“What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9
THE COLDNESS in the room crept down my spine. I was looking at something small on the screen, completely clueless of what it was. As the tiny “dot” beat, my heart likewise beat faster and faster until the doctor said, “That’s your baby. Congratulations! You are five weeks and five days pregnant!”
Many would have fainted if they were the ones to hear those words, but for me, it was the most pleasant announcement. My would-be husband smiled and glued his eyes on the screen, both of us aware that a new life was waiting ahead of us.
On our way home from the hospital, we were scared of the idea of talking the matter over with my parents for I was their only child. We knew everything would change but we were very certain that we wanted to keep our baby. Honestly, I was expecting my mom to slap me or pull my hair or my dad to box my boyfriend’s face and crush him to death. But despite the fear, we got the courage to finally speak with them.
I was terribly nervous when I talked to my parents, but to my surprise, not even a single finger was laid on me. My mom just cried when my boyfriend and his family went to our house to discuss the matter, while my dad, whom I expected would fly into rage, was surprisingly calm.
We talked about my untimely pregnancy and I was deeply touched when my dad said that I should continue schooling and everything would be fine.
My tears fell for the love and kindness my parents showed me despite what I has done. I felt very guilty for disappointing and failing them.
I never thought our life would still be comfortable after every thing. We were lucky that our parents and family did not make things hard for us. From the first month of my pregnancy up to the day I gave birth, they provided me with nutritious food and everything my child and I would need.
Most of all, our parents gave us a decent church wedding. It was a dream come true for me, because I thought I would never have the chance to walk down the aisle.
All eyes were on me when I was taking my walk down the aisle in my wedding gown. I was four months and two weeks pregnant that time so my tummy was a bit obvious. But despite my condition, I can’t explain the feeling I had when I sat down beside my groom in front of the altar. It was the first time I felt that kind of happiness and contentment in my life. Who would have thought we would marry at an early age of 20?
Although things went on smoothly after our wedding, I had a very difficult pregnancy. In fact, I was instructed to have a complete bed rest until my due date. It was very hard for all of us because of my delicate situation. Even the delivery of my baby placed my life at risk. But that was six months ago. Looking at my son, I know that every single hardship I endured paid off.
My husband and I have been blessed with a healthy and smart baby boy and we just can’t explain how thankful we are for having him. He is our source of joy and our inspiration. He is also the reason why my parents are very delighted. As my dad always say, “Mas mahal ang tubo kaysa sa puhunan.”
I am aware of people who over-reacted and talked unpleasant things behind my back, perhaps insulting or laughing at me for giving up my youth in favor of my husband and son. But I am sure I did not make the wrong choice. I am not ashamed of having a child at the age of 20. I don’t care if I lost my 23-inch waistline or if I have closed my doors to opportunities that may have passed my way. What is important is that my husband and I never thought of aborting our child. We stood for life. We know that abortion is an act of cowardice.
I would like to believe that love for each other taught us to make right decisions. We married each other not because I’m pregnant, but because we are in love and we wanted to be legally wedded before our child comes.
Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for all the blessings that You’ve showered upon me despite all my misdeeds. Thank You for giving me my parents who never failed to support me, my husband who in good and bad times is always there to love and comfort me, and most of all, for my precious child whom I dearly love. Always keep them safe and in good health. Amen.
The contributor is a Journalism junior at the Faculty of Arts and Letters. She is married to Romer Tengco and a mother to six-month-old Rozz Alexie.
