But I wanted to share a personal story with you about why I believe in the sanctity of life and also in the wonderful choice of adoption as the alternative to abortion.
Read on as I revisit a story originally written back in 2010:
Originally written July 31, 2010: Today I received a special gift from a dear friend...even though she is a person *whom I have never had the privilege of meeting in person*...we are dear friends, nonetheless. My friend Cyndi* is a very gifted person...and one of her many talents is that she creates beautiful baby dolls. Her dolls are each uniquely created either in memory of or as a special tribute to someone who lives, once lived, or should have lived.
(*See the added note from 2013 at the bottom for an update on this...)
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| Baby Elva - On the day of her arrival, July 31, 2010 |
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| Baby Elva, One Year Later - July 31, 2011-- still such a good baby!!! |
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| Baby Elva Celebrates Her 1st Birthday... |
I am so pleased to share with you her story:
Way back in the year 1895 there was a little baby girl born somewhere in Pennsylvania. Her birth parentage is uncertain...her ancestry is hidden from our search...we know absolutely nothing about how or where her life began...but we now know that she was born on a snowy frigid December day in the year 1895, and that her birth name was Elva Sowers. I have recently discovered that a young man named Abraham Lewis Smith, (a relative? the father? an uncle?) actually adopted her and gave her the name of Elva Smith when she was about six months old. The certificate of adoption that has surfaced states that "the welfare of the said minor child will be promoted by such adoption, and that the mother of the child consents thereto." **
We don't know why her mother gave her up for adoption...nor do we have any clue as to why her father or grandparents did not claim her. What we do know is that Mr. Smith and little Elva somehow ended up as boarders in the home of George and Mary Hill around the year 1900. Some time after that Mr. Smith decided he could not keep young Elva, and she was consequently adopted by George and Mary, and she was then given the name of Elva Hill.
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| My Grandmother Elva and My Grandpa William Mursch |
George and Mary Hill could not bear children of their own, and so they gave Elva a home and loved her as their own. To their credit, they also fostered and adopted several other precious children and gave them the opportunity to live happy and productive lives as well. Young Elva grew and prospered in rosy health and strength under the tender care of these people...so much so that she lived to be 89 years old, and was the mother to four of her own precious children, including my father, and eleven grandchildren...of which I am one.
Of course this story goes on and on in the lives of all of the current and future generations that have emanated from her life. We have become a vibrant, healthy, strong family tree...a tree that would not exist if my great-grandmother had not chosen life...if my great-grandfather had not allowed my grandmother to be born and had instead insisted on ending the life of the child he had fathered...whether legitimately or not...we will never know. What we do know is that she lived, and because she was allowed to live, here I am. **UPDATE ON THIS STORY HERE!
Of course this story goes on and on in the lives of all of the current and future generations that have emanated from her life. We have become a vibrant, healthy, strong family tree...a tree that would not exist if my great-grandmother had not chosen life...if my great-grandfather had not allowed my grandmother to be born and had instead insisted on ending the life of the child he had fathered...whether legitimately or not...we will never know. What we do know is that she lived, and because she was allowed to live, here I am. **UPDATE ON THIS STORY HERE!
Have you ever thought about where you would be today if your grandparent had been aborted instead of being allowed to live? I have thought about that so many times...and have thanked the mysterious great-grandmother for allowing my Grandma to live. I know, you are probably thinking that it wasn't like that at all...probably the poor mother was too sick to survive the labor and delivery of her child...that happened a lot back then...but even so, today the "poor mother" would be encouraged to end the life of her unborn "fetus"... the "fetus" would never know the difference..."after all, it's not a human until birth"...so they say... I wonder...what does God say...? The Psalmist seems to think that God has a different viewpoint...
