I was a senior in high school, 18 years old, making big plans for my future with no idea what was up ahead for me.
I have struggled with the thought of actually telling my story, but I strongly believe that there is someone out there that will be better off knowing that they aren’t alone. Many have been where I was and have been faced with the same choice.
I will never forget. It was spring break of my senior year, and I normally didn’t go anywhere, but a close family friend was going to the beach, and my parents decided to let me go. I had just broken up with the guy I had been dating and needed to remove myself from being anywhere near him, and this was the perfect way.
We had only been there for maybe a day or two, and I began to get very sick. I had no idea what was going on, but I knew something was off. I called my parents, and decided to drive back home. Long story short, I ended up in the emergency room scheduled for surgery to remove my gallbladder.
Of course, the surgery was postponed due to the discovery that I was actually pregnant. I honestly can’t explain the feelings that came over me. Of course, I was scared and nervous. I remember how caring my parents and my grandparents were and the precious little lamb they bought me from the hospital gift shop.
There was never any discussion of doing anything other than what we did next. We started preparing for the future and became excited about the sweet blessing that God had chosen to give me. I did notify the biological father with whom I had recently ended the relationship, but he had other plans for his future, and being a dad wasn’t one at that time.
Being a senior in high school, almost everyone that was close to me or somewhat a friend, told me that I shouldn’t have to do that alone. I heard all of the arguments from them. The constant trying to reason that I was so young and would be alone and needed to live my life. It didn’t take long for me to block it out. I knew that there were two of us now, not just one. It was our lives, not just mine.
My parents were a huge blessing and walked through it daily with me. The doctor appointments, listening to the heartbeat, and seeing him for the first time growing in me were emotionally overwhelming. I already loved him more than anything! I couldn’t fathom the thought of him not being there.
I know that not everyone has a support system like I did, but we are a lot stronger than we realize. God ordained my steps and prepared me for the journey. He already knew what was going to happen, and all I had to do was trust Him. It was hard most days, but I did. He blessed me with this awesome guy, who is now my husband and has been with me since I was four months into my pregnancy. He was there when my son was born and is the best father!
If you or someone you know is going through this, there is hope! You are not alone. The beautiful blessing of a child is the greatest gift. My son, who is soon to be 22 years old, is such a blessing, and his hugs seem to solve all the world's problems.
Isn’t it funny how God knew that's just what I needed?
Choose life! Choose love!
If you or someone you know is considering adoption as an option, please click on the link below. I have also listed other resources as well for anyone who may need them.
Family Adoption Services, Life on Wheels, Hope Wetumpka, Abby J
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email ashley.carter@1819news.com.
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