At LO, we meet many women and men facing unexpected pregnancies, which can be a bit difficult day after day. But we do, on occasion, meet couples who want to be pregnant and are excited when that test shows positive: those are happy days. Just as we celebrate each life spared from abortion, we rejoice with couples who are delighted to be expecting a child.
Daniel* and Gloria* came to LO for a pregnancy test, hoping it would be positive. They were married and had been trying to have a baby. Both Gloria and Daniel had children from previous relationships, but they really wanted to have a baby together. When nurse Annabelle* showed them their positive test, they were very excited, and we were happy for them.
The couple returned for an ultrasound appointment, and both were genuinely thrilled to be seeing their baby for the first time. Annabelle took some measurements and showed Gloria and Daniel where their baby was growing. Gloria wasn’t very far along in her pregnancy, so the baby was still very tiny, but Annabelle was able to show them their baby’s healthy heartbeat flickering on the screen. Gloria could hardly believe that someone so small could have a heartbeat already!
Both parents kept smiling throughout the ultrasound and talking together about what they were seeing. They gladly accepted a picture of their baby in the womb. Before leaving, the couple picked out a pair of hand-made booties for their baby and thanked LO for “All the help, information and pictures.”
It’s such a joy to see a happy couple who welcomes their new baby as a blessing in their life. Daniel and Gloria, both with children of their own, had committed their lives to each other in marriage and were welcoming another member into their family. It is such a beautiful image of the family unit which God created, and though it has some unique pieces to incorporate, they all fit together perfectly.
So, when the hard days of difficult choices come, and we serve people who face a crisis in their life and death whispers in their ear, we remember days like these where we meet couples full of joy for life.
All of our days are ordained by God, He orders it all. At LO, we welcome each day that God has planned for us to serve His people, and we invite you to celebrate the joy of life with us – because our victories are your victories too!
In His service,
Melanie Smeenk