Client Testimonies
“Only during hard times do people come to understand how difficult it is to be master of their feelings and thoughts.” Chekhov
Sharing wisdom gained from the life experiences of others is an intrinsic part of a decision-making process. This section of our site was created because we feel that knowledge is the best guide along your journey. These stories are from people who have visited us at Pregnancy Resource Connection and wanted to share their stories with you.
Our Clients Stories...
My Sweet Baby
Confidential
I have a really hard time finding the words right now and I find this to be insanely frightening and difficult. And, I find that to be the case a lot lately. I have spent so many years carefully constructing walls around my heart. God seems to have decided that now is the time to blow them all down. My heart is cracked wide open right now and I am feeling absolutely everything.
This is a nice change of pace from the numbness I have felt for so many years, but it is also scary. You are such a huge part of me. I have kept you like a little treasure locked down tight, deep, deep in my heart and I threw away the key. Too afraid to let anyone behind that door, to expose the guilt and fear and shame and too afraid to open it myself, afraid of what I would find there and afraid that I might be crushed by the heartbreak. But again, God holds the master key and when he wants in- He gets in. So here we are….
I want you to know that you are so loved! You always have been and I am so sorry that I was such a coward all those years ago and did not have the courage to stick up for myself or for you. I was very curious about you and I remember thinking to myself when I was sitting at work or driving that I was not in fact alone. You were with me and I loved the way that that felt. And when I could not stop throwing up I thought, Lordy baby, we are going to have to get along a lot better than this! And then, the pressure started, and it was relentless. I felt trapped, and scared and cornered and I felt like I had no one to confide in or talk to.
I was too ashamed to tell my parents and surely none of my friends would understand. And then I lost my best friend and I felt utterly alone in this. This was only my childish thinking of course. I did have a good family who loved me who would have certainly helped us through it, but I was terrified, and I took what I thought was the easy way out. In this there is no easy way! And it was a decision that changed me and my life indefinitely.
You see, a part of me died right along with you that fateful day and my heart broke into a million pieces. I have so much sorrow and regret…. I wish I could have seen your sweet face and held you in my arms and hugged you and kissed you and loved you the way that someone so perfect should be loved and I wish that I could have kept you safe. That was my job. Sometimes I feel like the grief and the sorrow are swallowing me up. I feel like my heart just won’t stop breaking.
I can think of no one I trust more than God to look after you until we can meet again! At least there is some peace in that. I love you so much and I hope that Love is all you have ever felt and all you have ever known.
It was never about you.
That is the thing about selfishness, it never is about other people, only about ourselves.
But I cannot wait to meet you. I cannot wait to hold you and look at you, and see just how perfect you are. I cannot wait to hear all about you. I am so happy and grateful to have you in my life, and not locked up and hidden behind a secret door. In that, I can share the remainder of my life on this earth with you!
Kisses,
Mom
He's Calling You
Cheryl
"He’s calling you" still rings in my head. I was honored that the Lord of my life could possibility be calling me to heal from my brokenness from so long ago. We all are broken and have places in our lives where we need to heal whether we acknowledge it or not. God calls us in a faint whisper sometimes and whether we answer his call is up to us. That is the beauty of our Lord. He gives us the opportunity to walk through the doors towards a life restored. Here is my journey and the path I walked through to accepting God’s mercy and His grace.
I remember the day our pastor announced at church that the Pregnancy Resource Connection would be having their annual fundraising banquet. He was asking the congregation to please participate in this worthwhile organization’s fundraising dinner and auction. My husband and I were new members and we were eager to try whatever church events were on the calendar. I remember sitting at the banquet being so impressed by the overall organization of the event. We bid on several items but we were not savvy enough to figure out how to bid on my husband’s phone so we missed out on having the highest bid. The tables were adorned with beautiful faces of babies and children of clients from the center. I can still remember the tug on my heart as God was calling me the first time to heal from a dark place in my soul. I left that night being touched, the seed was planted but my heart was still cold. I was not ready to answer God’s call.
Now fast forward a year and our pastor is once again asking people to participate in the now 2015 PRC banquet. Once again we were up for having a wonderful meal and yummy Italian Sodas and supporting all that the resource center had to offer the Grand County community. This time my experience was different, no auction but a lovely dinner, music and a video on the developing fetus and the beauty of God’s most amazing miracle the birth of a child. As I sat and watched the video I began to sob uncontrollably. It was as though the floodgates opened and I could not control my emotions. God was calling again this time a little louder wondering if I would listen to His beckoning to come forward and receive His love and forgiveness. I was so worried that people would notice my tears and my pain and they would see the secret that was hidden so far away. I composed myself somehow and got through the evening but sadness permeated my heart. I remember my loving husband saying ” I wonder if that would be a place for you to volunteer” for God was using him to call me too.
Here’s where the story begins.