"For YOU formed my inward parts; YOU covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise YOU, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are YOUR works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was NOT HIDDEN FROM YOU, WHEN I WAS MADE IN SECRET, AND SKILLFULLY WROUGHT IN THE LOWEST PARTS OF THE EARTH. YOUR eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. AND IN YOUR BOOK THEY ALL WERE WRITTEN, THE DAYS FASHIONED FOR ME, WHEN AS YET THERE WERE NONE OF THEM."
Psalm 139:13-16
Yeah, this is something that I think about a lot. I know there are many who do not share my thoughts on this subject... But here's one more thing to think about...What would have happened if Mary had decided to abort her illegitimate child, Jesus? What if Joseph had demanded that she be stoned...or the baby be aborted, because of the possibility of her committing fornication prior to their marriage? Hmmm, now that's something to think about! Yes, abortion certainly has an impact on the whole human race.
I am so thankful that my Great Grandmother chose life...and that little Elva Sowers Smith Hill lived, was adopted and grew up to become my Grandmother.
Elva Sowers Smith Hill Mursch.
December 27, 1895- December 16, 1984
I am so thankful that my Great Grandmother chose life...and that little Elva Sowers Smith Hill lived, was adopted and grew up to become my Grandmother.
December 27, 1895- December 16, 1984
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| My Dad, "Billy" Mursch |
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| The Mursch Children and a neighbor boy Paul, Bill (my Dad), Ruth, Marion and neighbor |
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| "Elva" (My Grandmother) on a camping trip/hike with her children: Lto R: Paul Mursch, Billy Mursch(my dad), Ruth Mursch, Elva Mursch, and Marion Mursch...somewhere in the Adirondack Mtns. |
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| My Grandma Elva Hill Mursch, circa 1950's |
July 1969
The Mursch family July 1969
Paul G. Mursch, William H. Mursch, Marion Mursch Ryder, Elva Sowers Hill Mursch, William Fred Mursch, and Ruth Mursch Gammie
Grandma (Elva) and Grandpa, (William H. Mursch) probably in the 1930's.
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| Mursch Family 1982 - Grandma Mursch above front right. |
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The William F. Mursch Family 2005 |
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| Grandma (Elva), far right, and Grandpa Mursch with their four children and my mother, when my mother met the family for the first time! Circa 1940 |
These pictures are only part of the Mursch Family tree...the part coming from my Dad, William F. Mursch's branch of the tree. Add to that the families from his siblings, and all of their children, and their children's children, and so on and so on...What a big empty space there would have been if my Grandmother Elva had not been allowed to live!
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of the real "Baby Elva", my grandmother, and for all the other precious babies who have been given a second chance to live because their Mamas chose "life" instead of the "easy way out" of a difficult situation. And Lord, for all those sweet and precious little souls who didn't get a chance to live because of the choices made for them...we know they are safe in Your arms today. We pray for those parents who made those decisions, whether in ignorance or deliberately, that somehow they would find the peace of forgiveness and rest for their own hurting souls. We ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Postscript: 7/11/2013 *I wanted to add this picture to this story...
Earlier this year (2013) I was thrilled and privileged to actually meet in person my
dear friend "Cyndi", the creator "birth mother" of my sweet baby doll "Elva". Cyndi and
her wonderful hubby traveled all the way to Florida from Minnesota to meet me and to have
a reunion with her beautiful baby Elva! This is a friendship that began on Facebook, and God
has blessed that long distance connection with a true friendship...a precious friend I will always
be thankful for. Doesn't God work in mysterious ways? Yes, He truly does...and He loves to
bless His children with good things and heavenly joy even here on earth!
I am blessed beyond measure and I give God the glory.
Great things He has done!!!
