and every story has a beginning
Our theme for 2017 is an endearing one – that every life has a unique story to tell, and this is why we keep going, client by client, heart by heart to create a culture of LIFE in Iowa. Join us throughout this year as we share actual clinic stories that were made possible because of your generous gifts!
“She came in because her story was similar to others. She found herself pregnant and was not ready to deal with this new reality. Emotions often drive clients to our door, of fear or guilt, of anger or apathy, with a single thought rising above the rest. “I can NOT be a parent!” She was no different, in that regard, to others who have come before. Yet, every life is a unique story and hers was unfinished.
After a positive pregnancy test and gentle discussion with the nurse, she was led into the calming ultrasound room. I was to serve as an assistant and silent prayer warrior for this woman and her baby. As the minutes passed, a sense of urgency came over me. Usually, the nurse would have seen the baby and the heartbeat by now. There seemed to be a yolk sac, but no evidence of a heartbeat.
“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16
The client, who had been reluctant to look at the TV screen, was now staring intently at it. “Is there a baby in there?” The nurse patiently explained what we were seeing, even while silently searching for the heartbeat of this child. I found myself fervently repeating the same prayer, “Please let there be a heartbeat, Lord, please let there be a heartbeat.” The client’s mood changed from that of reluctance to anticipation in seeing if this baby had any evidence of being alive.
As all sets of eyes were focused in, a faint “blip” on the screen appeared inside the amniotic sac . Then another “blip” appeared and another; slowly at first, but definitely there. I felt like I needed to rub my eyes and check again! “What is that?” asks the client. The nurse, with a hint of relief yet professionalism said “What we are seeing is the heartbeat. I believe it may have just started beating.” The incredulity and tears of joy on the client’s face was priceless. “My baby’s heart is beating!” The moment was not lost on me…she began to refer to it as “her baby.” Not an unwanted pregnancy. Not a disposable clump of tissue, but a REAL life.
Praise God for that miraculous “blip” of a newly beating heart! It was what helped “turn the tide” in life being chosen that day. God was there, in that holy moment, reminding us that LIFE is precious and that each life is a story to be uniquely lived, just as God has ordained from the beginning of time.” -Suzi, Iowa City Clinic
