I have written this post in my head about a dozen times these past few weeks. It is difficult to say why I am having such trouble sitting down to write it. Maybe my problem is that it feels almost as if I have reached a last chance to share something so big, so miraculous, with anyone.
Not so very long ago, I was going through a sorrowful time. The dream and hope of another baby was gnawing away at me, dominating all my thoughts. Month after month passed, and I began to realize that, at age 40, the new-baby-phase of our lives might very well be over. (Hope this isn't sounding selfish or silly--it probably does, so please forgive me.)
One day, I was tidying the dining room--shifting clutter from one place to the other as usual--when I found a bag of religious articles purchased months ago. I smiled to see a handful of round flat coins depicting the Holy Family, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Joseph, and others, remembering they had been meant for use in our miniature wayside shrine craft. Long forgotten, the pretty round coins had been left on the windowseat, awaiting a future "sort and rescue."
Among the coins was one image that interested me in particular. I could not remember it at all, though it did not surprise me that I would have purchased it. It was St. Padre Pio, smiling and holding the Christ Child on a little pillow. Having spent a great deal of time praying for a new baby through the intercession of St. Pio, this was significant to me. I had never before seen him shown with the Christ Child (St. Anthony, yes, but St. Pio, no), and I began musing to myself that it was as if he was presenting me with a baby on a pillow. Flipping the coin around, I read his familiar words of advice, "Pray, hope and don't worry!" It gave me such a warm feeling inside, a little gleam of hope and lightness.
Still clutching the coin in one hand, I moved into the kitchen. A great deal of noise was coming from the den, and I could hear Margaret calling to me, "Mom! Marie knocked your picture off the top of the cabinet!" Nothing about this was unusual--stuff is always being batted around in our house. I wouldn't have paid much attention to the report, except that Margaret charged into the kitchen with Marie at her heels to hand me the fallen picture. It was a small image of Padre Pio, his hands clasped in prayer. At this point I laughed outright, much to the confusion of Margaret and Marie. I offered a silent prayer to St. Padre Pio, once again asking his intercession for a new baby.
Now I know to some, these two nearly simultaneous occurrences might seem like a coincidence--and a minor coincidence at that--but they dispelled some of the gloom of my mood that afternoon, reminding me that there is always hope.
About two weeks later, we found out to our great joy and gratitude that we are indeed expecting our eighth child, a gift it would be impossible to describe in words. The first day I was able to test was May 25th:
St. Padre Pio's birthday.
So that is my news--we have a new baby on the way! Sorry it has taken so long to tell. Thank you to all the friends who were praying for us. [I was at the top of the list to the left for quite some time.] God is good!
Oh Dear Alice! :) What wonderful news! You are in my prayers friend. What a wonderful story. I have had a few particular Saints literally carry me through a few pregnancies. God love you Alice!
Posted by: Libet | July 30, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Alice,
I rarely comment but I always check in here. Today I just have to say that I am so very happy for you and your family!
Posted by: Jeanne | July 30, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Alice,
You told it wonderfully! And I feel so special that you had shared the Padre Pio prayer with me for my niece. Still praying for her!
Posted by: ChrisV | July 30, 2008 at 06:38 PM
How wonderful! Congratulations, Alice, and thank you for sharing about the amazing intercession of St. Pio!
Posted by: Alicia | July 30, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing such an amazing story. It was so wonderful and uplifting. Prayers for a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Posted by: Cassidy | July 30, 2008 at 06:43 PM
What a wonderful story Alice, and congratulations on your new blessing!
Posted by: Christine M | July 30, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Oh Alice! I am so full of joy for you! Infact you would laugh to see me now, I have tears running down my face! Perhaps partly because of your wonderful news and partly because of the beautiful prayer you linked to.
What a blessing for this new child to be entering your lovely family.
Posted by: patience | July 30, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Congratulations, Alice and family! You and your family are in my prayers. Padre Pio is very special to me.
Posted by: Christine | July 30, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Alice, this was beautifully told - and CONGRATULATIONS! I am delighted for you!
Posted by: Beck | July 30, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Oh, Alice!!
I just got your [wonderful, by the way!!!!] book today,and noticed that it said you were expecting your eighth child.
