Brandy's Story
I was very blessed to grow up in a wealthy family. Everything in life had been handed to me. I knew there was the possibility when I told my family that I was pregnant that they could cut me off and throw me out on the street. I knew that they would have a hard time accepting it. It was really scary for me. To sit there and have to tell your family that you are pregnant is a scary situation. Telling my boyfriend, who is now my husband, was a little less scary. At the time I figured I just needed to come out with the truth, and whether he accepts it or not, I’ve already made my decision.
My family wanted me to give the baby up for adoption. I was frustrated. I was sad. I was hurt, mad, and confused. I kept thinking how was I going to keep the baby and convince my family to support me in keeping the baby? It was very hard because my family is wealthy and they tried to tell me what to do. They thought that they knew what was best for me. It was extremely difficult to deal with. There were pressures that were continually put on me. It was hard to deal with the emotions, but I didn’t waver because I knew in my heart this is what I needed to do, I prayed to God.
If I would have chosen an abortion, not only would I not have the most wonderful little girl and my loving husband, but I wouldn’t have the strength that I have now. The pregnancy situation has given me a lot of strength. I went through an unwed pregnancy and that is one of the hardest things a girl can go through. I think it made me more mature. My outlook on life is different too. I am better able to understand people and to emotionally connect with people. I am accepting of all kinds of people. I just accept them for who they are. It is how you survive. You need that to succeed. If you are narrow-minded, you won’t get very far. If you stay open-minded with people and their decisions and how they make decisions, you are better able to understand them and gain knowledge and wisdom through that.
My advice to other girls is to say, “You can do it!” I did it. I was an emotion driven person before I was pregnant. I would cry at the drop of a hat. I was a very weak person, but I am stronger now. I would also tell girls that this is their decision, and they have to feel good about this decision. Really think about the outcome and how it is going to change your life.
