I found out I was pregnant in the bathroom stall of a small theater while fulfilling my court mandated community service obligation. I was terrified.

 

My boyfriend and I were unstable, at best. My job afforded me just enough to get by, shift to shift. I knew there was no way I could have a baby. Not just keep one, but go through a pregnancy. How can you continue to live shift to shift bartending if you eventually will have to take some shifts off to give birth and recover? You can’t.

My boyfriend supported whatever decision I made. He helped me through it. Planned Parenthood was amazing and supportive. I felt cared for and there was no judgements.

 

My boyfriend and I worked through things. We eventually got married. Today we have two beautiful children and I am thriving in a new career.

 

I am positive this would not have been the outcome for me, had I had a child all those years ago. I’m not sure I ever would’ve turned my life around. I would not have moved on to the next act in my life.  I wouldn’t have the beautiful children I have today and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.