“This cannot be right!” My mind raced as I sat alone on one side of the bathroom door. The voice on the other side said, “WELL… What does it say?” Shaking with uncertainty, I pulled myself up from the floor and opened the door. Standing there was my husband. I showed him the test. “Is it mine?” he replied.
“Is it yours?” I was shattered. Of course it was. Was there really another option? I had no life. I stayed home with our 18 month old son, that I gave birth to a few months after turning 18. I knew I needed to divorce the man I was with and how would I do that with 2 babies? I could handle one, but two? Who would want a woman who was not even 21, divorced with 2 kids? My mind was made up. I picked up the phone book, turned to the Yellow Pages, and searched “abortion clinics”. I thought I’d found one so I called and made an appointment.
A few days later, I loaded up my toddler and took him to the appointment with me. I remember thinking what a horrible mother I was for taking him to that appointment. Am I considering taking his brother? His sister?
The first time that I walked through the doors at CareNet the year was 2004. There was a woman at the front desk – her eyes sparkled with compassion. I, not really believing in God at the time, felt at ease. I needed help and they knew that but I didn’t feel judged. I just felt loved.
I was called back and my son played out front. I took another test and it told us what I already knew. After a few moments, I knew in my heart what my decision was. But HOW was I going to do it?
CareNet offered me support through various resources, solutions, supplies, guidance, and LOVE! But most importantly, they believed in me. CareNet taught me what God’s love really is and I was given tools for life that not only made me a better mother but a better person. I had no idea how the rest of life was going to play out, I knew I had to do what my heart felt was right. I could live with the outcome and I was going to give it my best shot! Ryan turned 16 in October. He is the life of our family. He was voted “Most School Spirit” as a Freshman and this year represented his Sophomore class as homecoming attendant. He plays varsity soccer, writes for his high school newspaper, and maintains an A/B average in school while working part-time. He hopes to attend college to major in sports management or sports broadcasting.
Ryan knows his story. He knows mine. CareNet is part of both of ours and for that we will forever be grateful.
A baby changes everything. Hallelujah!
LOVE, Gin and Ryan