tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27051037968140620612024-03-13T18:08:21.496-05:00Monica Kelsey Pro-Life SpeakerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-68117624911969983952017-12-28T13:49:00.000-06:002017-12-28T13:49:03.121-06:00Newborn Baby Surrendered in a Box, Meets Woman who was the Driving Force to Save Her.<center>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">As 2017 comes to a close, I look back on the year and my
life with a huge smile on my face. The organization I founded, Safe Haven Baby
Boxes, achieved more in 2017 than I could ever dream of. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I look at my life today and think to myself “How
blessed am I”?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You see, back in 1973 a
young woman felt she was out of options and abandoned her newborn daughter at a
hospital and walked away.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And now her
newborn daughter is all grown up and saving the lives of children who are at
risk of being abandoned. And that newborn is me.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fl8Z0cqFsA/WkU-Uy0C6wI/AAAAAAAAAME/8SlnE30XgbMPkmBQPj-OpVpGynb5m16lgCLcBGAs/s1600/Baby%2BHope%2Bwith%2Bface%2Bblacked%2Bout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fl8Z0cqFsA/WkU-Uy0C6wI/AAAAAAAAAME/8SlnE30XgbMPkmBQPj-OpVpGynb5m16lgCLcBGAs/s320/Baby%2BHope%2Bwith%2Bface%2Bblacked%2Bout.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monica Kelsey holding Baby Hope</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> One of Safe haven Baby Boxes greatest accomplishments in 2017 was o</span>ur crisis team working to perfect a National Hotline for mothers-in-crisis by putting protocols, policies and procedure's together focusing on mothers in their last trimester of pregnancy. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Most women who call our National Hotline have
either; already given birth, are in the process of delivering, or have only a
few weeks to make a decision regarding options before her baby arrives. </span> <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Women
at the end of a pregnancy face a much different type of crisis then women who
recently discovered they are pregnant.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Our<span style="font-family: calibri; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> National Safe Haven Crisis Hotline (1-866-99BABY1) has rang over 1500 times in the last 18 months. <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Our counselors are specifically trained to help women in all
stages of pregnancy and post-delivery. Our hotline is working to bridge the gap between the
amazing work done at crisis pregnancy centers, Safe Haven Baby Boxes and
organizations designed to make life the best choice by providing after care and
adoption services. With the help of these organizations, Safe Haven Baby Boxes has referred many women to crisis pregnancy centers, done adoption referral's and helped nine women surrender their newborns by a face to face hand off. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Safe Haven Baby Boxes also travels the country talking to young
adults about the importance of knowing about the Safe Haven law before a crisis occurs so
these mothers know their options. We believe the target audience for this
message is between the ages of 14 to 34. There are many options available for
women.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>To support our mission of ending
infant abandonment, we work to give mothers-in-crisis all of their options so
they can make the best decision for themselves and their child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Another highlight for 2017 was the legal surrender of a newborn in our
Michigan City, Indiana Safe Haven Baby Box on November 7.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is the first time a surrender of this
type has occurred in one of our Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the United States! This alone is a time for celebration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">With all the positives happening this year, nothing compares
to looking into the eyes of an infant girl and realizing that she is here today
because we didn’t give up!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span>T<span style="font-family: calibri;">his little girl is “Baby Hope” and her selfless mother
placed her in one of our Safe Haven Baby Boxes we installed at fire stations in
Indiana in 2016. This mother, for whatever reason, decided that she couldn’t be
a mother right now and chose life for her child and ultimately an adoptive
family. We have nothing but love, gratitude and prayers for this mom.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She courageously chose a safe and legal
option over abandonment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Safe haven laws are in every state and a mother can legally
surrender a newborn at fire stations, hospitals and police stations with no
questions asked. Legal surrender is the last option we want a mother to choose,
but are grateful it’s available when a mother thinks she has no other option.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">As we enter 2018, we know our work has just began. As we get
prepared to launch Safe Haven Baby Boxes in more states this year, we are
thankful for the opportunity to be a small pebble in the lives of these
newborns we save. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">To the mothers who make such a difficult, selfless
decision.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Please know there is no
shame, no blame and no names associated with the legal surrender of your
newborn.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-76285307726572261582017-02-26T19:13:00.000-06:002017-04-18T09:09:15.014-05:00My Biggest Regret that took my Best Friends Life<center>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Today I sit in a prison cell a broken man. A man that wishes
every waking minute of every day that I could go back to May 26, 2016, and make
a different choice. The choice I made to drink and get behind the wheel of a
