Held my strong faith during pregnancy (Suma)
My mom passed away when I was very young. My aunt and family members started the search for a suitable match for my older sister, because they had to get her married within the first year of our mother’s death. When their search proved difficult, my aunt gave my sister a picture of Sai Baba and asked her to offer prasad and pray to Him for 15 days. Soon after this she got married. I was very young and didn’t pay much attention to all this at the time.
It was much later in my life that a friend’s mother who was very loving towards me, started to talk about Baba everytime I went to their house. It was her kind and loving nature that attracted me to visit them. Aunty was an ardent devotee of Baba. She told me about Baba’s infinite Love and shared her personal experiences. This prompted me to start visiting Baba’s temple.
I used to take flowers from home when I visited His temple, and felt very peaceful when I connected with Him. I was very lonely after my mother’s passing and my older sister’s marriage. We also had a financial crisis to add to the other events. I day I was very worried and cried during my visit to Baba, telling Him about my father’s financial situation. Then out of the blue a small boy approached me calling me akka (sister) and gave me 20 rupees. I did not have that kind of money with me and told him it was not mine. But he insisted that he saw the money falling out of my bag and was adamant that I keep it! I was shocked! Then I realized it was Baba’s way of assuring me that He is listening, and will take care of me. It was the very first miracle I experienced. After this experience, every little thing I did in my life, would involve Baba.
There were many incidents where Baba gave me his assurance. Especially during my pregnancy. I had a tough first pregnancy, and every doctor’s visit gave cause for concern and anxiety. At the 5th month ultrasound, they suspected the baby was in danger and referred me to a specialist for further tests. I was shaken but held on to Baba, thinking of Him the whole time. One of my favorite songs of Baba is, ‘Sai Reham Nazar Karna Bacchon ka Palan karana, tumne jana jagat ko sara sub hi jhooth zamana’! I sang this song over and over! My faith in Baba was strong and I believed that only His Love is true - so I held that faith firm. Eventually the doctors said everything was fine with my baby! I am certain this was only by Baba’s grace.
I went into labor in early July, even though my due date was not forecast until a few weeks later. Since this was my first delivery, my doctor was sure I would not deliver before my due date and went on vacation. We went to the hospital but they refused to admit me saying it was not time yet. My doctor could not be reached. I kept reading Sai Satcharita during that difficult time. Gestational diabetes prevented me from eating my favorite dessert - puran poli - even though I craved for it. On Guru Purnima, my friend visited me and brought me homemade Puran Poli, which I could not resist! As soon as I ate it, I felt I was ready to go to the hospital, where I was finally admitted. I delivered a beautiful baby girl with Baba’s grace on Guru Purnima Day, 2006! I cannot thank Baba enough for everything He has blessed me with.
Again in 2007 when I was expecting my second child, Baba visited me in a dream. There was a big gathering of his devotees and Baba was applying udi to everyone who approached Him in a line. I also went to Him, holding my dupatta in front of me, asking Baba to bless me with a healthy baby. Baba applied Udi on my forehead and said not only would I have a healthy child but a great personality would be born to me! I felt so loved and cherished after that dream!
I see my kids as gifts from Baba - who is like a Mother to me. I know Baba’s word will be true. I am writing this because they say that it is always good to share any words or teachings of Baba.
Baba has shown His love in countless ways. I love you Baba!
Sai Ram!