surreal

Brinny,

I know the last thing you want to hear is someone preaching to you about your decision, but I think that you wanted input just by coming here. So, here’s mine, from experience…
I had an abortion when I was only 17. I was young and scared and just knew I couldn’t raise a child. I had no one to talk with me about my alternatives. I went to a clinic in the next state, with my boyfriend, so my parents wouldn’t find out.
In my case, they told me the pregnancy test was positive, had me sign some paper work and took me back to the room. They hardly spoke to me. No one told me what to expect, or what I might feel afterward. It was a suction abortion. I was laying there on that cold table, exposed, nervous and so vulnerable. I glanced over and saw through the clear tube coming out of my body, what I knew was that innocent little baby and immediately felt a surge of grief and regret. But it was too late.
I forgave myself a long time ago, but the regret has never left me. I now have five beautiful children ranging in age from 16 to 22, I had my first at age 20. There hasn’t been a year that goes by, or an important event in one of their lives that I don’t think about what he or she might be doing now or what kind of big brother or sister they would have been.
Even if you’re making a responsible decision not to have a child right now, think very hard about considering adoption. My sister tried for years to have a child and was unable to because she had Endometriosis and had to have a complete Hysterectomy. Then they were on a waiting list to adopt. Finally, they got the prettiest baby girl with the thickest jet black head of hair! Who by the way has Cerebral Palsy. My sis is just the best mom, but by this time, they were too old to be approved for another adoption.
My oldest brother didn’t find "Mrs. Right" until he was in his forties. They found out they couldn’t have children. Adoption agencies here in the States said they were too old to adopt, but that didn’t stop them. They adopted a sweet baby girl from Belarus.
My point is Brinny, there are so many wonderful people out there who are just aching to have a child to love and raise. It would be the most beautiful and selfless thing you have ever done. What an amazing gift to give a young couple…the gift of a brand new life to have and hold and cherish all their lives. And when people say to you, "Are you sure you’re ready to have a kid?" you can say, "I’m giving this precious life to someone who IS ready."
Please think about it!

Best of Luck,
Trish