One day my husband and I walked through the doors at PRC. June greeted us in her oh so friendly way and proudly took us on a short tour. She excitedly showed us around and talked to us about all the components of this amazing place where girls/women can experience God’s love and acceptance. A place where someone will walk side by side with you and love you and not even know you. My heart was touched, for God was calling me here, I just knew it. Little did I know that day that God was giving me a place to heal.
As I filled out my lengthy application form I found out the next step was the an interview with June. On the form was a question that asked if I had ever had an abortion. I didn’t want to answer but God gently whispered you need to be honest. When we got to that place on the form June sweetly thanked me for being brave and sharing that information. June let me know that before I started to volunteer I would need to take a class called Forgiven and Set Free, where I would have the opportunity to heal from the trauma that happened from my abortion at the age of 19. I was anxious to start the class for facing the biggest regret in my life was not exactly what I wanted to do at age 62.
At that point I met Pat, a remarkable woman who would lead me on the journey towards recovery. I had never realized how that one decision in my life had changed my life forever. I did not know that the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of having an abortion would be a part of me that needed God’s healing hand. The guilt and shame I carried around with me were weighing me down and it was time to lay my sin at the feet of Jesus. My story doesn’t stop here although the healing has begun. It will be a lifelong process and will always be with me but the beauty is I no longer am hiding from God for He knows my story and was with me the whole time. He just was lovingly waiting for me to fall into His arms where forgiveness and grace were waiting for me. He is still calling but now He’s calling me to share His mercy and love with others for their story may just be starting. If just one person through hearing my story chooses life my heart will rejoice and Sarah will rejoice in heaven. I will forever be grateful to PRC for providing me a place to be set free.
Cheryl
Lucas is Here Because They Prayed For Us
Paula
This day was no different from any other day. My alarm clock screeched, I woke up and watched the news, got dressed, ate breakfast, and then I walked out the door just as I did every other day.
I could see my breath as I walked, the cold snow crunching beneath my feet. I stepped into Planned Parenthood and took a pregnancy test. It was positive. The abortion pill was the first thing that came to mind, the first thing that made sense. I was so overwhelmed and I was not ready for a child. My mind was made up.
I walked back to Planned Parenthood after I made my decision. They were closed. I panicked. I needed the abortion pill. I was scared and I was desperate so I took a few steps in the other direction. The sign said Pregnancy Resource Connection. I did not know what that sign meant or who the people were but it looked warm and bright inside and the women looked happy and friendly, so I went in.
I told them I needed help. I needed the abortion pill. They listened to me and then told me what was happening to my body and my baby. They also told me what choices I had concerning my baby. I could have a free ultrasound the next day if I wanted one.
The next day, Dr. Molly explained to me that she could see a yolk sack but it was too early to hear the heartbeat. I called Planned Parenthood and scheduled an appointment to go to Denver to get the abortion pill. That day there was a snow storm and Berthoud Pass was closed. I scheduled another appointment, but when the day came I could not make myself go. Instead, I went back to Pregnancy Resource Connection and had another ultrasound. This time I saw my precious baby, Lucas.
Now, I am back in Brazil and I am the proud mother of baby Lucas. I cannot stop looking at him thinking that he is the most beautiful baby boy in the world. I am the luckiest woman because Lucas is my son. I thank God every single day for guiding me to PRC and for giving me my wonderful boy. I just cannot be happier with Lucas in my life.
My family here is a different one with Lucas in our lives now. Our lives are full of joy. This little one has brought positive things to our lives and hearts. I cannot even say in words how grateful I am, my life is just so different but 1000 times better now than it was before.
I am thankful now and always for all the things the volunteers at PRC did for us. Lucas is here because they prayed for us. I am forever grateful that I get to enjoy life with baby Lucas.
~ Paula and Lucas~
The Menke Adoption Story
Tyson
After a year of marriage, we looked into starting our family. Melanie went to see the doctor for her regular check-up and it was quickly discovered that this would not be an easy road for us. It was a road riddled with several surgeries and hormonal treatments. In March 2007, we were told that, with about 90% certainty, having children of our own would not be in our future.
We could have searched out many options (i.e. in vitro, surrogacy), but felt led by God to choose the only option that fit best for us—adoption. We started talking to family and friends about the process and getting feedback about how they saw it fitting into our family. In August of 2007, we sent in our application to Hope’s Promise Adoption Agency and began the process of adoption. Our home study was completed in January of 2008.
Then one cold day in March, we received a phone call explaining that a little boy had been born that morning and we had been chosen by the birthparents to be the adoptive parents. With fear and excitement, we headed to Grand Junction, Colorado to meet our new son. It was after we arrived that we experienced the greatest love from God – holding our son and looking into his little face…knowing that he was God’s gift to us (in more ways than we could have imagined).
