I first met Sister Joseph Andrew 30 years ago when I attended a Jesu Caritas Retreat at the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia Motherhouse in Nashville, TN. She has a zeal that I have never seen in anyone else. She later became one of my best friends. I have been out of touch for many years as she and 3 other Sisters from Nashville founded a new Community of Dominican Sisters in Ann Arbor, MI. They are known as the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. They have been blessed with abundant vocations. She was even on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Click here and visit their website. I am so very thankful to be in contact with Sister after so many years. I have missed her dearly.
Sister, You helped to guide me through this journey into and through grief. I had to come to terms that I made a mistake.
One mistake can change your life forever. I remember when I told you I didn't know if I was able to give Annie all that she wanted and needed and thought about placing her for adoption. You told me that once I felt her move, I would never be able
to give her up. How right you were. We all think that well, you accept that you are accountable for your actions. You never think that when you finally accept it, you would have to live with the emotions and deep grief that comes when something goes wrong and this baby is chosen too special for Earth and goes to live in Heaven and not with their parents. Did God take this baby because I made one mistake? Is He punishing me? Well, years later, I can say "no" As we approach the Walk for Life and the Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade... I have to bring this out to say, Although Annie never lived outside of my womb, I will not let anyone tell me that she didn't live within it.
You helped me to see this and I am so thankful that you did not turn your back on me.I felt that I disappointed many people, you were one. But you did not judge me.You took us in your heart and gave us a home and led me to accept my motherhood could be linked to Our Very Special Blessed Mother.
Dear, dear Peggy,
These many years later, I THANK GOD that His loving providence did have me ‘there’ when you were in need of unconditional love…..all I had to do was ‘point’ to the life within your womb and remind you of two things: 1) this lil one loves you eternally, and 2) your heart has changed forever – you are a mom for all eternity!! Both are life-changing…and both are reasons for deeper love!! Now, these many years later – and, as you so appropriately said, on this anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we KNOW that your little saints are watching from Heaven…and that with all your sicknesses and the sufferings our Loving Father knows you are saying ‘yes’ to (you amaze me, hon!!), a portion of your spiritual strength already is Home….and thus that much Stronger than anything else!! May these lil ones hold you up. Each moment truly is gift – and each moment is another touch of Divine Love!
my love and prayers,Sister!!