I immediately had two thoughts: Whoa, what did I miss??? and Wait a minute, how old is Eileen? Has this book been in the works as long as that? Then I counted your kids three times. (I'm a little slow on the uptake, I guess.) :)
I have to laugh, though. There have been so many posts like this in the circle of blogs I most love lately, that I now think I know the answer to that obnoxious question, "Don't they know what causes that?" Sure: it's blogging!!!! :) :) :)
What wonderful and exciting news -- and what a wonderful story to go with it. Congratulations -- to both you (your whole family!), and especially the lucky little baby!
Posted by: Eileen | July 30, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Oh Alice, what could be 'not as well done' about the most blessed news on earth? Beautiful story of beautiful news! We know those 'little things' never are little. Congratulations and you know we are thrilled for you! xo
Posted by: Kimberlee | July 30, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Dear Alice,
I loved reading this beautiful post! I loved reading that stuff in your home gets batted around. I have this delusion that my house is the only one prone to mishaps.
I loved reading that you move clutter from one place to the next, as another delusion I have is that my home is the only one with clutter moving from spot to spot.
Whether it is a kind comment on my frequently neglected blog or an inspiring post on yours, you have such a way of always bringing me comfort through my internet connection!
I cannot believe for even a nanosecond that St. Padre Pio's 'presence' in your life for the sake of your wonderful new Sweet Treasure is only mere coincidence. Count on my prayers for you through the intercession of St. Padre Pio, Dear Alice. Yes! Pray, hope, and don't worry!
Posted by: kristina | July 30, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Wow!
Posted by: amy | July 30, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Congratulations Alice! This is such wonderful news! :))
Posted by: Cheryl M. | July 30, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Praise God!
Posted by: +JMJ+ at TotusTuusFamily.blogspot.com | July 30, 2008 at 08:10 PM
It's really in those moments of total surrender that God and His saints are most open to hearing our prayers. Congratulations! As one who has a particular devotion to Padre Pio, I must say that I am hardly surprised...
Posted by: Nadja Magdalena | July 30, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Congratulations!! What wonderful news!!
Have you been the to shrine of St. Gerard in Newark NJ?? I HIGHLY recommend a pilgrimage if you have never been before.
And just a little aside. My mother in law met St. Pio when she was a child in Italy!! She says she can still remember the smell of roses around him!
Posted by: Jamie | July 30, 2008 at 08:38 PM
CONGRATULATIONS, Alice!!!!! I don't think any of those things (including the day you tested) were coincidences at all!
Posted by: Kim | July 30, 2008 at 08:52 PM
What wonderful news, Alice!! And a beautiful story. :) Thank you for helping me keep my faith "up". Many prayers coming your way for a healthy and uneventful pregnancy!
Posted by: Amy | July 30, 2008 at 08:59 PM
I have had faith affirming moments like those (I call them my "signs"). If those had happened to me, I would have certainly felt that there were "signs" that my prayer were being answered in some way or another. Congratulations!
Posted by: Sharon | July 30, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Great big wonderful congratulations!! I am so pleased for you and yours!
Posted by: helene | July 30, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Hooray!!! Congratulations! And thanks be to God and to St. Pio for his intercession. What wonderful news. And a beautiful story too. But then you always seem to be able to make everything into a beautiful story. I'll be praying for a safe-- and easy-- pregnancy and delivery.
Posted by: MelanieB | July 30, 2008 at 09:33 PM
I am so happy for you and your family! I will keep you all in my prayers, especially your littlest blessing! :)
Posted by: Rebecca | July 30, 2008 at 09:39 PM
What wonderful news! God's blessing on you and your growing family!
Posted by: Jane | July 30, 2008 at 09:49 PM
What a beautiful story! Congratulations on your wonderful news. I will keep you in my prayers....
Posted by: joann10 | July 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Congrats, Alice! Yipppeee!
Posted by: Suzanne Temple | July 30, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I am delighted for you, be assured of my prayers, Padre Pio is so awesome !!!!!!
Posted by: molly | July 30, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Congratulations! Wonderful news!!!
Posted by: Cindy | July 30, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Oh Alice, congratulations. From the little I've gotten to know you over the last year and a half online (through your blog) I know that you are a wonderful mother.