Since we did not know about our son until the day he was born, we also knew very little about the birth parents and choices/struggles they went through in making their decision about adoption. We were told through the caseworker that they had gone to an abortion clinic shortly after finding out that she was pregnant. At the clinic, the staff informed them that the baby was a girl, but that they couldn’t find a heartbeat and would probably miscarry naturally. The staff sent them home. After awhile, they realized the baby was still growing, and chose to go back to a clinic where they were told it was too late for an abortion. They made a decision to look into adoption. Only, they waited until the day of his birth to follow through with any plans. It was after they arrived on the maternity floor of the hospital that they spoke to one of the nurses and chose Hope’s Promise with whom we were working with.
Our son, Joshua, just turned 4 years old. He is not only a miracle baby, but he is our miracle baby. He is such a blessing for us–a true testament to God’s faithfulness in our lives and the greater plans He has designed for all of us from the beginning of time. There are many couples similar to us who want a family, but are unable to fulfill that desire. It is such a tremendous honor and blessing that another person would help those of us desiring a family to fulfill our dreams.
Tyson, Melanie and Joshua Menke
If I Hadn’t Known My Birth-Mother
Adam
The other day, I heard for the first time that in certain cases of adoption, a baby is adopted and grows up, never knowing who their birth parents are. That really surprised me. I would never be who I am if I hadn’t known who my birth-mother was.
If you’re thinking it may be confusing at a young age, it’s not. I grew up with two mothers: my adoptive mother and my birth-mother. It was never confusing. I call them both “mom,” but I know one went through labor to bring me into the world and the other took a chunk out of her life to raise me. Even at the age of five I understood (although at the time I thought my birth-mother had asked a “stork” to bring me into the world, but she couldn’t keep me so she sent me to my new Mom and Dad).
You may also be thinking it is better if a teenager just forgets about her baby. My birth-mother was seventeen when I was born. Granted, that’s too young in my opinion to raise a child, but it’s not too young to love them. I can’t imagine never being able to see my birth-mother. My life would be half of what it is. I would not have my little half-brother or baby half-sister. Two years ago, I met my extended birth family, nearly as big as my side of the family. I have four aunts and two uncles, and at least one and a half dozen cousins! And that’s the side of the family I would be with if I had stayed with my birth-mother.
Family is a precious thing and every human would go to lengths to find their origins, their parents. I would be sad if I never knew mine. I would have a thirst un-quenched for who my birth-parents are and where I was born. That stings. I feel sorry for other kids who ask their parents, knowing they are adopted, where their birth mommy and birth daddy are and the answer they get is:
I don’t know.
When you adopt your child, do them a favor. Know.
~Adam, 15 year old adoptee
A Great Elixir
Brittany
The amazing organization I chose, although this was an easy one for me, is Pregnancy Resource Connection, otherwise known as PRC, a great elixir for any community.
PRC is a non-profit organization committed to all who are involved and affected by an unexpected pregnancy. I am truly blessed to know about this organization, not only because it is fantastic resource for pregnant women, fathers, their friends and family, but because I myself and my family use this great organization and what they offer. They offer so many services, that are all free and confidential, a few services are Earn-While-You-Learn program, Post-Abortion Support groups, accurate information about STD’s, Child Birth Preparation class, free pregnancy tests, and free first ultrasound.
The Earn-While-You-Learn program is an educational program where you come into a PRC place of business on a weekly basis, meet with an adviser to discuss your needs and get any questions answered. You work on a curriculum that helps you to make major decisions about your pregnancy. I personally use this program and earn baby items. Such as a car seat, high chair, toys, etc. as I also learn about great parenting tips, changes to my body during pregnancy, the development of my child from inside the womb to five years old, and so much more.
Another service that they offer and I have used is the free pregnancy test. This great resource is the start to getting to know PRC advisers. The advisers I have gotten to know personally are there for me anytime, care for me, love me, and support me as I make important pregnancy decisions, and any PRC adviser will do the same for any person who comes into their office trying to achieve help in the pregnancy they are involved. I encourage anyone who is affected by an unexpected pregnancy to go to a Pregnancy Resource Connection and see for yourself all the great services and love they truly have for you in any decision you make about your baby.
~ Brittany
He is a Miracle
Dani
“ I woke and started getting ready for school, ready to graduate, to grow up. It was early November, the weather becoming cool, and all of the sudden I felt sick. In the back of my mind I knew I could be pregnant. I went to school and spoke to my counselor. She knew I had been doing community service at PRC and suggested I take a pregnancy test. That evening, while at PRC, I went in the counseling room with Carol and took the test. It was positive. I was excited… I was also scared… My first thoughts were, “I need to call Ron, and how in the world am I going to tell my family?” I called Ron, and he said I needed to make a doctor appointment.
