PARENTING FREEDOM

carol | March 12, 2010

A Short Story of a Loving Mother’s Miscarriage and Her Fruitful Sorrow
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/mar/10031103.html

Category: Abortion, Miscarriage | No Comments »
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carol | March 10, 2010

“Believer, you are not exempt from trials, but you have sufficient grace for any trouble. God’s choicest love letters are sent in black-edged envelopes. The envelope frightens us, but if we know how to break the seal we will find riches for our soul. Great trials are the clouds from which God showers great mercies. Frequently, when the Lord has an extraordinary mercy to send, He employs His rough and grizzled horses to drag it to our door. The smooth rivers of ease are usually navigated by little vessels filled with common commodities, but a huge ship loaded with treasure crosses deep seas.” Charles Spurgeon

Thanks for the quote, thatmom!
http://www.thatmom.com/

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Category: Christianity, Depression, Inspiration, Miscarriage, Quotes | No Comments »
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carol | February 14, 2010

A Different Child ~ Pandora Diane Waldron

A different child,
People notice
There’s a special glow around you.

You grow
Surrounded by love,
Never doubting you are wanted;
Only look at the pride and joy
In your mother and father’s eyes.

And if sometimes
Between the smiles
There’s a trace of tears,
One day
You’ll understand.

You’ll understand
There was once another child
A different child
Who was in their hopes and dreams.

That child will never outgrow the baby clothes
That child will never keep them up at night
In fact, that child will never be any trouble at all.

Except sometimes, in a silent moment,
When mother and father miss so much
That different child.

May hope and love wrap you warmly
And may you learn the lesson forever
How infinitely precious
How infinitely fragile
Is this life on earth.

One day, as a young man or woman
You may see another mother’s tears
Another father’s silent grief
Then you, and you alone
Will understand
And offer the greatest comfort.

When all hope seems lost,
You will tell them
With great compassion,
“I know how you feel.
I’m only here
Because my mother tried again.”

for Madoka Marietta Rosalie, from your mother,
Pandora Diane Waldron
March 4, 1999.

Remembering, with love, and not with sadness,
our Special Angel, Rhiannon Roxane,
who left this world 2 years ago today.

(I’d probably change the last time to:
Because the Lord blessed again.)

In case you’re curious, I have had 24-hour nausea, debilitating fatigue, and extreme fear that this baby will die, too. Pregnancy following miscarriage is very difficult. I told my husband a week before Christmas and the children and family yesterday. I am three months along, so hopefully the risks of the first trimester have passed. Baby’s due date is August 25th.

My baby’s feet look about like this right now:

Pregnancy #4  http://unbornbabyjournal.com/
Pregnancy #5  http://unbornbabyjournal.com/river.html
I had a website all ready to record Pregnancy #6, but it’s been too difficult to write.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Category: Baby #6, Journal 2010, Miscarriage, Parenting Pregnancy | 12 Comments »
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carol | February 9, 2010

Nella Cordelia: A Birth Story
http://enjoyingthesmallthings.blogspot.com/2010/01/nella-cordelia-birth-story.html#

Category: Miscarriage, Parenting General, Parenting Pregnancy, Special Needs | No Comments »
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carol | February 1, 2010

The loneliness of losing a baby: A woman shares her heartache at suffering a miscarriage
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1247606/The-loneliness-losing-baby-A-woman-shares-heartache-suffering-miscarriage.html

Category: Miscarriage | 1 Comment »
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carol | November 29, 2009

Shocking H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Miscarriage Stories From Pregnant Women – Tell Your Doctors That Vaccines And Pregnancy Do Not Mix!
http://organichealthadviser.com/archives/shocking-h1n1-swine-flu-vaccine-miscarriage-stores-from-pregnant-women-tell-your-doctors-that-vaccines-and-pregnancy-do-not-mix

I actually read the H1N1 package insert and it is NOT tested for pregnant women and children under two. And what about the risk of egg allergy – parents are not supposed to even give eggs to babies under one, so how do they know if they are allergic?