car with my best friend by my side forever will be my biggest regret. The
guilt that I carry on my shoulders knowing that my actions took his life
weighs heavy on my heart and is something I forever will carry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Casey and I were always together and he was always there for me. He
loved life and lived it to the fullest every day.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He showed me how not to worry about the small
things that most of us spend too much time and energy on and to always look for
the good in people.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He never met a
stranger he wouldn’t help, and he loved his friends and most especially his
family.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We had a band of brothers who
all hung out together, and our motto was “Never leave a brother behind.” Casey
always had my back and he knew I always had his, but I never thought that our
motto would mean so much to me and that those simple words would lead me on a
journey of healing and redemption.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The
knowledge that I didn’t leave my best friend to die in that field alone and did
everything in my power to try to save his life is the one thing that gives me
peace in the midst of tragedy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On the night of May 25, 2016, Casey and I went to a high
school graduation party, with close to 50 kids from all over the area in
attendance.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Beer was packed in coolers
in the back of the homeowners’ truck and we were told we could drink as much as
we wanted.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> Casey and I</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> had graduated
from high school two years prior and recently had returned home from college.
We didn’t know a lot of the kids in attendance, so we hung out together, enjoying
the party from the sidelines. Party goers asked us to bring a car with a loud
stereo system so I drove a jeep out that had a great sound system and Casey
drove my pickup.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We spent the evening
playing a lot of country music. Around 1:00 AM, we decided to call it
quits since we both had to work the next day so Casey drove my pickup home and
I drove the jeep. After arriving home, we realized that Casey had left his
phone at the party, so we both jumped into the jeep and headed back out to retrieve
it.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As we were getting in the jeep to
leave, someone from the party yelled, “Do a donut!” So I did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After the jeep tipped I didn’t realize at first that Casey
was pinned under the roll bar as he was thrown from his seat as he never
fastened his seatbelt and he was sitting on the windowsill.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was stuck in my
seatbelt, hanging sideways, and couldn’t get out. I was yelling for help when I
glanced down and only saw Casey's </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">legs. The kids from the bonfire rushed over
and together managed to pick up the jeep and put it back on all four tires. No
doubt panicked at the sight, they all ran off,
leaving me to help Casey alone. It was me and my best friend in a field all
alone at nearly 2:00 AM in the morning.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I dialed 911 and began to follow the instructions of the emergency
operator when the phone went dead. Tamping down a growing sense of panic, I
called my mom, who is an medic and happened to be on duty that night, and told
her to hurry. The phone disconnected again. We were in a field where the cell
reception was bad and I couldn’t get a good signal to call back. I just
followed the 911 dispatcher’s instructions to perform CPR, waiting for help to
arrive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When my mom arrived on scene, she kept asking me if I was
okay as I was covered in the blood of my best friend. Her partner took over
chest compressions, and exhausted, I sat beside her.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">At the time, I didn’t realize that I had been
performing CPR on my best friend for nine minutes with no relief or help. I sat beside
them, crying, and I knew my mom was doing everything she could to try and save
him.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I remember seeing tears running
down her face as she worked to put a tube down in his throat to help him
breathe. Casey was in the best of hands as my mom is a great medic and would do
everything she could to save his life.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My mom loved Casey as if he were her own, and I could see the hurt and
pain etched on her face as she struggled to save his life. Casey was hooked up
to machines and my mom, her partner and Samaritan Life Flight were doing
everything they could to save his life.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After a few minutes, the frustration and sadness on my mom’s face told
me all I needed to know.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Moments later
she came over and hugged me, kissed my forehead, and told me that my best
friend in the whole world was gone. In that moment, I thought about Casey's
family and how disappointed they were going to be with me.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I completely fell apart, hitting my head on
the ground and yelling, “I’m so sorry Casey! I’m so sorry!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In the early morning hours, I sat there in shock as police
officers arrived at the scene, asking me if I was ok and wanting to know what
happened. I answered all their questions about the events of the night,
admitting that I had been drinking prior to the accident.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I told them that I was doing donuts in the
field when the jeep tipped.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Knowing I
owed it to Casey to tell the truth, I hid nothing from investigators.
