GabyMy Journey to Motherhood
Since I was 17, I faced serious health issues that led to two complex surgeries. After all the complications, I didn’t even ask the doctors whether I would be able to have children. I just really wanted a baby!
At 19, I went on a trip to the Lavra for the first time in my life. There, I learned about the relics of the infant John, who is prayed to by childless people. One day, when I was once again overwhelmed by sadness about my situation, I returned there, specifically to the infant John. I prayed with all my heart, asking him to intercede with God to grant me a son! HOW I WANTED TO HAVE A SON! I still can’t explain to myself why I specifically asked for a boy.
A month later, I found out I was going to have a baby! The doctors were shocked when I became pregnant, and I couldn’t even imagine that it was possible. The pregnancy was very difficult; I spent four months on bed rest. Considering that my blood clotting should have been between 40-60% (according to tests), and mine was only 7%, it was truly a miracle that I gave birth!
I really wanted to name my son Alexey and learned that there are relics of Saint Arsenius at the Lavra. I prayed to God (though at that time, due to my lack of faith, I didn’t believe it would happen) that I would give birth to a healthy boy (and that I would stay alive). I promised that if I gave birth on the feast day of Saint Arsenius, I would never doubt that God exists and would take my child to church. And do you think I gave birth on another day??? My due date was two weeks later. I GAVE BIRTH ON THE FEAST DAY OF SAINT ARSENIUS!
Now my son is growing up and knows that God exists; he knows prayers, goes to church, and participates in Communion. Since then, we have a wonderful and kind family tradition: on my son’s birthday, he always takes Communion, we buy a bouquet of flowers, and as a family, we go to the Lavra to visit Grandfather Arsenius!
Iren
