On sisters and bellies

Yesterday I spoke with my sister, Gina who recently went on a Womens' ACTS retreat in SA,TX. She sounded amazing. It was like a fire was lit in her heart, and a cup of warmth and heaps of love were added to her persona. She told me that it truly changed her life. She feels loved- by God. Truly loved exactly where she is spiritually, emotionally, physically. What a gift!

I pray that the spiritual high she is experiencing will carry her over into her new parish. She and her family are in the process of moving to FL right now. While this can be a particularly stressful time for most all of us, she is looking to new opportunities for her and her family. I'm so glad for her. (not to be Pollyannaish, sorry!)

I cannot wait to see her and my other lil' sister, Lora, who is flying in from Portland tomorrow. Lora is about 20 wks pregnant with her first bambino and it is so cute and exciting to see her grow and anticipate this little guy.

Whereas, being pregnant with my third, it is hard to be cute and excited about the growing belly. I catch myself resenting the hugeness that is taking over my body. Than I remember, this is LIFE! How can I feel any negativity towards the growth and movement of the little soul that rests in my womb?!

My friend, Jacquie, sent these beautiful words to me shortly after our miscarriage and I have written them in my heart.

Jozsef Cardinal Mindszenty (1892—1975):
“The most important person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor
of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built
something more magnificent than any cathedral—a dwelling for an immortal
soul….The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.”