Eventually, I was arrested for OWI causing death as I had a blood alcohol level
of .085.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The legal limit in Indiana is
.08, but since I was under age, there was no legal limit to drinking and
driving.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I decided to plead guilty,
taking full responsibility for my actions, and was sentenced to serve time in a
Department of Corrections facility.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now, I spend my days praying for Casey's parents who have
stood by me, never blaming me for the accident that caused my best friends death.
Having their love and support is helping me heal and hopefully, one day, I can
move forward with my life.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I also pray
for my parents, especially my mom, who emotionally has suffered over this
accident and the fact that she couldn’t save Casey's life. “Never leaving a
brother behind” is not just a motto for our band of brothers anymore.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Since Casey's death, it has taken on a new
and deeper meaning. It has become a way of life.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I never once had any intention of taking off
with those kids that night and abandoning Casey to die in that field
alone.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I pray he is looking down from
Heaven and knows that I had the chance to leave him and I didn’t.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I stayed and fought for his life and kept my
promise that I would never leave him behind. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-74324890115177958632017-02-25T20:55:00.002-06:002017-02-25T20:55:56.287-06:00Update on Ashley and Aiden<center>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">At some
point in our lives, most of us will face a decision that has the potential to
alter the course of our lives and the lives of those around us. Just such a
decision faced 13-year-old Ashley after she was raped and became pregnant by
her attacker. In an act of courage, she assisted in the prosecution of her
rapist and decided her baby wouldn’t be a casualty of his father’s crime. Four
years ago, when I received a call regarding this brave young girl who resisted
calls to abort her unborn child and move on with her life, I was compelled to
find some way to help. This is how I met Ashley, a young woman whose strength
and perseverance is and always has been one of her most impressive
accomplishments. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZGEdjB0uag/WLJDJEtJjaI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Z4o8bmNnyYsUL3d8LsEDG4zcPtSTdzIYQCLcB/s1600/16931100_1747033095611407_2043560539_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZGEdjB0uag/WLJDJEtJjaI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Z4o8bmNnyYsUL3d8LsEDG4zcPtSTdzIYQCLcB/s320/16931100_1747033095611407_2043560539_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">At a time
when most young teens are attending slumber parties with friends, playing with
makeup, and going to the movies, Ashley has spent the last four years caring
for Aiden, her son, finishing high school, and becoming a powerful voice in
support of the prolife movement. Last year, Ashley came forward to tell her
story to the Indiana Senate. Her riveting testimony helped convince the body to
pass a law that would sever the parental rights of convicted rapists. Although
forced to relive her personal nightmare in front of a room full of strangers,
Ashley persevered because she knew that she had to protect not only her son,
but other children like him and their mothers who live with the constant fear
that their rapists will have access to their children. Her testimony ultimately
was a deciding factor in the passage of the bill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">This coming
June, Aiden will celebrate his fourth birthday with his mom and extended family
by his side. Ashley, now 18, is committed to giving her son the best life she
can despite the emotional and financial challenges they face. Over the years,
Ashley has struggled emotionally to cope with the aftermath of the rape and
raising her son on her own, but she has endured by sheer force of will and
determination. She continues to pursue her education while working a part-time
job and being a single mom to Aiden. She hopes this summer to have enough money
so they can move into a place of their own. Her love for and pride in Aiden
shines in her eyes when she speaks about her son.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“He is very full of energy, very talkative,
and knows his colors, numbers and his ABCs,” said Ashley. “He loves Power
Rangers, Batman, Superman, dinosaurs, and motorcycles, but his favorite is
zombies.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Aiden, who
is 36 pounds and over three feet tall is by all accounts a well-adjusted and
happy toddler. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">“He is such
a lady’s man and flirts with all the girls anywhere they go,” Ashley continued.
