The Baby I Kept

This is the post that I was writing and originally intended to publish on Monday, April 15, 2013.

I did it!

Today I sent in my registration to run a 5K. How much time do I have to train? Less than two weeks! Have I lost my mind? Possibly. Dear God, please don't let me have a heart attack or a stroke while I am training for or participating in this event...I really mean that, God.

Why I did it:

Reason 1:
It was time. The opportunity presented itself at the perfect time. If I don't run this one, I may never run another race. I needed a challenge to get motivated again.

Reason 2:
This race is sponsored by and benefits a cause with which I have been involved for almost ten years. I will be running for a Christian crisis pregnancy center that offers aid, counseling and options for young women who choose not to terminate their pregnancies. I did not choose to be involved with this organization...I was called.

Many years ago I was a pregnant teenager. I was afraid, confused, uneducated and with no one to turn to...except my mother.

After her initial rage, disbelief, dismay, and embarrassment upon learning of my unforeseen pregnancy, my mother embraced me and supported me unconditionally (she still does). With her help and love, I was able to keep my baby.

I know that I was fortunate. I realize that there are many girls out there who find themselves in the same dire situation that I was in and truly have no one to turn to for financial or emotional support. This pregnancy center exists for them. It is a place that makes "keeping the baby" a less frightening possibility.

The baby I kept graduated valedictorian in his high school class. He was awarded a scholarship to his first choice university. He is doing work that he loves. He is a contributor and an advocate in his community. He is a lover of the arts. He plays violin and knows classical music like most kids his age know pop music. He seeks out family. He is strong and loves with an open heart. I cannot imagine a world without him.

This son finishes races at lightning speeds, has trained for a marathon and encourages his mother to run, simply because she believes she could.

I will run this race in honor of my mother, who's home was my own crisis pregnancy center, and for this beautiful boy

...the baby I kept.