The Mission Called Motherhood

by Brev Angelica Joven-Martinez

During my younger years, I always thought of which path to pursue, what was meant for me or what God wants me to be. The decision on which vocation to take was difficult to discern. The religious life attracted me but on the other hand, I hoped to have a family of my own.


Eventually, I met my husband and got married in 2019. After three years, and by God's grace, we were blessed with our first pregnancy. The prenatal period in itself was challenging. I had morning sickness in the first trimester, literally coming to a point of throwing up everything I consumed, even water. Then, a wrench was thrown into our lives when I acquired COVID as I was nearing my 8th month. Unfortunately, this affected our baby’s weight gain which drew concern from our OB. Fitfully, on June 8, 2023 my bag of water broke. Our doctor was hoping I would deliver around the third week of June to allow our baby more time to grow because it was slowing down for the past month. By ultrasound, the size of our baby was only 34 weeks, but was supposed to be 36 weeks already. Our baby was also in breech position but manual manipulation was not advised for me. This was one indication for cesarean section. I was admitted due to preterm labor and had to be given steroids for the baby's lung maturity. We were hoping to delay the delivery at least 2-3 days to wait for the steroids to take effect. But I progressed to active labor in a few hours despite all medications given to prevent contractions. The labor pains were intense and becoming intolerable. I started to pray fervently and offered it to the Lord. Then, my OB spoke with me and gave me an honest plausible outcome. She decided to do a cesarean section at that moment as we cannot hold the pregnancy any longer. Prolonging the pregnancy would have more risks for our baby. She set expectations that after delivery, there is a possibility that our baby girl would be admitted to the NICU until her lungs are fully developed and she can thermoregulate herself. Working in the delivery room as a nurse for a few years, I am fully aware that giving birth to a preterm baby was scary. Now, in that position as a mother, I feared for my child's life. There was nothing else I could do at that moment but to pray. I prayed the Rosary and to Our Lady of Guadalupe to please keep our baby safe. I continued praying in my heart while the operation was ongoing. Our baby girl was then delivered, but we heard no cry. I could see the fear in my husband's eyes as he was holding my hand really tight. After some intervention of stimulating, suctioning and oxygenation, we finally heard her first cry. The sound was so small and faint but it was the sweetest sound we ever heard and it gave us such relief. Our baby girl Hannah Lucia was shown to us and she was allowed to lay on my chest while I was being closed up. She was a tiny beautiful baby. Our pediatrician told us that despite her size, she was a strong baby. Her grip was strong and even held the suction tube and pulled it away. However, she still had some fluid in her lungs and needed to be observed. Thankfully it resolved on its own course. Our little girl was then "roomed in" with me and didn't have to be admitted to the NICU. That is how my motherhood story began.



Being parents has taught us many lessons in life especially on being selfless and making sacrifices. The sleepless nights, tiring days, skipped meals, and everything in between from the usual routine has totally shifted. Our child’s needs go first beyond ours. It has become a test to oneself and in marriage as well. It creates fears concerning your child’s safety. But it is trust in the Lord that

keeps us intact. It also has been an opportunity to transform us and develop our virtues. Raising a child continues to teach us kindness, humility, patience and pure unconditional love. The love for a child accurately depicts this bible verse from 1. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. “"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Despite all the challenges in motherhood, this journey is totally fulfilling.

Reflecting on this, my heart always feels grateful and amazed. First, I am in awe of how the Lord has made every experience in the past a guide for my journey to parenthood. This gift that God has allowed us to have, conceiving a child, has been the greatest blessing which we are forever thankful for. The joy of a life given to us is unexplainable. And in that moment of worry and the unknown, it was prayer that became a source of strength. In that time of pain, it reminded me of our Blessed Virgin Mary. The pain she endured when she saw her son being crucified was nothing compared to my own. And surrendering it up to the Lord instead would be most pleasing to Him. Finally, it made me appreciate my mom more and all the mothers out there. My mom had 11 of us and 1 miscarriage. Her journey continues to serve as an inspiration and guidance on raising our own child.



I share this story in gratitude that there is a God given miracle in life itself. Everyone has their own suffering but we should not forget that we can call to the Lord and our Blessed Virgin Mary for comfort, strength and direction. A prayer may be answered or not, may be delayed or redirected; but the will of God is always better than ours even when we cannot comprehend it. His timing is always perfect. At this point in my life, as a friend mentioned to me, this is your mission - motherhood. Lastly, to all mother’s out there, let us continue to embrace this vocation with love and may we raise our children towards the path of the Lord. Happy Mother’s Day to all!