“He loves babies and playing with his cousins and uncles.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ashley
credits her parents and extended family and friends for helping her through a
difficult time, and she is appreciative of the support of those who’ve reached
out to her and Aiden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">“I am very
grateful to my parents for helping me with all they could over the last four
years,” Ashley said. “I am very thankful for everyone who has donated and
continues to keep up with us. I don’t know where I would be without Monica and
her family.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I am so very blessed.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Aiden is a
living, breathing example of the beauty that can come of tragedy when a mother
courageously and unselfishly choose life for her unborn child. Every day in
this movement we find ourselves helping young women with basic needs and
support for unintended pregnancies. Through Ashley and Aiden’s story,
supporters from all over the country came forward to provide for a courageous
young girl and her son, making it easier for her to move forward and build a
life. Ashley didn’t ask to be a mom at the tender age of 13, but she didn’t let
that stop her from being one. We can learn a lot from Ashley and Aiden about
the precious nature and purpose of each human life and the sacrifices often
made to protect and nurture that life. Christ has big plans for Ashley and Aiden,
and I am eager to see what He has in store for them.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-49582267569117278322017-02-06T07:55:00.001-06:002017-03-31T08:34:12.479-05:00My son is in prison. His best friend is dead. What good could possibly come from this?<center>
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As I reflect on my life and especially this past year, I am reminded to trust God and look for His purpose and His blessings in all things, even those that break our hearts, threaten to tear our families apart, and force us to confront seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our lives.</center>
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Seven years ago, at the age of 37, I first met my birthmother and learned that I wasn’t a child conceived in love, but a child conceived through a brutal act of violence and then abandoned as an infant. The harsh truth of being conceived in rape forced me to trust in God and have faith in Christ even when I saw no purpose or goodness in the trial I was forced to endure.<br />
My birthmother told me that in 1973, as she recovered from the vicious attack that left her pregnant, she couldn’t see any good that could possibly come from her being raped. I imagine that at the time the pain was too raw, too fresh, for her to possibly find a spark of hope and imagine that a life of purpose might arise from such intense anguish.<br />
For a while, after discovering the truth about my parentage, I shared that sentiment and wondered if anything positive could ever come from knowing the horrific truth.<br />
For me, the circumstances of my conception and abandonment were all-consuming, and I couldn’t help but look at my life through the lens of this devastating revelation. What I didn’t know at the time, however, was that the very heartache and devastation I experienced, and the steps I took to overcome it, ultimately prepared me for the struggles I would face in the days and years to follow.<br />
The events of May 26th, 2016 proved to be one of those times. This day will forever be a defining moment in my family, a moment that shook my family to the core and forced us to hang on to faith, as we walked along an unknown path to an uncertain future.<br />
As I travel the world speaking about the gift of life I have been given, I also have the amazing opportunity to work part-time saving lives as a medic and firefighter. Being a medic can be very rewarding as you fight to save the lives of people you’ve never met. Although many of these experiences are rewarding and have happy endings, others are too horrifying to contemplate.<br />
On May 25, 2016, I was the medic on call and my ambulance driver and I were praying for a slow night so we could get some sleep. My husband and my youngest daughter were at home, and my son and his best friend were going to a high school graduation party and bonfire. These boys were like brothers, always together, and both had graduated the year before and had just returned home from college.<br />
In the early morning hours of May 26, we were paged to the scene of an accident. A jeep had rolled over and pinned a victim under the vehicle. This being a high priority call, we quickly headed out. We were driving down a major highway and I mentioned to my driver that there were a lot of cars on the road this early in the morning.<br />
