The outlook was bleak and there were many risks.
This was the worst time to fall pregnant – no income, already two children to care for and the bills were mounting.
It was clear that the father was bad news – sure enough he left as soon as he heard the news. No support, no income, no house, no financial security, no child support.
The choice for many reading this would be simple: have it killed.
Thankfully, my mother had come to believe that life was precious and sacred, even before birth. This is what she had read in the Bible – but she was also medically trained so knew that my heart was already beating.
She knew that by week 8 all of my organs were in place and I could now hear. For a few weeks my eyes and eyelids and feet and hands had been forming and my teeth were next.
I could hear the arguments and fighting but also the singing and prayers. The world outside was not safe or peaceful, but my immediate world, for now, was safe.
Unfortunately, that can not be said of millions of babies every year. Despite there being millions of families willing & wanting to take them in, (including my own) their lives are being ended, their organs sold. All in the name of fun – adults who should know better re-framing and condoning each others irresponsible and drastic actions.
In the face of hardship, pain, sacrifices, uncertainty and fear my mother refused to take the easy way out. A week later my teeth & fingernails would form and shortly I would be able to hold on to objects. At week 12 I could feel pain and I started to suck my thumb (a habit that would take me years to complete).
I was introduced to a childhood that was far from ideal, a life that was littered with pain and even torment. But the reality is, that nobodies situations are perfect, life is hard and unfair. But that should never be used to try to justify the ending of an innocent babies life.
Today, I am eternally grateful that my mum agreed to take God’s position on life and her responsibilities seriously. It has given me a chance at life which has in turn led to us being able to give life to 6 amazing little humans that love life and have it all ahead of them.
Thank you mum. I love you. Happy Mothers Day!
May many more have the courage and resolve that you had. May we treat each and every life, no matter the age, circumstance and outlook as sacred and precious.
#MothersDay
