Something in me just didn’t feel right. In the bottom of my stomach (literally), I knew something was going on. I took the test and found out I was pregnant. I NEVER wanted children. I was too goal-oriented and focused on myself to consider bringing another life into this world, especially one for which I would be responsible. Giving birth was not an option for me, my ex-boyfriend, or my future. Together, my ex-boyfriend and I decided to have an abortion.

We were young, and had lots of questions, so we found Crossroads Pregnancy Center in the yellow pages of our local phone book. They offered pregnancy tests (which would confirm the pregnancy) and abortion counseling. This was great! We didn’t know where to go or who to talk to about an abortion, so we utilized their facilities and educational program.

That day is one that I will never forget. The results were positive. The information was plentiful. The emotions were crazy! After we got the information from our counselor, we decided not to abort our child. We had to choose life and give this baby a chance. Over the next 6 months, my ex and I grew further and further apart. He was scared and unprepared to become a father. I was forced to grow up. I found support, strength, and love in Crossroads Pregnancy Center, their guidance, their counselors, and their educational opportunities for a young mother with no support system. I learned that I loved my baby and I could be a great single mother!

Knowing where I was in my life, I had faith that the staff at Crossroads and the guidance of God would lead me to happiness with my child. Eventually, my attitude and beliefs made my ex believe that he too could do it. On June 26, 2006, God blessed us with the greatest gift I could have ever asked for….one that I feel I didn’t deserve. My son, Kyler, was born.

Now, five years later, I am married to my “ex-boyfriend,” we have two beautiful and healthy children together, and I have finally found a career that allows me to be happy and be a good mom. I owe Crossroads Pregnancy Center my life, because without that ad in the phone book and that first initial contact, I don’t know where I would be today. I do know that I would not have my son, who is the light in my life, nor would I have the support system that I have found in those who helped me in my darkest hour.

I also know that I DO deserve my son, my son deserves life, and that every girl deserves a place to go where she can feel safe, supported, encouraged, and educated to reach her goals and head in the right direction. Pregnancy Resource Centers can touch the lives of those who need them if they are available. They can reach out to the unsure and give them knowledge. They can save lives and create families!