<figure class="article-image full-width" data-location="10"><img alt="Image" class="img-responsive" src="https://lifesite-cache.s3.amazonaws.com/images/made/images/remote/https_s3.amazonaws.com/lifesite/Miscellaneous/Monica_Kelsey_son_645_398_55.jpg" /><figcaption>Me and my son in happier times. <span class="credit">Courtesy of Monica Kelsey</span></figcaption></figure>On our way to the scene of the accident, my cell phone rang. It was my son.<br />
I answered the call. I heard only blood-curdling screams from my son and a desperate plea to hurry. Then the call was disconnected.<br />
About 30 seconds after the call abruptly ended, our emergency dispatcher came across the radio and advised us that a bystander had started CPR. My heart sank. I tried calling my son back, but there was no answer. At this point, I knew my son was involved, but I didn’t know if he was giving or receiving CPR. I immediately radioed my fellow first responders that my son was involved and that I would need another medic as I knew I wouldn’t be able to work on my own child.<br />
The accident was in a field about 1/2 mile from the main road, but we didn’t have an exact location. We could see the glow of the bonfire, but finding the road to it was more challenging. Time was of the essence, so I instructed my driver to abandon the road, cut across the field, and get me to my son.<br />
As we arrived on scene, I saw my son covered in blood performing chest compressions on his best friend. We quickly took over efforts. After a few minutes it was clear that our efforts were failing. Our team worked tirelessly to save this young man’s life, doing everything our training had prepared us for, but it wasn’t enough. His injuries were too severe. We ceased all our life-saving efforts and I completely fell apart. Not only did my son’s best friend die in that field that night, but a part of my son and I died too.<br />
As I sat there hugging my son, he told me what happened. My son said they were doing donuts in the field when the jeep rolled, pinning his best friend under the vehicle. The kids who were attending the bonfire hoisted the jeep off him and put it back on its tires, but then took off so they wouldn’t get into trouble for underage drinking. These 30-50 kids who were at the party when the accident happened left my son to try to save his best friend by himself. It became clear that this was why the road was so busy on our way to the scene at that hour of the morning.<br />
My son was charged with Operating While Intoxicated causing death. His blood alcohol was .085, which is just above the legal limit in Indiana. In December, my son pled guilty and assumed full responsibility for his actions. Our hearts are broken for the loss of his best friend and for the parents of this young man who forgave and stood by my son through this whole process.<br />
I struggle every day with the events of that night. I couldn’t save that young man’s life and there’s no way to go back and make it right. But I am reminded of God’s love and purpose for our lives - and for my son’s life. My son’s heart is broken and the guilt he feels is bigger than any punishment a judge can give him.<br />
I often ask myself what good can possibly come out of this? My son is in a prison cell and his best friend is dead. And then I’m reminded that it took 37 years for my birthmother and I to meet and for us both to discern God’s purpose in her pain. The daughter conceived in violence and abandoned is now working to save the lives of others.<br />
Now I wait, praying to see God’s plan unfold in this situation as well.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-38648230826176702202015-12-28T20:47:00.002-06:002015-12-28T20:47:37.673-06:00Showing up at my birthfathers house, my journey to finding out the truth about the rape.<center>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAbg2Bsa0Cs/VoHxNuMhjOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/uTkFyBeq7Sk/s1600/12341185_1207609395920601_6760597399258329239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAbg2Bsa0Cs/VoHxNuMhjOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/uTkFyBeq7Sk/s1600/12341185_1207609395920601_6760597399258329239_n.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As 2015 comes to a close, I am reminded of how blessed I
am. From a family who loves me and
friends who would do anything for me to just being alive. This, however, hasn't always been the
case. Six years ago, I didn’t look at my life as a gift. I looked at it as a source of humiliation and
shame--all due to the circumstances surrounding my birth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When my birthmother pulled out a police report and told me
that I was conceived through rape, I was devastated. This was not what I was
