by a sidewalk counselor who wishes to remain anonymous
On Wednesday, July 23, I was at the driveway of Planned Parenthood (PP) in St Paul for the early shift. Alan D. and Leo P. were praying the Rosary as they regularly do every day there. The first client pulled into the driveway just before 8:00, even before PP escorts had arrived. The driver, a middle-aged woman, rolled down the window for me. I held out the literature for her and she immediately reached for it. She commented, “I know why you’re here. I know you’re a protestor.”
This driver was receptive; not upset with me. She shared that the appointment was for her daughter who was in the passenger seat. The young woman looked pale and miserable. She did not want the literature and said to her mom, “Just go in!” I told them the usual things: “We’re here to help you. Why are you considering this today? Can we go talk across the street? Please park over there. Let’s talk.” The driver turned around and drove over to Charles Ave. where we could talk more.
On my way over to them, I asked Leo and Alan to pray. I introduced myself and the driver gave me their names. (I’ll call them Belinda and Cecilia–not their real names.) Cecilia was very upset that her mom didn’t bring her into PP for the appointment and didn’t say much else.
I asked, “Why are you considering this today?” Belinda told me that Cecilia had just broken up with her boyfriend. I asked if they would go to Abria (the nearby pregnancy resource center) to get an ultrasound and see what they could offer them. She turned to Cecilia and said, “We can’t do this; it’s a life! We’re going home!” Cecilia continued to protest.
Belinda was in tears and gave me her phone number before she drove them away. I was so sad for this young mom, who was in such distress! I asked the staff to pray when I got back to the office. I texted Belinda but didn’t hear anything from her so I was not feeling very hopeful for this family.
Then on Saturday, I received a text from Belinda telling me that Cecilia is doing well and that she received some medical care to alleviate her physical symptoms and to support her and the baby’s health.
She told me that Cecilia had decided to keep the baby! “Thank you for all your help and what you’ve done,” she texted. “Had you not been there at that time, she might’ve gone through with it. I didn’t know where I was taking her that one day. I just thought it was a doctor appointment.” My heart rejoiced to hear this wonderful news! Praised be Jesus! Please pray with me for Cecilia and her baby.
