Within these Walls: Stories from the Front-Lines
January 18, 2008
"I know just where I am taking you...right to the Pregnancy Care Center."
So said a faithful friend to a young teenage girl who found herself out on the street when her parents discovered her pregnancy. Frightened, trembling and confused she appeared at the PCC on Wednesday evening looking for help. She sat very close to her friend, with her head down and her hands tucked inside her over-sized sweatshirt waiting her turn.
As God would have it, this young teenage girl was witness to a happy couple who had stopped by to visit us with their newborn son, a single mom who brought in her newborn baby girl, and a young expectant mom who stopped in merely to say "thank you" to us for finding her help for her doctor bills. Those happy visitors impacted the young teen who gradually relaxed, sat up straight and began to read some of our literature.
We spent the next hour and half together: we made plans for her pre-natal care, discussed her options for completing high school and sorted through the fears and dread she was experiencing.
"I have been so afraid! I went to bed every night afraid and I woke up afraid - remembering I am pregnant. I knew my parents would be so angry. I KNEW THEY WOULD MAKE ME HAVE AN ABORTION. I CAN'T KILL MY BABY. I WON'T KILL MY BABY. "
This young girl HID her pregnancy from her parents in order to protect her child in the only way she knew how. Day after day, she lived with the fear of discovery and remained alone with the knowledge that she was a mom with a tiny human being growing inside of her. Alone, scared and on the run every minute of every day hoping no one would look at her and figure it out!
I chose my words carefully. "You have already started being a great mom, you are doing what moms do best - they PROTECT their children. You were afraid, you were alone, and yet you sacrificed in order to keep your baby safe. You were brave and courageous in the middle of the worst time in your life."
When the pieces started to fall into place, and the future started taking shape - we went into the ultrasound room and met the young pre-born baby whose mom so loved him. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked upon this innocent human being who knew nothing of his mother's sacrifice. "I did the only thing I could do, I had to keep him safe."
The road ahead will not be easy, but thankfully, this young girl has connected with the Pregnancy Care Center, and we will walk with her.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, January 26th: The John Carroll Youth For Life group will sponsor a Yard Sale to benefit the Pregnancy Care Center. The sale will be held at 818 Hartman Road in Fort Pierce. Please try to attend and show your support for the efforts of our local youth.
Sunday, February 24, 2008: The Knights of Columbus will sponsor a Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction in the St. Anastasia Parish Hall to benefit the Pregnancy Care Center. The breakfast will follow Mass that morning, 7:45, 9:30 and 11:30. We hope to see you there!
As we approach the 35th anniversary of the Roe V Wade decision legalizing abortion in all 50 states, let us unite our prayers and hopes for an end to the tragedy of abortion in our nation and a restoration of the culture of life.
Please note: Client names are changed in order to protect their identities.