On a different note... My book came today. I picked up the mail as we were leaving to go to church. I wish I would have sent one of the kids to the end of the driveway to retreive the mail earlier in the day because I would have started reading right away!! We got to church 15 minutes early so I did get to read the first 2 chapters and I am looking forward to some more reading tonight. I love that you have included pictures in the book. It makes it very personable and inviting.
Again, congratulations!!!!
Hugs,
Theresa
Posted by: Theresa ♥ | July 30, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Deo gracias! I am so happy for you and your family.
Posted by: almamater | July 30, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Congratulations! I didn't think anything could top getting your book in the mail today, but this news has!
Posted by: Paula in MN | July 30, 2008 at 11:33 PM
OH ALICE!! I am so happy for you! You and your family are blessed again!! My mum and I and the rest of my family congratulate you and will keep you in our prayers!
yours,
Sophie, Sarah(mum), Nick, David, Jonathan(dad)
Posted by: Sophie | July 30, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Dear, sweet, wonderful, beautiful Alice! What happy, happy news - congratulations!! I can't tell you how it delights me that YOU are expecting. One more little soul for heaven!
St. Pio, pray for us! I love you, Alice Gunther.
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | July 30, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Alice, I'd say this is perfectly well done. :-) Hugs, hugs, hugs!
Posted by: Karen Edmisten | July 31, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Congratulations! What a lovely post, too. What a blessing this is for your family.
Posted by: Amber | July 31, 2008 at 01:07 AM
YEAH!!!! Heartfelt congratulations!! I will add you to my prayer list and pray that everything stays healthy and uneventful! Praise God!
Posted by: Lillian | July 31, 2008 at 01:55 AM
Oh, Alice! Congratulations!
So when is this baby due? It sounds like it's awfully close to mine. Another matched set in case we ever do get to meet. :-)
Posted by: Jennie C. | July 31, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Many, many congratulations! What a great post and even greater news!
God bless you all!
Posted by: Marie C | July 31, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Beautifully expressed, Alice! This little one is going to be so happily anticipated and just drenched in love. I didn't know the story...thank you for sharing it! God bless you all!
Posted by: Jeannine | July 31, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Alice,
Prayers and congratulations to you from Texas! What joyful news for you and your dear ones. :)
Posted by: Jennifer in TX | July 31, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Oh, Alice! I'm soooo happy for you! Congratulations!!!! I looked at our picture on from the conference from various sources and I knew and it's so nice to be right. Many prayers!
Maybe I'll start praying to St. Pio too.
Posted by: KC | July 31, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Congratulations! God bless you and your family during this joyful time.
Posted by: Sine C | July 31, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Congratulations, Alice! What a beautiful story of life, hope and joy!
Posted by: Colleen | July 31, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Oh my what a beautiful post. Congratulations. If that is not n awesome intersession story i don't know what is. I am also wondering and worrying about baby #5 if there will ever be a #5. This post was what I needed to read.
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | July 31, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Oh, Alice! Congratulations! I'm just thrilled to hear such blessed news. All my prayers for you, the baby, and your lovely family.
Posted by: Layla | July 31, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Congratulations dear Alice, what a blessed little sweet pea this will be. Clarice
Posted by: clarice | July 31, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I'm so happy your prayers were answered. Congratulations Alice!!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 31, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Congratulations!
This post literally gave me chills when I read it! I've been interested in learning more about Padre Pio lately after reading about him in several of my favorite bloggers, and now I know I must learn more!
I'm a frequent reader and in-frequent commenter to your blog but wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your mentorship and inspiration as a young Catholic mum trying to incorporate and learning how to live the liturgical year in my own home! Thank you!
And how exciting for your family!! I'll keep you in my prayers!
Best,
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | July 31, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Very well done! Congratulations to all of you! When I took you off the 'Just One More' list, I put you right on my expectant moms list for my morning prayers.
Posted by: Our Magnum Opus | July 31, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Congratulations. What a wonderful story. I'm very glad you shared it.
Posted by: matt | July 31, 2008 at 02:34 PM
{{{{Alice}}}}
I just received your wonderful book today and I just read through most of it in one sitting...it is wonderful! ...then I got to the end and found the little hint about you expecting and I immediately signed on to my computer to leave a message...I see I am not the first...
