I said, "No"
Sponsored
Catholic365 is sponsored by
Road to Purity
Mother’s Day is right around the corner. As with every Mother’s Day, I will find myself, once again, on an emotional roller-coaster. I look forward to hearing from my son, who lives in Michigan, and getting updates on his life and the lives of my precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sadly, after we hang up, I’ll stare at the phone, knowing there should have been two more calls. My mind will fill with the same unanswered questions that have no answers. What would Sarah and Matthew have shared with me on their calls? How many more grandchildren would I have had to love, spoil and brag about?
My joy is forever tarnished on Mother’s Day because I decided to abort two precious angels over forty years ago. My son and grandchildren warm my heart; however, a dull ache of sadness and regret remains for the two voids within it.
Mentally, I know God and my children have forgiven me; however, that knowledge has not reached my heart … the emptiness is always there. The only saving grace is that God gave me the courage to share my pain publicly. I pray my words will prevent others from experiencing the sorrow of a Mother’s Day call that will never come.
Patti J. Mitchell (formerly Smith) is a devoted Catholic and pro-life advocate. She shares her journey from a life of sinful excess to redemption across the country, including pro-life conferences, to members of Congress, at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., and the Walks for Life in San Diego and San Francisco. She has been a guest on several radio shows, including Immaculate Heart Radio and Radio Maria. She also appears in two documentaries, "The Sidewalk Chronicles" and "Hush."
Patti writes Christian devotionals. One of them, "Redeemed – Rosary Meditations for Post-Abortive Women," is used at healing retreats and written in a way to be used by all denominations. Her most recent release is "And God Still Loves Me – A Story of Hope and Healing." She has also had articles published in the National Catholic Register, Life News, and the Southern Cross.
She is a retired background investigator, married and lives in Puyallup, Washington.