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| "Baby Elva" on her "6th" birthday, 7/31/2016. Still such a sweet, adorable baby...a precious gift! |
8/1/2017: I wanted to add this post-script regarding the "back story" of "Baby Elva". I've never shared this part before, and as I was relating it to a friend on Facebook this morning, I thought I should add this part of the story so that perhaps others will understand "Baby Elva's" significance even more:
My friend who created "Baby Elva" started making these dolls as a way to work through her grief over the death of her daughter, who was 8 months pregnant when she was killed by her husband. So my friend lost not only her daughter but her grandchild at the same time. She started making these babies and giving them to people as a way of bringing comfort to those who were grieving. She gave this gift to me when she first heard that our son Matthew was diagnosed with cancer. She knew that I would need something to hold and rock and love during that time, and she was right. I've never actually told that part of the story before, and I guess I should, because "Baby Elva" became a real comfort to me when we didn't know what was going to happen with Matthew. Plus, she became a sweet little "baby" to enjoy and she brightens our day. A lot of people, especially the men, don't quite understand it...but that's okay. "Baby Elva" has accomplished her mission with us...she makes us smile...and sometimes cry. But tears are cleansing... Interestingly, our "Baby Elva" arrived at our home on July 31. I didn't know it at the time, but that is also my friend's daughter's birthday. So now, when Elva's "birthday" comes around, I remember to pray for my friend who is still grieving over the loss of her beautiful daughter and grandchild. So now you know the "back story" behind Baby Elva.
Below is a link to some Scripture references regarding how God views us since before our birth, or even before being formed in the womb. God places a very high value on each and every child, regardless of who we are or where we came from.
https://www.openbible.info/labs/cross-references/search?q=Romans+8%3A29
**Stay tuned for further updates on this story of the birth and heritage of Elva Sowers Hill Mursch.UPDATE on her story HERE 12-27-2020
Very well said, Sister!!
ReplyDeleteI loved going to Grandma's house as a kid---she always had a candy dish full of 'forbidden' candy!! I also loved sitting with her in church so I could pet her 'minks' around her shoulders--but I was a little scared of them too!! Grandma always had big soft hugs!!
ReplyDeleteGreat story and soooo intriguing! I love the 2005 photo. I recognize most of the family but you snuck in a few that I don't know. Thanks for your gift or writing Pam. Hugs, Rhonda
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rhonda. Yes, this story still intrigues me as well. I'd love to solve the mystery!
ReplyDeleteActually, not every member of the family was there for this picture in 2005. I guess someday I'll have to identify all the people for everyone. The children are all so much bigger now than they were there...and some of the rest of us are so much older...:)
Love ya,
Pam
Thank you for this beautiful story about your grandmother and the lovely pictures of her descendants who are here today because of the decision to choose life! Life is so precious to God. I pray for the end of abortion. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteSo adorable and she looks so real. Wow. A beautiful tribute and legacy...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dawn. "Baby Elva" is truly a wonderful gift, as well as a reminder of the preciousness and sanctity of all life. Yes, she is a stunningly alive-looking baby doll. She continues to fool people who walk into my house and are not prepared to meet her! We have such fun! Thanks for stopping by for a visit!
DeleteThank you, Pam for leaving me this link in your comment. What a truly wonderful story! This caught my eye because I have two reborn baby dolls and Baby Elva reminds me of them. Also, my grandmother had similar beginnings to your grandmother. Her mother and father must have divorced and her father was never part of her life Her mother gave her up when she was very young to my great great Aunt Pearl and Uncle Lou to be raised by them. My grandmother was never officially adopted but she might as well have been. Thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting story and common beginnings we share! The name Pearl caught my eye, because that is my husband's grandmother's name, and I have another doll that my mother in law has named Pearl in memory of her mother. I'll have to write something about that someday soon! Isn't our heritage/ancestry interesting? I look forward to meeting some of these "saints" of old someday in heaven. Thank you for stopping by! Blessings to you today, my new friend!
DeletePam, thank you for this beautiful post. I wonder if most of us have a relative (such as a grandparent) who could have been aborted today but wasn't and because of that we have life? My maternal grandfather (born in 1892, I think?) was born out of wedlock, however, his mom raised him--he served in the Army (cavalry) in World War I (yes, the first World War).