H1N1 Package Insert Says Vaccine Is Unsafe

Category: Health, Miscarriage, Parenting Pregnancy, Vaccination | 2 Comments »
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carol | November 16, 2009

Her Side of the Story
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704431804574537882681089404.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Sarah Palin: “her experiences with marriage and motherhood, including two miscarriages…”

“It is probably too much to hope that a book that begins at the Right to Life booth at the Alaska State Fair will inspire her critics to read on. But if they do, they’ll find themselves in the company of a woman whose views are more nuanced than they were portrayed to be during the campaign…”

“Quotation from her father with which she introduces the chapter perhaps offers a clue to her future plans: ‘Sarah’s not retreating; she’s reloading!‘”

http://unbornbabyjournal.com/river.html

Category: Abortion, Miscarriage, Politics Sarah Palin | No Comments »
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carol | July 6, 2009

Study: Abortion Has More Negative Parenting Impact Than Other Pregnancy Loss
http://www.lifenews.com/nat5193.html

“Abortion may be ‘particularly damaging to the parenting process’…”

“It is now known that women usually begin feeling maternal attachment in the early stages of pregnancy…”

“‘Numerous studies have documented positive psychological characteristics associated with motherhood including increases in life satisfaction, self-esteem, empathy, restraint, flexibility and resourcefulness in coping, and assertiveness.’

Losing a child before or at birth, for any reason, however, ‘can be a profound source of suffering…’”

“While all forms of pregnancy loss can cause emotional distress that can impact future parenting, the available research indicates that emotional responses after induced abortion are more likely to go unresolved and to persist for a longer time period…”

“Studies have found that women who had an abortion were more likely to engage in substance abuse, and also more likely to smoke or use drugs or alcohol while pregnant. Mothers who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to ‘engage in authoritarian and punitive parenting practices,’ and parental substance abuse increases the risk that the children will suffer abuse or neglect.”

Read more… http://www.lifenews.com/nat5193.html

Category: Abortion, Miscarriage, Parenting Attachment, Parenting Discipline | No Comments »
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carol | June 28, 2009

Rome catacomb reveals “oldest” image of St Paul
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090628/sc_nm/us_italy_saint

“The oldest image in existence of St Paul the Apostle, dating from the late 4th century, on the walls of catacomb beneath Rome.”

Very cool. We named our fifth child after him. Likely he would have lost his hair, too.

Hat Tip: http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/oldest-known-image-of-st-paul.html

Category: Christianity, Miscarriage | No Comments »
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carol | June 22, 2009

On the weekend, the six of us went to the movie UP in 3-D. It was the first time we saw a full-length movie in 3D. (We had seen a half-hour racing show.) It was a little tricky keeping the glasses on L4, but it was cool having things in the movie seem to come so close to us. Toy Story 3 will be out in a year’s time in 3-D.

We weren’t very far into the movie when Derek leaned over and said, “This is the saddest movie ever. A real tear jerker.” It was true. Now, I sometimes get sad during movies, but rarely do I sob.

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t seen the movie, stop reading now…

The movie started with the back story of a little boy and a little girl who met and grew up and got married. I liked how he liked to “listen” to her talk. At one point, they were happily decorating the nursery for a baby, but then ended up at the doctor’s with a miscarriage. (I had one a couple months ago.)

Then, they grew old together… (The husband, Karl, looked exactly like my grandfather.) The wife got sick and died… (Just like my grandmother did last year.) It showed the man at the front of the church at the funeral. (It was just like last fall during my grandmother’s funeral. My grandparents had been married 65 years.) And there were little triggers throughout the movie that also made me sad. Like the two chairs. (My grandparents always had a set of chairs.) And so on… L4 cried when the house went away at the end.

Karl              Grampie

Everything I mentioned is just the background for the movie. The main part is about the little boy scout, the old man, the house, some dogs and a rare bird… but I don’t care about that part of the cartoon.

Here is a heart-touching story about the movie, UP:
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/06/19/a-10-year-old-girls-wish-before-dying/

Category: Books, Movies, Television, Journal 2009, Marriage, Miscarriage | No Comments »
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carol | May 1, 2009

Why the U.S. Needs Pre-Conception Healthcare

Why Where You Sleep Matters If You Want a Healthy Baby
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/30/Why-Where-You-Sleep-Matters-If-You-Want-a-Healthy-Baby.aspx

“Beware that cell phones and wireless internet features are not the only sources you need to be cautious of. Essentially, most all electronics will generate EMF’s, including the wiring in your home, electric alarm clocks, electric blankets, computers and lamps, just to mention a few.”

