they find out their child will not survive outside of the womb. 

Why would you not want to see your child?  Your own flesh and blood? The one whom you felt inside you, and the child who’s heart beat you heard at your first appointment at 4 weeks, your next appointment again at 4 months when you found out their sex, and again, and possibly again.  May that heart beat be imbedded into your memory, because that is your child. 

To the mothers who lost their child, never got to hold their child, or hear the heart beat, I yearn for your comfort.  How do we seek joy in all this?