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
What a precious post Pamela. I had happy tears reading about your grandmother Elva. She and I share the same birth date December 27th. Thank you for sharing your ancestry with us. I love the verses from Psalm 139:13-16. Have a day of blessings my friend.
ReplyDeleteAn incredible story about your grandmother and the baby doll. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteJust loved the story of your grandmother, Pamela, and the legacy of Baby Elva. And how wonderful to finally meet your on-line friend, Cyndi!
ReplyDeleteYes, God does work in mysterious and amazing ways, doesn't He?
Blessings!
Pam, Thank you for sharing this again, I remembered several parts of it from earlier. Your grandma looks like a precious lady.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
What a speial gift and what a special way to remember your grandmother. She was a lovely woman and one I know you treasured. I was raised in the same home as my grandma and she was used of the Lord to greatly influence my life. xx
ReplyDeleteOh, sweet Friend, what a precious story. Such a beautiful doll baby. Thank you for sharing this story.
ReplyDeleteI cried as I read this, Pamela. How sad a story of your friends loss. I can't believe that New York or anyone would abort a baby at full term. How sad, it breaks my heart.
ReplyDeleteChildren are a gift from God. Wake up people the times are changing and the time is nearer than we may think!
As you can see from my 2017 comment, I've read this before, Pamela. But in light of the horrendous, amoral turn of events in the NY state senate, reposting it today makes perfect sense. I'm still reeling by their decision. I can't think any one of those who voted yes harbor any fear of God. We must pray for them and this country so in danger of losing its moral compass.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Such a beautiful story and message here, Pam. The news out of New York State is terrible and grieves our hearts.
ReplyDeleteWhile evil escalates I continue to pray God's people will stand strong for righteousness.
Oh my...such a beautiful labor of love! I can't even imagine going through that kind of grief and only our God could reroute such devastating events into this wonderful ministry. So what about your Matthew, may I ask?? And about NYC...well, I cannot even fathom what goes on inside the minds of these "lawmakers"...I am so appalled and even wonder how something as horrific as this is even legal in the USA...beyond comprehension. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, Pam.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby. Regarding our son Matthew, you can read more about him on my sidebar above, the link with the picture of Matthew and his wife and son, entitled "Update May 25, 2014." After battling a rare form of cancer for four years, Matthew was finally called home to heaven. He was 41 years old, and leaves behind his wife and son Noah, who is now 19 years old. Not a day goes by that we don't think of him in some way, but we are so thankful he is not suffering and we KNOW we will see him again in heaven some day. Praise God for Jesus making the way for us to be there for eternity.
DeleteSuch a precious family story. Thank you so very much for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteLike you, as well as the other readers, I just can't contemplate how lawmakers could approve a bill as horrific as this. Yes, I agree God's people need to stand strong.
Pam, thank you for sharing this post again. It's so sad that innocent children's lives are taken before they have a chance to impact the world. My hear is saddened over how the world seems to place decreasing value on human lives. My thinking is that it's scriptural; still hard to watch.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I think this has made people talk more about abortion and realize what is happening. It will lead to big changes, I believe.
ReplyDeletePam: This story is beautiful. Even more so because of the actions of those people in New York state. I praise God for the fact that my dad was raised first by his grandmother after his mother died a few days after his birth. Then by a couple of his aunts before he was able to live with his father and stepmother. It is a difficult thing for modern people to understand but that's our history.
ReplyDeleteThis entire post is just jaw dropping to me. What a baby doll! Stunning and wow on the talent recreating it.
ReplyDeleteYour Grandma Elva looks a lot like my Step grandma Selma. She was from Sweden and lived in Minnesota where she married my Grandpa on my Dad's side. I will have to hunt up her photo soon.
Sue
Thank you, Sue, for going back and reading this whole story. There certainly is a lot behind this little baby doll, isn't there? I would love to see the picture of your Step Grandma. Although I haven't found any distant relatives/ancestors from Sweden in my family tree, you never know! Have a blessed and wonderful day.
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