Thank you, San Pedro Calungsod!

The Philippines recently celebrated the canonization of it's second Filipino saint - San Pedro Calungsod!  The canonization was done last October 26th in Rome by no other than Pope Benedict XVI.

With all the excitement going around, I was sure that novenas would definitely be abound and since my sister was on a business trip to San Pedro's hometown of Cebu, I requested her to get me a novena prayer to San Pedro.

I had several prayer requests in mind like guidance for the business venture that my friends and I were looking into and of course, Nina's Otits Media (ear infection) which I discussed about in this post.

As soon as I received it, I began to pray the novena although admittedly, there were some days when I missed out on praying.  Still I knew that our new saint would be kind enough to intercede for us especially since an innocent child was involved.

Today, I was finally able to squeeze in a schedule with the ENT from our HMO network.  Although we waited far longer than the actual consultation, it was well worth it.  The result of his check up?  NO EAR INFECTION, THE EARDRUMS ARE CLEAR!!!  I wanted to hug the good doctor but I dont think he would have appreciated that so I immediately shared the good news with hubs.  Of course, we're still having the hearing tests done and I'm still praying that they come out well.  Not that we've noticed any problems with Nina's hearing but I understand fully well that the doctors want to be sure taking into considering Nina's medical history.

So from the bottom of my heart, thank you San Pedro!  Thank you also because it appears that my wish to have a Pedrito doll is now possible.  Ins't he a darling?

For those of you who are interested in the Novena Prayer,  allow me to share it with you:

Prayer to Blessed Pedro Calungsod

Blessed Pedro Calungsod,

student, catechist, young migrant, missionary, faithful friend, martyr,

you inspire us

by your fidelity in times of adversity;

by your courage in teaching the faith in the midst of hostility;

and by your love in shedding your blood

for the sake of the Gospel .

Make our troubles your own

(here mention your request)

and intercede for us before the throne of Mercy and Grace

so that as we experience the help of heaven,

we may be encouraged to live

and proclaim the Gospel here on earth.

Amen.

When Babies are Called Home

I read some sad sad news today from Facebook.  One of the Apert families whose journey with their almost three year old son I was able to follow, lost their little boy suddenly while he was asleep.  I can only assume that the cause must have something to do with breathing issues that many Apert kids experience especially during their sleep but I have yet to know what the real story behind is.

Despite the fact that I have never met this family in person, the very thought of losing a child saddens me.  It saddens me more because as a mother of a child with Apert Syndrome, I find myself being able to relate with these "strangers" with whom we only share a virtual connection with.

This afternoon I've constantly been trying to dry my tears just thinking about Zane and what his family must be going through.  I know that no words will ever be enough to comfort his parents and so I say a silent prayer for them, thinking at the back of my mind that it could have been Nina.

No one wants to let go of their children, but when God calls them back into His fold, we are reminded that these children have only been lent to us by Him and that we are their earthly guardians/parents and that He is their Heavenly Father.

I don't want to live in fear over things that could happen and so I force myself to be cheerful, not to be affected by this loss and trust in Him that for everything He has His purpose.

Meanwhile, I ask that you say a prayer for little Zane whom I know is now back with his Father, back to being an angel that he really is.  Please pray for his parents too, that they may find strength during these times and that they be comforted with happy memories of the life that that was shared with them.