On Due Dates and Miscarriages

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I knew the day was approaching. Circled in red on my calendar, it was a constant reminder of what wouldn't be. My momma heart was bracing itself for the day's impact. The funny thing about calendar days: you can't skip over them no matter how much you want to. The youngest reader in the house read the words and asked, "Mom, what's due date?" He cried when I told him. We sank to the kitchen floor and snuggled.

But then I started to feel strange, and I secretly wondered. The cheap Dollar Tree test confirmed it...I was pregnant on the due date of our miscarriage baby. Suddenly, the day didn't seem so dark and gloomy. We danced through the day.

We kept our secret tucked inside as best we could between the sickness and the excitement. We waited--for weeks to slowly pass and heartbeats to be seen. We waited for weekends with family to see the look on their faces as we told the story of God's goodness and timing. We waited for just the right moment to slip a black and white photo across the table and have everyone erupt with joy. We waited, breath held with each passing day toward new trimesters and the next red circle on the calendar.

We danced through the days and high-fived at the end of each one we made it through. Then we said a prayer to make it through the next one. One day at a time.

We danced at my sister's wedding in our vintage-inspired clothes. We toasted with our water glasses while others around us had a little something more. We celebrated.

But then I started to feel strange, and I secretly wondered. The blood in the toilet confirmed it...I was miscarrying at my sister's wedding reception. Suddenly, the day didn't seem so happy and fun. We sat, shocked, while others danced through the night.

Everyone tried to get me to leave and go rest, but I didn't want to. In a way, I wasn't ready to face what was happening. I watched my boys move on the dance floor, oblivious to what was taking place. I yearned for their innocence. I made a choice to dance with them. To enjoy the night and make a memory with them. To be joyful even when my world was crumbling around me, because of the Hope of Christ in me.

The next day, we went to walk on the beach. To make a memory with the boys, spend a few more precious moments with those who love us, and to watch the sunset. As the boys dug in the powder white sand, we contemplated how a God that can make something so beautiful could still care so deeply and personally for us. His love is beyond all measure. He has shown us time and time again.

We said our goodbyes and settled in for a seven hour drive home. It was a quiet trip full of prayers that I'd make it home before the hardest part physically of a miscarriage. As we approached the exit for our home, the more intense my pain. I knew what was coming.

We carried sleepy boys to their beds, and I settled in for a night of pain and laboring over a baby we wouldn't hold this side of heaven. It was intense, but I felt God's presence strengthening me and comforting me as new life quietly slipped away.

And here I sit, numb and shocked about the whirlwind weekend full of so many ups and downs, wondering and crying out for answers. Trying to understand why and what purpose this holds in our life, knowing that only time will tell. Reminding myself that He carried us through this last time and knowing He will again. Reminding myself that I will still choose to say "Blessed be Your Name."

I've clung to the words in Nehemiah 8:10 "...do not be grieved for the joy of the Lord is your strength." God laid the words on my heart to comfort me, and I've clung to them. He is my joy. He is my strength. Without Him I am nothing. And just as He used Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and purify the Jewish community, He will use this to rebuild my life and purify me for His glory.

Here I am, Lord. Use me.

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