Sanctity of Life

Sunday was Sanctity of Life Sunday across the nation, and I found some great quotes and thoughts on the internet about the topic. It took on a new meaning for me now that I have a life of my own growing inside me, and I'm a little more sensitive than I even used to be to the idea of pro-life.

I know this subject can be polarizing, but this is a safe place for me to share my opinions and feelings, and while it's respectable to have a different opinion/experience, it's not OK to be negative and hateful.

The first quote that stuck with me was from my childhood pastor's facebook: "When we look to the unborn child, the question is not when life begins, but when love begins." --Bob Casey, D. Pa.

This resonated with me so much because I immediately thought of that moment when we saw the baby's heartbeat in our first ultrasound. One of the strongest emotions that washed over me in that moment was unconditional, pervasive love. I will never forget that moment when I loved my child with all that I had. I knew life had begun weeks earlier, but that acknowledgement of life was just irreversible for me.

I just don't understand how someone who is pregnant could see that little flicker on the screen and not be awed and amazed by the life they've created. How can a woman consider the unborn baby and not feel even a sliver of love for that child? Even if the pregnancy is unplanned or conceived through difficult circumstances, I firmly believe that God has a plan for each child, and given enough of the right resources, every child can be brought into this world and find love and placement. My heart aches for those who don't have the same experience I did, and it makes me glad that Texas is trying to pass laws that require a woman to see and hear the heartbeat of her baby before she has an abortion.

Through twitter, I found another quote by Ronald Reagan-this one a little more light-hearted. I did wonder if it was really his quote, or has just been attributed to him over time. He said, "I've noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born." I know it's a controversial decision, no matter what political party with which you align or in which religion you were raised. But my past and current life experiences have completely confirmed to me that abortion should not be a solution for anyone, that there is a home and a place for every child, no matter what.

Little Sweet Pea, you are loved more than we can say, and you were wanted for a very long time before you came into being. You will forever be precious to me and your Daddy, and we will love you unconditionally for all of our lives. We will always show you love and affection, and we will tell you often how amazingly grateful we are to call you our baby. We will forever be thankful to God for blessing us with your life in our family. Until you are with us tangibly, you are with us in our hearts and minds every second of the day. We love you so. Love, Mommy & Daddy