When I found out that I was pregnant, I questioned whether or not I could be a mom, let alone a single mom. I was feeling conflicted, confused and scared. How was I going to raise a child on my own with my family up in Michigan? They were far away and I was new to this area so I had little support. The father of my son wasn’t involved at all. I didn’t know what I was going to. I was sitting on my roommate’s couch when I called various help lines. I found the Gabriel Project and called. A woman answered and she helped calm my nerves during that call. She told me that she would pass on my information to two ladies who were in my area, who would contact me and be mentors to me.
My Angels were extremely kind. They talked to me about my options and I did some of my own research. When I was crying on the floor in my bedroom debating between abortion or adoption, my Angel told me her story and about others that she encountered who had lifelong regret for their abortions, or sadness at placing their children up for adoption. I also read and listened to stories about abortion and how they pull the unborn baby out, and it just tore me to pieces. I thought, “how can I do this to my own child?” My Angel suggested I pray about it, and that is how I ultimately came to the decision to keep my son. All of this helped me in pushing through, to be the best mother that I could be.
Other agencies were a big help in showing me the resources around the area but my Angels were truly there for me and my son, during my pregnancy, after he was born and even still! After my son was born they were there in the hospital visiting us. They helped me in other ways too, like helping me get food, doing laundry, and getting transportation when I needed it. One Angel and her husband brought over a crib that someone donated to me, as well as formula. They also helped me build my faith – in seeing that God can do big things. Whenever I have a faith question, my Angel has been there to answer it. She is my reality check in a way; she challenges me and makes me think about what I am doing and how it will affect my child and my life. She still checks up on me to see if I am doing okay. They both have been my eyes and ears. I have such respect and love for them.
I am extremely grateful for the help and assistance of the Gabriel Project. I would love to give back to this group, because of what they have done for me. My journey with the Gabriel Project is one for the books! Thank you once again!!
Alexis