We already had two sons. They had been born without difficulty. This time I really wanted a girl. But how could I think of the child’s sex when I was not sure if my pregnancy would develop normally? I had to wait ten days for another diagnosis. How to get through this difficult time? Where to seek help?

“Pray, live in hope and do not worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and He answers your prayers.” I always recall these words of Padre Pio – especially in hard times. I recalled them in this instance as well. Every day I prayed the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. I also kept a picture of the Merciful Christ close to my child. I asked St Joseph, St Anne, St Maximillian and others for their intercession. Ten days later, I appeared for my appointment with another doctor. The ultrasound showed my child’s beating heart. God had given me hope and this time the doctor was able to convey this hope as well. I did not stop praying. I asked God that the child might continue to develop normally and that I have an easy delivery. God knew what I wanted, but I wanted my desires to be in keeping with His will, and so I asked for this.

After this rocky start, the rest was plain sailing. I checked in at the hospital a few days after the expected date. With me I took strength, hope and peace of mind: the miraculous medal, the rosary, and a picture of the Merciful Christ; I knew I was not alone. After a long induced labor our daughter was born – alive, and well, and beautiful We called her Martha. Although Martha of the Gospel did not have time for Jesus, our daughter had been by His side from her earliest days. I trust she will remain faithful and close to Him all her life. The cyst absorbed itself after delivery. Giving birth to my two sons had caused cervical erosion, which required healing. This time round, everything was fine. Thank you Lord for all your graces! Thank you Immaculate Mary and the saints for interceding on my behalf!