I saw the sign at Chicago and 41st – free pregnancy testing . . . . my stomach was in knots and my life was unraveling with no support in sight. My situation seemed hopeless and I was scared. I decided to walk through the door at Tapestry Pregnancy and Family Resource Center. I’m not really sure what I was expecting to find there…maybe judgment…or critical stares?
What I did find was that Sara, the pregnancy counselor, greeted me as if I were a good friend that she hadn’t seen in a long time. She came from around her desk and walked right up to me, which immediately made me feel safe and welcome. She smiled and asked me how she could help me. When I told her I thought I might be pregnant and that I need to take a test, a look of sincere compassion and understanding immediately crossed her face.
She immediately offered comfort and understanding. While we sat and talked, she let me share my fears and frustrations. She never once pressured me. It was more like we were good friends trying to work through a crisis and come up with a plan together. I never felt like I was just another number or “one of those girls.” Together we decided that a good “next step” would be to get an ultrasound and speak with the nurse.
I came back the following day for my ultrasound. I was so grateful that they were able to schedule it so quickly. Waiting even one day was stressful. Again, I’m not sure what I expected, but what I encountered was one of the most nurturing people I’ve ever met. She walked me through every step of the ultrasound so I would know what to expect. She explained everything we saw on the screen and she answered all of my questions. And I had a lot of them!
What we learned was that I was 10 weeks pregnant. I saw a little flicker on the screen and the nurse explained that it was a heartbeat. I couldn’t believe I could see it right there in front of me. After the ultrasound she just sat with me and listened to me while I cried. I still couldn’t believe all of this was really happening. She comforted me. She shared with me a little about her own life and her personal experience with an unplanned pregnancy when she was young. Just knowing she really knew what I was going through…somehow made me feel better. Nothing had changed really. I was still pregnant, still alone, still had no idea what I was going to do…but having a group of women who were here and willing to walk alongside me through this…just made it seem doable.
After a lot of soul searching, I decided to continue the pregnancy. Sara helped me set up prenatal care. It was amazing to me that I could get all of this at one center. It made stepping into the “unknown” seem a little easier knowing these women were going to be here doing it with me.
It was during my first OB appointment that I met Bethany. She is my advocate now. She is pretty amazing. She’s like having a sister and best friend all wrapped up in one. She knows all of your darkest secrets and loves you anyway. She pushes you to be the best that you can be, challenges you to keep pushing yourself even when what you really want to do is give up. It’s exactly what I’ve needed.
Recently, Kimberly, the Executive Director asked me to write my story and share it with others. I couldn’t believe it. No one has ever considered me a success story…until now. Maybe someday I’ll be able to help other women like Kimberly does. She had her daughter when she was 18 and now, 20 years later, here she is, the Executive Director of this center and helping all of us. Makes it seem real, like maybe I still have a chance at achieving my dreams.
I hope if you’re reading this, you realize by now that Tapestry is something different. This place is so much more then a free pregnancy test and a quick 30 minute counseling appointment. From the moment I walked through the door, it was like becoming part of a family. Even through the ups and down of my journey, my good days and bad days, their support never waivered.
I gave birth to my little boy six months ago now. Seems like just yesterday. When I look at him I can’t believe there was ever a moment that I considered not having him. Not that life has been easy or perfect. But what I’ve learned is that life never is. So I just focus on taking it day by day, step by step, knowing that I have my support system here at Tapestry.
When I snuggle my little boy close and he smiles up at me…I know that they are right…we are a success story just the way we are.
This narrative is a composite of several actual client stories.