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
You are in my prayers, dear lady!!
Posted by: Donna Marie | July 31, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Congrats!!
Posted by: Martha | July 31, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Alice,
Congratulations! That is so wonderful. Our family has a devotion to Padre Pio as well. My husband's birthday is the same day as his feast day (Sept. 23).
Posted by: Janet | July 31, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Oh not silly or selfish. I praise God that He gives so many of the lovely ladies I have come to know and love (such as you, dear Alice) such a burning heart for more little souls! Congratulations!
Posted by: Mrs Pea | July 31, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Great news, Alice!!!!! Congratulations, dear friend. You are in my prayers.
Posted by: Ruth | July 31, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Thanks for sharing the story, Alice. I'm very happy for you and your family.
Posted by: Cheryl | July 31, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Congratulations! I am so happy for you!
Posted by: Louise | July 31, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Alice, this is just the most wonderful, blessed news, I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!
I remember my father always say to me, "Now Anne, pray, hope and don't worry like Padre Pio tells us!" - a lovely little connection for you and bubs to this blessed saint!
You will be on my St Anne mothers prayer list.
Posted by: aussieannie | July 31, 2008 at 05:48 PM
What fabulous news! Congratulations! (I had a feeling that you'd be joining the pregnant blogger club soon!) Beautifully told, too -- a goosebumps moment, to be sure.
Posted by: Elizabeth H | July 31, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Congratulations, Alice! What happy, happy news :).
Posted by: Becky | July 31, 2008 at 06:32 PM
I am so very happy for you, Alice.
Posted by: Kathleen | July 31, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Congratulations! Very exciting news! Wonderful story too, thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: Jess | July 31, 2008 at 10:54 PM
what awesome wonderful news!! I am so happy for you all.
Leona is a perfect name if it is a girl!! :-)
Posted by: Leona | August 01, 2008 at 01:53 AM
How very wonderful and what a testimony to the power of intercessory prayer! Congratulations and God's blessings from one of the 40+ crowd who hopes and prays for the same miracle...even after 9, there's always room for one more....
Posted by: Kimberly | August 01, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Congratulations! As I curled up in bed last night with a flashlight to read YOUR book, I went to sleep thinking you are such a lovely person. I asked God to make me more like you.
Posted by: Sarah | August 01, 2008 at 02:38 PM
I'm so happy for you and your family!
Posted by: Abigail | August 01, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Wonderful news! I haven't checked in for a while - just been too busy to spend time at my favorite blogs lately -- but was so *PLEASED* to read this post. God is good! Hip-hip-hurray...for Padre Pio! He's da' man! :) I owe it to his intercession to have met my sweet husband. Take care of yourself dear!!! Prayers for you and baby one.
Denise
Posted by: Denise Laubacher | August 01, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Congratulations on your most joyous news.
Posted by: Mary M | August 01, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Alice,
I'm so happy for your wonderful news. May you and your family rejoice in God's abundant love.
Posted by: Julia S. | August 02, 2008 at 12:57 AM
oh Alice, what wonderful news!!! Congratulations to you and your family, and many prayers and hugs sent your way.
Posted by: stef | August 02, 2008 at 04:38 PM
What wonderful news!!! I love the story of Padre Pio's intercession.
You and your sweet babe will be in our prayers.
Posted by: Mary Ann (mom to many) | August 02, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Congratulations!!!
Padre Pio is one of my favorite saints. Years and years ago, an Italian priest in the Albanian Orthodox Church, who was a contract priest for our base, told me he just knew Padre Pio would be canonized. He'd gone to San Giovanni Rotondo and attended one of Padre Pio's Masses.
Padre Pio's amazing life is a source of wonder to me...I'm so glad to know he inspires so many others.
I'm so happy to hear your good news, and you will be in my prayers in the months ahead!
Posted by: Nancy (guitarnan) | August 02, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Congratulations, Alice! It was a wonderfully told story. In fact, I'm going to tell my husband this story right now. St. Pio was responsible for his conversion (through a book he found at a used book store, but I know that there are no coincidences) and I know he will love to hear your story as well:-).
Posted by: Angel | August 02, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Congratulations to you and your family! What beautiful news and what a beautiful story to tell.