told while growing up as an adopted child of loving parents. From the very first moment that my parents
told me I was adopted, I was reassured that my birth parents were young and in
love, but were still in school and couldn't care for a baby, thus the decision
to put me up for adoption. I was a loved
and wanted child of two people who loved each other. That is what I have believed for 37 years. How
could I have spent the last 37 years of my life living a lie? So many questions raced through my mind, but
answers were in short supply.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAbg2Bsa0Cs/VoHxNuMhjOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/uTkFyBeq7Sk/s1600/12341185_1207609395920601_6760597399258329239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a few days of denial, I resolved to prove my birth
mother's story a piece of fiction. The last
thing in the world that I wanted was for this circumstance to define my
life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I started my search
for answers at the police station that took my birth mother's report of rape
more than 30 years previously. My quest for answers continued as my husband and
I walked the streets of the town that my birth father called home. My husband,
armed with a video camera, documented our every step. Although I wasn't quite sure what motivated
his desire to video tape this encounter, today I am thankful for the footage. I
have to say that the more that I learned about the circumstances surrounding my
conception, the more deeply depressed I became.
I remember thinking to myself that I didn’t want this to be my life, my
story. I only desired to be the wanted and loved child of my birth parents, not
a child thrust into this world by an act of violence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After fact-finding missions at the court house, police
station, library, hospital and health department, I still had doubts about her
story. Not because the evidence didn't exist; it was there, in abundance, and
all pointing toward the truth of my birth mother's story, a truth I refused to
face. In a last ditch effort marked by desperation and pain, I arrived on the
doorstep of my biological father's house. I just wanted someone to deny this
horrible truth and tell me it was going to be okay. Naturally, I turned to the
one person who would surely deny it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband, camera rolling, and I drove past his home four
times as I summoned the courage to stop.
Although patient with the whole process, my husband's agitation was
beginning to show. As we drove by his house one last time, we noticed a woman
on a ladder painting a garage. I looked
at my husband and said "Okay, it's time; let’s stop."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the camera still rolling, we pulled into the driveway.
The woman turned around to see who it was and then began to descend the steps
of the ladder. My husband and I got out
of our car and walked up the drive. My
first words were “Hi, I’m Monica." That was all it took. There was no hand shake, no “it’s nice to
meet you," nothing. She stared at
me and coldly said, "I know who you are and you’re not welcome here."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This woman turned out to be my birth father's wife, who had
been married to him for many years. She
went on to tell me that I was ruining their lives and that he didn’t want to be
my “father," all the while throwing in a few choice insults for good
measure. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As she continued to call me names, my husband stepped in and
calmly said, "Do you realize that this has nothing to do with Monica? You
are blaming an innocent victim for your husband’s crime.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grabbing my hand in a quick reassuring squeeze, my husband
then escorted me back down the drive toward our car, with my birth father's
wife following close behind, calling me names and telling us to leave their
family alone. Shaken, we reached the
relative safety of the car. As my husband started the engine, he looked at me
and said "You know this isn’t your fault, right?"</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAbg2Bsa0Cs/VoHxNuMhjOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/uTkFyBeq7Sk/s1600/12341185_1207609395920601_6760597399258329239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We drove down the road for about a mile when my husband
stopped the car and gently pulled me into his arms. The remainder of the ride home was quiet and
long and full of tears. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t get to meet my birthfather that day, but I did receive
a phone call from him that evening. I
finally got the denial I was looking for.