“At minimum, move your bed so that your head is at least 3-6 feet from all electrical outlets. If you are constructing the walls you can put the wires inside pipes which will virtually eliminate the fields that are generated in the room when the current runs through the wire. Also, turn off everything electrical in your sleeping area, including your WI-FI, cell and portable phones.”

“Additionally, whenever possible, try to avoid holding a non-corded phone to your head, and avoid using your cell phone when in a car with a child or pregnant woman. If you absolutely need to use your cell phone, crack your window so the radiation can dissipate quicker.”

Add this to my list of “SHOULDS” where I know better, but continue to IGNORE.

Category: Miscarriage, Parenting Pregnancy, Special Needs | No Comments »
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carol | April 22, 2009

During one of the worst moments of my miscarriage, when I knew it was the end of hope, I picked up my Bible. It fell open to a page, and my eyes were divinely guided to a verse that gave me comfort. This was the first verse I saw:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

I bought this memorial stone to mark the place where I will bury my baby in the spring. It is almost a foot square. (I removed our last name for this online picture.)

At the following link, the author discusses the gift of suffering and expands on each of the following points:

Suffering is a gift because it reminds us of what Jesus endured and Scripture promises us that if we are to be like Him, we must suffer with him…

Suffering also bears witness to the sovereignty of God…

Suffering reminds that God alone is our refuge, a very present help in time of need and that we are to cry out to Him…

Suffering shows us how weak and needy we truly are and how able and apt God truly is. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 we read “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Suffering also provides us with the opportunity to minister to others...

Finally, suffering is a gift because it produces the true joy of the Lord in our lives…

The Gift of Suffering
http://thatmom.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/the-gift-of-suffering/ 

Category: Christianity, Depression, Miscarriage | No Comments »
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carol | April 16, 2009

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

“Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.” Psalm 6:2-4,6-9

“The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, ‘Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’” Isaiah 25:8,9

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:4,5

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Ecclesiastes 11:5

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. Do not be afraid… for I am with you… declares the Lord.“ Jeremiah 1:5,8

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.“ Proverbs 3:5,6

“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.“ Isaiah 58:11

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“ Philippians 4:4-7

“The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid?“ Psalm 27:1

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.“ Isaiah 12:2

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“ Isaiah 41:10

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.“ Isaiah 43:5

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.” Psalm 56:3,4

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid, you will both lie down and sleep… For the Lord will be your confidence.“ Proverbs 3:24, 26

“You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’” Lamentations 3:57

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.“ Philippians 4:13

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10

“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.” Colossians 1:11

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.“ Psalm 27:14

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36

“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.“ Psalm 4:1

“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD.“ 1 Samuel 1:27,28

In Memory of River and Jordan’s Dad.

For more on this topic, choose from the following:
Miscarriage ~ Bible Verses ~ Blog Posts

Category: Christianity, Depression, Miscarriage, Quotes | No Comments »
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carol | March 9, 2009

The future, as He has the past
http://www.tulipgirl.com/index.php/2009/03/the-future-as-he-has-the-past/

BE STILL, MY SOUL
http://nethymnal.org/htm/b/e/bestill.htm

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

http://unbornbabyjournal.com/river.html

Category: Christianity, Depression, Miscarriage, Music, Quotes | No Comments »
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carol | March 9, 2009

“And then the thing beneath the hood, whatever it was, drew a long, slow, rattling breath, as though it was trying to suck something more than air from its surroundings.”

“An intense cold swept over them them all. Harry felt his own breath catch in his chest. The cold went deeper than his skin. It was inside his chest, it was inside his very heart…”

“‘It felt weird,’ said Ron, shifting his shoulders uncomfortably. ‘Like I’d never be cheerful again…’”

“‘Dad had to go out to Azkaban one time, remember Fred? And he said it was the worst place he’d ever been. He came back all weak and shaking… They suck the happiness out of a place, Dementors.’” George Weasley

“‘They [Dementors] sort of freeze your insides, don’t they?’” Fred Weasley

“‘Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them. Even Muggles feel their presence, though they can’t see them. Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the Dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself…soul-less and evil. You will be left with nothing but the worst experiences of your life.’” Remus Lupin

“‘The Patronus is a kind of positive force, a projection of the very things that the Dementor feeds upon – hope, happiness, the desire to survive.’” Remus Lupin

Quotes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

http://unbornbabyjournal.com/river.html

Category: Books, Movies, Television, Harry Potter, Miscarriage | No Comments »
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