When I was expecting our second child, I went through a very trying time. The results of the ultrasound were not at all encouraging and every doctor I saw seemed to have a different opinion. There was something “unusual” about my abdomen — the specialists told me. Even though I was close to term (which meant theoretically that there was less room in the womb for the baby to move around in), the child was constantly changing positions. As a result, the nurses could never detect a heartbeat. I was told the baby might have water on the brain. My “considerate” ward mates lost no time in informing me of my “course of action.” One in particular, after telling me of the dangers and abnormalities associated with hydrocephalus, almost talked me into it. But I stuck it out, even though at times I thought I would go mad.

Feeling desperately alone (the hospital was in a different town from where I lived), I attended Mass at the chapel every day, received Holy Communion, and returned to my bed. I tried not to think about things and avoided talking to my neighbors. I entrusted myself to Jesus, asking Him to help me accept whatever lay in store for me. Then I met a young married woman on the same floor, and she gave me the courage I needed. To this day I do not know how such a young person could be so mature.

I gave birth to a big, healthy baby. To me and my family it was a miracle. Jesus had heard our prayers.