My birthfather went on to tell me that there was two men with the same
name and that he was the wrong guy. I explained that I had his birthdate,
social security number and I didn’t believe him. I am not sure what changed me after hearing
the words of denial come out of his mouth, but I suddenly became very defensive
and adamantly defended my birth-mother. I
then asked him for a DNA test which he agreed to do. This would settle it once and for all. We
scheduled a date to have the DNA test done at a hospital two weeks out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a few weeks of riding an emotional rollercoaster, the
final proof of my new reality arrived at my doorstep in the guise of a
letter. It was from the attorney hired
by my biological father. This letter advised me to stay away from my birthfather
and his family and I finally had the answers that I was looking for, he was my
birthfather and I was his daughter. I
was forced to face the facts. No matter how much I tried, no matter how much I
didn’t want this new life--my life-- this was the one I was given. It didn’t
matter how much I prayed to be the wanted and loved child of my birth parents.
The harsh reality is that I was not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One long, dark day stretched into another until my husband
finally came to me and said, "Monica, enough is enough. I need my wife
back and our kids need their mother." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I came to the realization that my journey wasn't mine
alone, but my family’s as well, I wept for the lost moments of joy and for the
shared sorrow borne by those who love me more than anything in the world. They
experienced my tears, my sadness, and eventually, my breaking point. Now, it
was up to me to find a way through the pain, so that our family's journey could
continue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today my family and I celebrate my life knowing the
circumstances of my existence. Although
my vision of my life might have changed, I am now a stronger wife, mother and
daughter to my family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We always must remember that when Christ puts us on a path to purpose, we can look the
other way, try to find a different road, or simply ignore all the signs. But when you accept the road and start
walking with purpose, amazing things will happen.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-85095608272841692402015-11-19T13:04:00.001-06:002015-11-19T13:43:48.997-06:00Immediate Press Release<center>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Safe Haven Baby Boxes Responds to Commission
Hearing</span><br />
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
On November 18, 2015
Indiana's Commission on Improving the Status of Children voted against a
statewide program mandating Baby Boxes throughout Indiana. Their stated<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>reasoning was the baby boxes should not be
mandatory and the cost is too high. House Enrolled Act 1016 clearly stated that
this was voluntary and the state would incur no fees for this program, but
these facts were ignored.</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
Dr. Jen Walthall, the
deputy commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health, suggested that
Indiana would be better served if Hoosiers were better educated on the state’s
safe haven law and resources available to mothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Walthall included in her report vague
references to medieval practices and provided statistics that have been shown
to be false on infant abandonment in Indiana. She then simultaneously admitted
that there are no good statistics on infant abandonment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The task force acted outside of the scope of
legislation and its recommendations do not preclude the implementation of “baby
boxes” as a last resort option for communities who desire to provide this
measure to save the life of babies at risk for abandonment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Discussion of cost by this committee was
moot, as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the baby boxes are being
privately funded by caring people who believe that if the baby box saves even
one child a cruel death in a dumpster or by the side of a highway, it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is worth every effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
The Task force stated
that education on the existing law needed to take place and yet Indiana State
Department of Health has not participated in an education program to this
date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The majority of the education has
been done by non-profit, privately funded organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
Representative Casey Cox
issued the following statement:<br />
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
“On Wednesday November
18, 2015, the Indiana Commission on Improving the Status of Children declined
to recommend that Indiana pursue a statewide policy with respect to newborn
safety incubators, sometimes referred to as ‘baby boxes’ or ‘angels cradles,’
as prescribed in the original version of House Enrolled Act 1016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, the Commission acknowledged that
providers could likely implement newborn safety incubators on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the next few weeks the Indiana Department
of Health will be required by HEA 1016 to issue standards and protocols for the
development of newborn safety incubators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Using these standards, providers may choose to voluntarily implement
