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Decision of LifeBy: Tenille Martin
A glance into the eyes of a teenager Only ten minutes earlier, I asked her easy questions: address, occupation, and permission to contact. She is an out of town student at the university. Her father is a preacher, but she hasn’t attended church or read the Bible since the move to college. A common situation, but one that always ends in its own unique way. She explained that she’s only been going out with Jake for five weeks. Before that, her boyfriend was a guy two years younger and a “real drip.” Jake is older and works locally for his dad. She knows that her parents haven’t approved of her many relationships since attending college, but it’s her life. Right? I show her the sheet of interpretation signs…one line means negative, two lines is positive. She must decide the result of the test and sign stating that she has interpreted the test. She nods her head and lowers her head. I’ve tried not to look during the waiting period, attempting to engage her in conversation so as to make the time pass. After a glance at the table, it’s obvious she is not happy with what she sees. Angry words flow from her quivering lips. I hand her the clipboard with a request to circle what she read her test to be and then to sign the sheet. Reaching for the gestation wheel, I show her how to measure her due date and decide how far along she is in her pregnancy. Her eyes slowly change as understanding dawns. According to the wheel she’s already seven weeks pregnant. Tears mingle with gasps of air, as she sobs that Jake won’t want a baby that’s not his. He doesn’t even want kids. In this situation, counselors pray for the right words to speak. One false move and her trust is broken. Opening up a brochure, I explain her child’s heart has been beating since day 21. The brain and nervous system have been developing three weeks. I show her a picture of this baby at seven weeks. Her breath slows as shock sets into her face. Her baby, so often described as a fetus or just a “blob of tissue,” has hands, eyes, and even little toes? The excuses come inevitably. No job, she still has two years left of school, a hostile response from parents... I carefully explain the services we offer at the crisis pregnancy center, such as parenting classes, baby clothes and furniture, maternity clothes, and medical services. Most girls that come in don’t realize all that we do. The free pregnancy test and someone to talk to are usually incentive enough. Like so many of the others, the surety that this could never happen to her has been smashed. She needs time, but also needs to know that God is always there for her and the center is always open. She accepts the brochures without looking up. I ask if we can pray, and her back straightens stiffly as she nods. I incorporate the salvation message in my prayer, knowing she’s heard it before, but hearts are never as open as they are in a moment of crisis. I finish, and she looks up with tears again filling her eyes. She moves toward the door and looks back. “Thanks for listening. If I decide to keep my baby, can I come back to see you next week?” My job isn’t over when she leaves our center. I can follow-up with cards and phone calls, but the real work is done on my knees. About the Author Tenille is currently a freelance writer and editor. She is a former professional ballet dancer and actress. MORE ARTICLES : Being Pregnant Is Not A Hurdle To Enjoy A Little Romance Alcohol And Pregnancy Factors That Will Affect Sperm Health Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy Things You Should Avoid During Pregnancy Congratulations On Your 6Th Month Of Pregnancy 7 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy Dietary Precautions During Pregnancy Pregnancy Planner A Quick Guide Pregnancy Symptoms Pregnancy Week By Week How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy Its Not A Sin For Pregnant Women To Have A Massage Kegel Exercises During Pregnancy Sex Pregnancy Do they Mix The Pregnancy Glow and Other Myths of Motherhood Exercise After Pregnancy Kegal Exercises During Pregnancy Vitamin C Can Prevent Pregnancy Complication Pregnancy Photography Tips For The Belly Mommy Whisperer Index Pages: 1 2 3 MORE RESOURCES : |