Posted by: cici | August 02, 2008 at 10:53 PM
I just read your post to my family and could not finish without tears of joy for you and yours.
God bless you, your husband and all your children!
Posted by: Soutenus | August 02, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Congratulations! Your child is so blessed to be part of your family. How you managed to do so much during your first trimester is beyond me! Much love and prayers for you.
Posted by: Genevieve | August 03, 2008 at 06:41 AM
oh, sensational news! And having a baby after the 40 mark is easy ... it's the keeping up with them as you get PAST 40 that's hard ....
Blessings dear and sending up a prayer of thanksgiving to St. Pio for your little blessing!
Posted by: Mary G. | August 03, 2008 at 07:21 AM
OH wow! I"m so behind on reading but I was SO glad to hear this wonderful news! Sending lots of prayers and hugs your way! Congratulations!
Posted by: JoAnna | August 03, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Well, you already know how I feel about this most blessed and joyous news, and I don't suppose you remember that my birthday is May 25th!! ;-) I love you!!
Posted by: Meredith | August 03, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Congratulations Alice :) I am VERY happy for you :)
Posted by: Rachel | August 04, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Oh Alice! How truly wonderful!!! I just received your Haystack book in the mail today from Hillside Education. I can't wait to finish it, what I have read has been glorious. I hope you are feeling well and that you have a wonderful pregnancy. I'm tickled you are a Padre Pio fan too! God Bless you for your love of life!
Posted by: Julie at Trinity Acres | August 04, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Wow! I think it is safe to say that your little miracle is a result of the intervention of St. Padre Pio. What a blessed reminder to me as I pray for my oldest daughter as she struggles with infertility. Thank you for the reminder that prayer is powerful.
Posted by: Martha B | August 04, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Thank you, Padre Pio!!! Another miracle!!! Congrats, Alice, and many prayers for you and baby!
Posted by: Diana | August 05, 2008 at 07:12 AM
I have been looking at the booklet you gave me and wondering...should I be drawing closer to this great man?
He's an intimidating one, that Padre Pio. So very saintly! And yet, here you are to tell us that we must be little and we must trust.
Hugs to you from afar, dear Alice, to go with the one that we shared a week ago. Sigh. MUST you be a New Yorker?
PS. Your book was making the rounds during our camp-out this weekend. My friend Tina said, "Maybe she could come to visit you, Margaret, and then we could get her to talk to our co-op!"
Which sounded very good to me.
Posted by: Margaret in Minnesota | August 05, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Oh Alice! Congratulations!!!
I had just finished your book and saw your news at the end of it and I came here to get the rest of the story! :-)
God bless you and your little one!
Molly
Posted by: Molly | August 05, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Congratulations! Hope you're feeling well!
Posted by: Mary Beth P | August 05, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Alice, this is late but I want to share with you how much this post touched my heart. Congratulations to you and your family! :-) God Bless You!
Posted by: Renee | August 07, 2008 at 09:17 AM
What a testimony! And of course, congratulations, though I did get to say that to you in person. I loved your opener at the conference about gaining 15 lbs rather than losing 20.
Posted by: michelle waters | August 07, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Congratulations, Alice! This is SO EXCITING! I am jumping up and down for you! God bless you!
Posted by: SuzanneG | August 08, 2008 at 02:48 PM
A great story! Congratulations.
Posted by: Elena | August 08, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Oh, I think maybe I'll bug St. Pio!
Our very deepest congratulations!
Posted by: Maria P | August 09, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Congratulations!!!! We are so happy for you. Thanks for writing out the whole story. I just love those things, the way they happen and I don't for one minute believe they are co-incidences.
God bless,
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen | August 11, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I am so excited for you, Alice. God is so very good! St. Padre Pio is amazing and wonderful! God bless your family and your little sweet unborn baby!
Big hugs!
Love, Donna
Posted by: Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle | August 11, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Wow, I love that story. I have a friend in a similar situation also praying to St. Padre Pio. They even went on a pilgrimage this summer to where he is.
What a blessing for your whole family. Offering up prayers for your sweet, little one,
Heather
Posted by: Heather | August 14, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Congratulations! I will be keeping you and your precious little blessing in my prayers through your due date! What a beautiful story!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 17, 2008 at 09:49 PM