For you, Dorothy Grace

Because you didn't have a chance at living.

You, like others, were not given the chance to grow up, to take your first steps, say your first words, or play with your big brother. We didn't get to hold you, hug you, love you on earth.

The difference?

Your chance was not taken away deliberately. 

You were wanted. You were deliberate. You were on purpose.

For all of those reasons, we still love you. And even after 3.5 years, we still miss you.

The others? 

Many, many babies are denied the chance of life on purpose. 

Their mothers or fathers convince themselves they aren't a real person, and proceed to hurt their bodies and kill their baby. 

Those others are suffering an abortion. 

Abortion is murder.

God chose to take you from us. I still don't understand why, but I have peace in knowing we did all we could to provide you a loving, healthy home, albeit only 16 weeks in-utero.

Others, perhaps babies you greet in heaven, were deliberately denied this. Maybe God had planned for them to live, blessing lives around them. But someone selfishly, frighteningly interrupted God's plan.

What was it Mother Teresa said? "Don't put a period where God intended a comma". Amen to that.

I did one hour at the abortion clinic a few weeks back. It's a prayer vigil called the 40 Days for Life.

Something changed within me. Ever since then, I feel spiritually renewed. Recharged. It is easier to pray.

From that change I felt the urge to do more, so I signed myself up for another hour tomorrow, and I hope to do even more.

I am doing this in honor of you, Dorothy Grace. You are with me in my heart.

Your life ended by God's will. Today we especially pray for those babies whose lives are ended in ungodly ways.

Remembering you, Little Dottie. 

You are my inspiration.