I really didn’t have any fear telling my mom. I dialed her number and told her we need to talk, and I need to get a Dr.’s appointment, she guessed my situation… I was pregnant. We all had fear, worry and concern. Mom thought I would go back into the “party life”. You see prior to this pregnancy, my life consisted of beer pong, tequila shots, smoking weed, and pain killers. Doing whatever I could to “numb out”. I felt mom was wrong to think this of me, in my heart and mind someone else was now a priority. It was somehow easy to stay clean for Charlie. As time is passing, I like to think mom is proud of the mother I am becoming. It was nerve wracking telling Dad. He was quite upset, because up to this point I had done a pretty good job at messing up my life. His daughter was 18 struggling to stay clean and deal with the consequences from the courts. I see now he desired more for me than to be pregnant at 18. He wished I would have waited to have a child. I think his picture for me was college, career, and marriage before being pregnant. I believe he still desires these things for me, however, I think he is proud of the mother I am.
Since I was a senior in high school I wanted to finish out the year. News spread fast once I started to show. There were many students that were curious about how it felt to be pregnant. Some days it was really hard, most people were judgmental because they didn’t know who the dad was. I held my head up and finished the year.
My relationship with Ron changed. Pregnancy for him was an eye opener! At 14 weeks he was amazed he could actually see the baby move. He was also surprised Charlie looked like a baby on ultrasound. When we had a 6 month checkup he asked me if I was moving because he could see Charlie moving. The Dr. explained the movement was coming from Charlie.
Ron and I agreed that we would parent Charlie and would not keep secrets from each other, and work as a team. The “process” of being pregnant is not simple… PRC helped prepare me for the pregnancy and how I could be feeling in the future. They taught me how to cope with feelings from myself, the baby, and Ron. At 40 weeks and 3 days we went for a check up and two days later we were holding Charles Albert 6lbs. 11oz! He was perfectly healthy and quite the joy! ~ Ron and I are very proud of our amazing son!
What would a 19yr old be doing without Charlie? Partying, college, and working. What is a 19yr. old doing with Charlie? Work, feeding him, changing diapers, work, work, work, and more diapers. Even though my picture of raising a child was realistic and I knew this is what I would be doing, I would never change my choice to parent. Ron and I are very proud of our amazing son! He is a miracle and just one thing I needed to begin getting my life on a better path.
I am proud to be his mom! ♥
My Herd in Heaven
Amy
Participant of Forgiven and Set Free
For the last thirty-seven years I have suppressed all aspects of having chosen abortion three times in my life. I worked hard to make a good life, but there was always something lurking I didn’t understand. I struggled wondering what was holding me back from being truly blessed in life.
My sister and a friend (not knowing what was in my past) who both know the Holy Spirit very well, encouraged me to seek Christian counseling for over a year. I kept it in the back of my mind and prayed if their suggestion was the best option, but I didn’t seem to see the path. I thought that there was something else that would appear to me but wasn’t sure what it was.
I was raised a Christian and was coming back to God and Jesus in my life again. One Sunday morning I had to push myself to get ready for church. On the way to town the Holy Spirit spoke to me. I asked out loud, “How is my herd of cowboys in heaven today?” I thought to myself, Wow, that was loud and clear, but not sure what it meant.
I went along to church as any other Sunday, once again suppressing the past that had just jumped up. As I sat there Pastor Dan spoke of his commitment to human life and gave statistics on abortion since Roe vs. Wade. It was Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. I was beginning to put the pieces together of the morning.
Two women then gave their testimonies; it was so amazing what I heard! They shared their journey to healing with the assistance of the Bible study Forgiven and Set Free. That was what I had been praying for, the encouragement I needed, and the opportunity to heal with the Lord.
I went home and spent the day with God. I prayed for guidance and wisdom and thanked God for showing me the path. I called to get information on the Bible study and in a week I had made the commitment to make the journey.
The Bible study has been incredible and I now understand what it is to be forgiven, to accept God’s love, and to forgive others. It is a lesson I wish I had not had to learn because of bad choices I made long ago, but it was worth every minute to learn of God’s mercy and how blessed I am in life with what Jesus did for me on the cross.
The content and the facilitators of the study are so incredible. It takes dedication and self-discipline to get through it, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The journey has been very rewarding and I am so thankful for the women that developed the Bible study, and for addressing the subject of abortion and the deep effect it has had on those that are connected one way or another by it. It gives so many inspiring ways to heal properly with the Lord.
My relationship with and understanding of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit has been enhanced so much by every part of it. It makes each day bright again and I am able to apply the concepts to other obstacles in life that the enemy throws at me now. I am thankful for all of the angels in our group, for those that prayed for the group as we studied each week, and the clergy involved. It has been awesome!
Thank you for the journey! Praise the Lord for each day I am here on His earth and for the thought that one day I will meet my “herd of cowboys” in heaven!
A. P.