Hope

We were invited, for the third year in a row, to princess Gianna's birthday party. I always look forward to her birthday as I get to spend time with one of my best friends of almost 20 years and see her parents who have always played such an important roll in my life as a young girl and even as I entered motherhood. The day we found out about Jason (when I was six months pregnant), the day we were told to "strongly consider terminating our pregnancy," one of the hardest days of out lives; I was besides myself. I had no hope inside of me. I remember going out in my yard and sitting on the cold patio chair and dialing Mrs. Avino (my best friend's mom). It was sort of uncontrollable. I just called her. Mrs. Avino answered the phone and I was hysterical. I remember her telling me that she couldn't understand what I was saying because I was crying so much. Finally, I pulled myself together for a few moments to explain that we went to the doctor and they are telling us to end my pregnancy. I needed advice, I needed hope, I needed guidance, and most of all I needed someone to tell me that everything was going to be ok. I have a huge support system. I am blessed to have so many loving people in my life who are always by my side, but on July 23rd 2008, my heart dialed Mrs. Avino, an amazingly strong woman whom I admire. I will forever remember what she told me. She said, "I don't know what to tell you to do about your pregnancy, but you need to sit down with your husband and figure out what is best for you as a family and whatever the outcome is, you guys will be ok and get through it." That was it. That was all I needed. Those words pierced my soul and gave me the hope I needed to get through that night, the next week, and even today. Such wise words from a wise woman. So, as I enjoyed the day with my best friend and celebrating her daughter's 3rd birthday, I was reminded of the words that filled my soul six years ago. Angels come in all different disguises.