When I was twenty I found myself unmarried and pregnant. I was a collegiate athlete living what I had worked my whole life for and being pregnant was definitely not in my plans.

The fear of giving up my dreams and the embarrassment of an unplanned pregnancy led me to believe I had no other choice but to have an abortion. 

I made an appointment. But in the weeks leading up to it I went back and forth every day, trying to convince myself I could have this baby and then telling myself abortion was the only option. I didn’t know what to do.

The day of my appointment, my boyfriend and I drove to the clinic and arrived to people outside praying and reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

I was broken. This wasn’t what I wanted to do, but I was afraid. I was afraid of losing the life I had and scared of the embarrassment this pregnancy would bring for myself and my family.

But the people outside of the clinic changed my mind. No one was yelling at me or making be feel guilty–these people earnestly wanted what was best for me and my child.

I walked away that day, but I’d be lying if I said my fear went away. I was still afraid but I also gained a peace I can’t explain. I knew the child I was carrying and the life it would lead would outweigh any embarrassment or shame I felt. I know it would be worth it all.

I will probably never get a chance to thank the people who changed my mind–who prayed for my son and his life. But what I will do is thank anyone who supports life, who fights for it and who prays for it.

I was lost but my life was changed and my son’s life was saved because of these people that God placed outside of the abortion clinic that day. I wish I had words better than “thank you” to say.

This is my oldest son Liam, who will be 10 years old in October, holding our youngest child Gabriel for the first time.

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