Two sisters - Shakespeare's Monkeys

two sisters

our differences still catch me off guard

So, Laura, my 24-year-old sister is expecting. They were married in October and she is now expecting and due January 3rd or 4th. For most people, that's still considered jumping into parenthood quickly. But Laura & Mike, both more "by the book" Catholics than most, have been trying to get pregnant for months. Since before they were married, Laura has been going to doctors, knowing something was funky with her hormones. She's been on supplements, gotten injections, and after plenty of trying and doctor visits, they've conceived. But today, she emailed me, rightly worried: her progesterone has dropped significantly, which, in a worst-case scenario could suggest a coming miscarriage.

My stomach turns with empathy, but, I'm at ease that she and the baby will be fine.

Still, I find the whole situation has a certain kind of irony: they, the couple who can afford the big family they want, may only be given one or two children after lots of prayer and trying. Meanwhile, "fertile myrtle" that I am, I'm afraid of thinking of sex for fear of having to support another child yet.

1- Anstey on June 13 2007

usually you can think about sex as much as you want without fear of pregnancy.

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stephan

2- Julie on June 13 2007

sure, as long as Jonathan doesn't catch on that I'm thinking about it. Slippery slope...

There are times when I'd like to hang up the rosary, take a pill, and not have to worry quite so much.

3- Leanne on June 13 2007

I think of it this way. The laws of the Church say you can't take contraceptives. The laws of the land say that it's quite fine.

Now, until the Church is prepared to step in and bail me out if I'm caught speeding or not paying my taxes, I'm more inclined to listen to the laws of the land.

Besides, it's rather easier for the clergy to avoid pregnancies and even then, strange things happen... there are a remarkable number of immaculate conceptions...

4- Tracey on June 13 2007

Life can be so strange like that.

I vote for contraceptives. In my opinion, the way of the Church is not reasonable on this topic. Plus, that law was enacted way back when, when families needed to be big to work the farms, etc.

The times they have a-changed.

5- Julie on June 14 2007

I can reason for contraceptives easily, and can even convince my head. But somewhere, deep in my gut, I still agree with the Church on this. So I'm back to square one.

In some ways, it's like perpetual pennance for not being willing to give in to "total surrender" and completely trust God that he's got things under control.

6- Leanne on June 14 2007

I find that God manages to keep things under control much better when people give Him a hand.