*Cheryl is willingly giving us permission to share her story so that others can realize there is hope in the midst of a difficult situation. All client experiences with Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers are kept with the highest confidence. The stories that are shared come from the real-life experiences that our clients, staff and volunteers had during their unplanned pregnancy.
*Her name has been changed but her story is true.
It was a March day years ago that I found out I was pregnant.
Who knew that one day could change your life forever?
During a lunch break, I decided to go to Advice & Aid. I took a test confirming, yes … PREGNANT! I had so many mixed emotions; however, scared was the one that stood out. After returning to work that evening I kept thinking, “What should I do?”
Days went by and, thinking the worst, I found myself in front of an abortion clinic. I could not even get out of the car. I sat there and began to think of how good God had been to me. I also thanked Him for the blessing he had given me, my child. I begin to cry. Of course, tears of joy, with hope and faith that everything would be alright.
I went back to Advice & Aid. All I could remember was the staff was so welcoming and thoughtful. It was like a sense of belonging. They were compassionate and gave me the feeling everything would be alright. That day I signed up for the classes and group sessions where I was able to learn so much. It prepared me to become the best mom I could be.
In December of that year, I welcomed a healthy baby boy. Through the programs at Advice & Aid, I was well-prepared for him to come home and start this journey as a mother. I was blessed with everything I needed: diapers, bottles, wipes, formula, and so much more. It came at a time I needed transportation and, through a donor, Advice & Aid was able to bless me with a car. Yes, a car! It allowed me to get to work and provide for my family.
I continued with classes even after my son was here. I gained more knowledge about parenting even after pregnancy. I still to this day cherish the friendships that were born through this time.
I found Advice & Aid by accident and never thought how much it would change my life. As I look back, I’m so grateful we found each other. Today I am a Cosmetologist/Hair-Loss Practitioner with a salon in Shawnee, Kansas. I married the love of my life and my son is now a teenager. We later welcomed two additional beautiful children to our family.
I choose to spend every day sharing the love that I have been a recipient of!
Cheryl’s story is all about #ReThinking . . .
At first, she simply couldn’t even think about being a mom. The timing was all wrong, and there were a million reasons why she felt she couldn’t continue this pregnancy. But, by taking her time, thinking it through, and daring to rethink a life that was different than what she had planned, she reached a completely different conclusion.
And that’s why we encourage you to ReThink – your future may be different than you had planned, but it may be so very much better.
And as Cheryl’s story shows, she really didn’t have to do any of this alone. She got the help she needed – for as long as she needed it – right here with us!
Take the first step. Just start the conversation with us. We guarantee no judgment, no pressure. Just honest answers and someone who promises to walk with you through every step of the journey.
