When Hope Fades

Nothing is more painful for a mother than losing her child, the child she carried in her womb for almost nine months, the child she longed to hold in her arms. It is a sorrow beyond words, a wound that never fully heals. The pain consumes her, making life feel meaningless. In her heartbreak, she loses hope, trapped in an empty world.

28-year-old Mary Lesteryhn Gargoles’s life shattered when she lost her first child to illness. She recalled the unexpected moment when the baby was born. The color didn’t look right. That’s when she learned her child had a hole in the heart, a “blue baby”. She remembers her cries echoing through the hospital as she begged God to let her bear the suffering instead of her child.

A few months after her birth, the baby didn’t survive and was declared dead on arrival. Mary was consumed by deep pain, unable to move forward. She spent her days lying in bed, losing hope that tomorrow would be any better.

“Nawad-an nako’g gana na mopadayun, unya di nako gasimba kaayo sukad nawala akoa anak,” according to her when asked about her experience.

Her mother, a deeply religious woman who actively served in the church, found it unbearable to see Mary suffer. Yet, with her strong faith in God, she continued encouraging Mary to join her at church, hoping it would bring her comfort and healing.

She found herself going to church every Sunday, where she felt a sense of relief. Hearing the word of God helped her reflect on life, strengthen her faith, and slowly regain the hope she had lost. She became a lector in their church and continued in her previous job.

When we lose hope, God becomes our only source of strength. His plans are greater than ours, even when we don’t understand them. Just as the Virgin Mother Mary placed her trust in the Lord, even when it meant losing her beloved son, Jesus Christ, we too must surrender our pain to Him. Mary’s sorrow was immeasurable, yet she remained faithful, knowing that God’s purpose was beyond human understanding.

A mother’s love is unconditional and immeasurable. It knows no limits, endures all hardships, and remains unwavering even in the face of pain and loss.

Hope is our anchor in life’s darkest moments. It doesn’t erase pain but reminds us that brighter days will come. It gives us strength to keep going, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. With hope, we find the courage to heal, grow, and overcome even the deepest sorrow. When Hope fades, Faith remains. (Mar Lyn Gapio | HCDC Intern)