I remember that particular Sunday all too well...
It was September-time and I was 'on duty' at church, greeting and welcoming people for the 10 o'clock service. Mary came to church that day. She had been friends with my youngest sister at school, but as I'd left home by the time Faye hit her teens, I only knew 'of her'.
Mary came to church very pregnant and holding the hand of her young daughter, asking to speak to a vicar...asking if she could plan her baby's funeral. You see, Mary had been told some months into her pregnancy that the baby she was carrying had a poorly heart and had little chance of surviving birth. Yet she still nurtured and cared for that growing child in her belly.
Long story short: that day, her baby, still in the womb, was baptised and prayed for. It was moving and sad, but somehow there was a flicker of hope. I made a friend that day and have been blessed to become part of Mary's extended family since.
Reggie was born 3 years ago today...not expected to live through birth, he showed he was a fighter...not expected to live past 8 hours, he did not give up...this child, born with a complicated heart condition, refused to let go and grew stronger each day. He has had times in hospital, open heart surgery to make some adjustments and repairs to his little heart...each time he has been incredibly poorly but has bounced back with bravery and strength.
We don't know what life will throw at this little man - he has grown into a cheeky, funny individual who is such a part of the life of our community. When he comes to church he knows how to pray and when Christmas comes around I'm pretty sure he'll be dragging me round to find the baby Jesus.
I believe in the power of prayer...I believe in miracles...I see the proof every time I look at Reggie. I am blessed to be his Godmother, his Aunty Amen, and I know we can all learn about love and strength from his example.
Happy 3rd birthday sausage...we love you xxx
It was September-time and I was 'on duty' at church, greeting and welcoming people for the 10 o'clock service. Mary came to church that day. She had been friends with my youngest sister at school, but as I'd left home by the time Faye hit her teens, I only knew 'of her'.
Mary came to church very pregnant and holding the hand of her young daughter, asking to speak to a vicar...asking if she could plan her baby's funeral. You see, Mary had been told some months into her pregnancy that the baby she was carrying had a poorly heart and had little chance of surviving birth. Yet she still nurtured and cared for that growing child in her belly.
Long story short: that day, her baby, still in the womb, was baptised and prayed for. It was moving and sad, but somehow there was a flicker of hope. I made a friend that day and have been blessed to become part of Mary's extended family since.
Reggie was born 3 years ago today...not expected to live through birth, he showed he was a fighter...not expected to live past 8 hours, he did not give up...this child, born with a complicated heart condition, refused to let go and grew stronger each day. He has had times in hospital, open heart surgery to make some adjustments and repairs to his little heart...each time he has been incredibly poorly but has bounced back with bravery and strength.
We don't know what life will throw at this little man - he has grown into a cheeky, funny individual who is such a part of the life of our community. When he comes to church he knows how to pray and when Christmas comes around I'm pretty sure he'll be dragging me round to find the baby Jesus.
I believe in the power of prayer...I believe in miracles...I see the proof every time I look at Reggie. I am blessed to be his Godmother, his Aunty Amen, and I know we can all learn about love and strength from his example.
Happy 3rd birthday sausage...we love you xxx