I became pregnant as a junior in high school. I was not supported by my boyfriend, father, or mother to have the baby, so I had the abortion. I remember crying on the abortion table, and tears ran down my cheeks. I partied very hard after that, which included promiscuity and alcohol abuse. I couldn't be around or talk about babies and referred to abortion as "the A word" because it was too painful to say out loud.
Twenty-four years later, when going through a divorce, is when I said "abortion" for the first time, and no one reacted ugly toward me, and they still liked me afterwards. From then, I have been on my road of abortion healing that includes participating in the at-home Surrendering the Secret study and attending a retreat through and subsequently volunteering for Rachel's Vineyard. Learning I am a mom, despite having the abortion was mind blowing. I have even told the baby's father about Rachel's Vineyard, and I hope one day he attends. Wanting other women and men to experience healing and forgiveness like I have is why I have decided to be silent no more.