As I reflect on our 40 years of service – with many untold stories of hope – I’m inspired to share a story of courage and resilience that began 25 years ago. A story of a woman who faced immense challenges, but chose to embrace life against all odds.
I hope you enjoy Zelda’s story.
– Kathy Roberts, Life Choices Executive Director
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Recently, I received an email from Zelda, a woman who had been a client at Life Choices 25 years ago and felt called to share her experience. When I asked why she was ready to tell her story after all this time, she explained that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. As she grappled with her illness, Zelda knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She wanted women to know that even in the midst of their storms, they can make it through.
At age 17, she found herself pregnant, and the fear was overwhelming. Zelda had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age and was told she should not have children due to her health condition — that having children would be risky and potentially life-threatening. It took 12 weeks before she would take a pregnancy test. On top of that, Zelda lived with her aunt at the time because her family was poor. Her mom and dad were already struggling to support and raise their 3 kids at home. She knew they could not care for her and her baby.
Frightened and unsure of what the future held, she gathered the courage to tell her parents, but Zelda mostly feared how others in school would treat her. She did not want to contend with the judgment of her peers. Overwhelmed by the shame of it all, she decided to drop out of high school and endure on her own.
Zelda found her way to Life Choices where she recalls that, “It was the first time I felt like I was not being judged for being pregnant. I was so fearful of others judging me. At Life Choices, they prayed for me. I felt comforted, safe, and supported.” She described a pamphlet she was given with pictures that illustrate the different stages of pregnancy: when the baby’s heart starts beating, when lungs form — all the developmental steps that lead up to birth. Zelda said, “I held on to that pamphlet and looked at it over and over again.” She never got rid of the pamphlet, and placed it with her son’s memorabilia.
In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Zelda was given hope. She found a place where she could tell her story without fear of condemnation. She was given unconditional love and support. Against all odds, she chose to parent her unborn child, knowing there would be challenges ahead. She courageously navigated the journey of single motherhood, with all its hardships and sacrifices. The road was tough, marked by sleepless nights, financial strain, and moments of doubt. Yet through it all, Zelda never regretted her decision.
Today, Zelda’s son, Dominic, is 24 years old and a testament to her unwavering love and determination. She is also a mother to two more grown children and recently became a grandmother to Lorenzo, a joyous milestone she never imagined possible during those challenging early years. Reflecting on her journey, Zelda shudders at the thought of what might have been if she had chosen differently. Being a grandmother brings her a sense of fulfillment and purpose that she treasures deeply.
Because of her strength and courage not to abort, Zelda can now speak into the lives of others. She said, “I want women to know that parenting was not easy. It was hard, but I did it. I am thankful I did. I have no regrets for having my son, and I would do it all over again, knowing how hard it was. I want women to know that they can do it too, and that it is worth it.”
We are honored and humbled to be a part of Zelda’s powerful story. Zelda recently finished her radiation treatments, and with a smiley face in her email, said her hair is growing back and she is “starting to get a mullet!” Zelda added that her grandbaby is almost walking, and then thanked me for the prayers. She ended with, “God has a plan for me, I just have to find my way!” I know He will be faithful to finish the work He set out for her to do.
