Baby Prayers

A bit ago, I became aquainted, through a mutal friend, of a family who lost a beloved and very wanted daughter and sister, shortly after birth.  The birth had been traumatic and, sadly, the hope for a happy ending here on earth faded quickly.  Their little girl joined the stars a few days after she was born. 

Shortly after I came out on Facebook with Michael's pregnancy, this mom announced that she too was expecting and due in the summer, a short time before me.  I was so happy for them, as I knew that they were hopeful to continue adding to their family.  Her pregnancy seemed to be going well.

She delivered her little one pounder at 3am today.  Little Jude is on a ventilator and they are asking everyone to pray for a miracle.  Please, please, please hold this sweet little guy in your prayers, and ask for strength for his parents.  Back to back traumatic pregnancies are not picnic and the words "aren't fair" dont begin to describe the emotions.  I've been there; many of you have been there.  And when you are walking the road of another pregnancy and that road seems like all is going well, this is such a kick in the gut.

I feel so sick to my stomach.  This morning, I was going to write about how I had my first bout of Braxton Hicks contractions (ever) last night.  It was both amazing and terrifying, but they ended as easily as they'd started.  While I was taking a 3am potty run and marveling about the dancing little guy in my belly as I still mentally count down to 24 weeks, another mother was laboring a baby that she knew was coming too soon.  It brings me to tears to write this.  Yes, technology has helped micropreemies in a way that even a decade ago was impossible to believe.  But statistics like 15% here and 50% there are still statistics that no one  wants to think about.

***

Great Spirit and Divine Parent, who knit us together in our mother's womb and knows every breath of our life, please watch over baby Jude who left his mother's womb very prematurely.  Loving God, please watch over Jude as he grows in the hospital, watch over the staff caring for him, and give his parents the strength for this journey before them.

St. Jude, namesake of this baby and patron saint of desperate causes, come to the assistance of this family and intercede with your prayers on their behalf.   Apostle and martyr, pray for this family and espectially for baby Jude.

So please, I beg of you, keep Jude in your thoughts and prayers.  Hope for a miracle, the miracle that we all would want if Jude was our baby.