Crisis Pregnancy Outreach

Real Stories

Mary's Story

I have been with Crisis Pregnancy Outreach (CPO) for 10 years now. If you are reading this as an unwed pregnant girl, then I was in your shoes 3 times. Let me start from the beginning. I came to CPO pregnant with my first child, at the age of 18. I had no clue what I was going to do or how to do it. Thankfully, I had and still have the support of my family. CPO helped me find a place to stay, a great doctor and the support I needed to go through this rough time. I did make it through and had a beautiful daughter, Jordan, who is now 9 years old.

Three years go by, and I still go to Birth Mom Support Group from time to time, but I was not doing what I should have been doing. I ended up pregnant again. I know, I know, "What was I thinking?" I did know that this time, I did not want another child. Although abortion went through my mind and seemed like an easy decision at the time, I knew it wasn't, and I knew that in the future that would devastate me. I decided to go to CPO and find a family for the child I was carrying. I looked through about 5 or 6 Life Books, (other girls that have been through this, and have looked at more or less, it is up to them). I knew that I wanted a family that lived in within close driving distance. As soon as I saw them, I knew they were the family I was looking for. They had one child that was biologically theirs, but the Mom had to have a hysterectomy and could not have any more children biologically.

We met at the restaurant that most families, from CPO, meet for the first time. I knew, instantly, that I loved them and that this was their baby. First adoptions are a little scary. First of all, you have never met these people and you are giving them your baby. But, the earlier you pick a family the longer you can get to know them. They went to all my doctor's appointments and I called every time something new would happen, like the baby moving for the first time or having hiccups! I go through the 9 months and 2 weeks over, and finally it is time to see our baby. The adoptive mom was in the room with me the whole time; and after I had her, she ran into the hall and yelled, "It is a girl!" That is when Kylie was born, and now she is almost 7 years old. She was an easy adoption. I knew from the beginning that I was carrying her for someone else and I didn't bond. I saw her once a month for the first year of her life, then her adoptive parents moved to Arizona. Kylie's adoptive dad is a pastor and God called them there, and there is no arguing with God. Believe me, I have tried!

Three years later, I was pregnant again! If you think telling people once or twice you are pregnant is hard, I don't recommend telling them 3 times! And, yes, before you ask, I do know where babies come from. This time was different. I was older and thought I was ready to have another baby, but remember I have not mentioned a father being involved or being married or winning the lottery!

When reality set in, I decided I could not, financially or emotionally, have another child. I didn't want to try and spread my love and time between 2 children, when I knew that both of them would suffer. So I decided on adoption again, and the same family said they would adopt the baby. I was so happy, because I wanted them to be together. So now the family lived in Arizona so they couldn't come to the doctor's appointments or feel the baby move, but I still called and sent pictures. I kept telling myself that I was carrying this baby for my adoptive family and tried not bond, but it didn't work out that way. The family came down, and I went into the hospital on my due date. The doctor tried for 2 days to get me into labor, but nothing happened, so I went home and waited a week, then went back and tried again. This time it worked! Yeah! So, yes, the adoptive mom is in the room again, and this time she cut the cord. She was so excited.

This baby was another little girl. So now I had three girls. I cried when I saw her, but my wonderful family and the adoptive mom stayed in the hospital with me. That helped a lot. I got to take care of the baby. One of the hardest parts, this time was when the baby left the hospital in one car and I went in another. It took a few months, until I finally stopped crying, and got out of bed, and a year when I stopped thinking about her every 5 seconds. Her name is Kloe, and she is now 3 years old.

I NEVER, EVER regretted the decision I made. I know it was, and still is, the best for my girls. As a matter of fact, Jordan and I went to Arizona and stayed a week with my family and my girls. They are happy and they know who I am and they can always come to me with questions or just a hug from their birth mom! I also have been an "adoptive birth mom." They have a son who is 5 years old and his birth mom is not involved, so he has "adopted" me and that makes me smile and feel loved. My children will always know how much they are loved and now they have two families and twice the love.

That is my story and it would not have such a happy ending if it were not for CPO! So thank you CPO and God Bless!

— Mary

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Crisis Pregnancy Outreach, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. 100% of our staff is volunteer based. No person receives a salary.