The Wanted Child

Yesterday was such a strange day...and it has been heavy on my heart...so I thought I'd share in a blog.

I went to my cousin's daughter's HS graduation party this weekend. My cousin told me she just lost her job. SHe didn't need that. SHe has had a very difficult life....some of her own doing...but nonetheless. she did not need more stress.

Yesterday, she came over for a visit with her daughter. THey weren't there long when I could feel a "heaviness" in the room...and then her daughter told me - she is 18 and pregnant, with a baby from a boy she has only known for about 3 months.

WOW! I knew that my words would impact her- not sure why my opinion matters so much to her, but I am thankful she values me and what I think.

"OK...are you happy?" was what came out of my mouth. Not impressed with my first utterance...but it could have been worse. I told her that aside from thinking the timing wasn't great, a baby is always a miracle, and she was a Mom now- so she needed to start being one and taking care of this baby and herself. I told her that she should focus on herself and the baby, and if it works out with this boy- great- but I hoped she didn't feel trapped and tied to him because of the baby. She felt relieved I said that. WE went to the computer to figure out her due date- and I let her play games and take quizzes to figure the sex...boy!! We talked for a long time....and I told her, once the baby is there- it isn't a time to talk about "what if, if only...etc" SHe needed to look at the options ahead and be happy and comfortable with the choices she would need to make.

Later that day, my younger brother came over. I do not know a couple that wants a baby more than they do...they are still in the process of trying to find a child to adopt. THey just spent a week in California working on just that. His heart aches he wants to be a father so badly- and he will be the most amazing father! THeir hearts, home and life are open...and they are waiting.

It is painful for me to see such struggles on either end. I have 4 beautiful children and my life is so full because of them- I understand the desire to have that in your life. I also know how difficult it can be- and I am worried that this sweet 18 year old is going to have such a difficult life.

Then as I got in bed last night- drained from the emotions of all I was thinking- I watched the movie Juno...all about teenage pregnancy and adoption....and my TOM finally came! The power of thought I guess! Pregnancy and babies were everywhere!

Anyway, all I can do is pray...for my cousin and her daughter and this small precious baby. I am so happy the baby will be given his life- because so many teens would not even grant that. Whatever S does with her life and that of the baby, I pray that she is happy and comfortable with what she decides. Her baby was not planned, but is wanted- and I am thankful for that.

I will continue to pray from by brother and SIL- their hearts and home and life are ready for a child- and I hope God will put a baby in their arms soon! Their child...may not even be conceived yet...but is already loved and wanted.

Every child is a miracle! Life can be so complex- and yesterday showed me just how complex and different it can be for members of the same family.