such a mechanism to support the existing Indiana Safe Haven law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Commission approved a separate
resolution that should providers undertake this method voluntarily, the State
should seriously consider whether to extend immunity protections to providers
and persons under such circumstances.</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
When we started this
discussion two years ago, one of our main goals was to create a dialogue about
preventing the tragedy of newborn infant abandonment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have succeeded at that beyond my
expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our discussion grew out of
Indiana across the country and overseas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we continue this discussion, I will be ready to pursue whatever
legislative protections may be necessary to compliment this important
lifesaving endeavor.”<br />
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
In conclusion, Monica
Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes states the following:<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
“I am disappointed that
the Indiana Commission on Improving the Status of Children yesterday failed to
do adequate research into Indiana's Safe Haven Law and acknowledge the lives of
the 34 illegally abandoned babies in Indiana. The history lesson we received
yesterday by the task force was inaccurate and did not include the statistics
on abandoned babies for Indiana, as they stated they were not available. Since
I have those statistics, which include abandoned babies and safe surrenders in
the State of Indiana, I would have been more than willing to share these
statistics and their sources, in order for them to provide a more accurate
report to the commission. From the very beginning of this project I have always
focused on saving the lives of abandoned babies, the goal was never about
passing a law. With that being said, we are legally moving forward and will
have 5 boxes deployed in 5 different cities in Indiana within the next 90 days.
We<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will continue all of our efforts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to save the lives of abandoned babies,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as this is and has always been our main
objective.”<br />
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you would like more information or to schedule an interview with
Monica Kelsey, please contact 260-750-3668 or email Pam Stenzel at the
following address: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">pamstenz819@gmail.com</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.safehavenbabyboxes.com/" target="_blank">www.SafeHavenBabyBoxes.com</a></span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-49642204537292464082015-08-26T10:28:00.000-05:002015-08-26T10:31:11.238-05:00Why Safe Haven Locations need to be promoted within the pro-life community before we end abortion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before abortion was legal in our country, young women and their families were ashamed of being pregnant out of wedlock, because having sex outside of marriage was still viewed as a negative choice by the culture. If you became pregnant in 1965 and you were not married, you usually went to visit "an aunt" for about 7 months. Your baby many times was whisked away directly after labor without you even seeing or holding her, and was in the immediate custody of the state or adoption agency awaiting adoption. You then returned home alone and with a deep dark secret that you and immediate family members told no one. Many women who gave birth this way, describe years of pain over a secret kept and feeling pressured to make an adoption decision they did not want. <br /><br /> With the onset of birth control and legal abortion, the sexual revolution was ushered in with a tidal wave. Today, most young women are no longer "ashamed" that the pregnancy reveals that they were sexually active, instead they feel ashamed they were stupid enough to get "caught". And for some young women, they are in such crisis over the possibility of a pregnancy, they deny the symptoms and wrongly believe it will simply "go away" until it is too late. Some might be fearful that the father of the baby is not their current boyfriend/partner and the baby will be proof of infidelity, some are being physically threatened by the father of the baby. There could be a number of reasons a women denies or suppresses her pregnancy for nine months, and is now in deep crisis. The nature of the crisis, in their minds, demands that they hide and remain anonymous. This could be what drives some women to do the unthinkable... to abandon their newborn in a park, in a dumpster or by the side of a highway. <br /><br />My deep desire is that no child die, either by chemicals, by being torn apart in her mothers womb and sold for spare parts, or by being abandoned in a dumpster. When we succeed in making chemical and surgical abortion illegal in this country, there will still be some (and possibly more) women who conceal their pregnancy until birth and become desperate enough to consider the latter option. We must have a safety net, a way for these few desperate women to find a way out of their crisis that does not involve the death of their child. This is why Safe Havens and the added insurance of a baby box that allows complete anonymity, need to be in place and operating. Women need to know BEFORE they are in deep crisis, that this option exists and that they can relinquish their baby with no names, no blame, no shame.<br /><br />Let me be perfectly clear, I am against the killing of babies, period and in all circumstances. I am praying for the day that no child will die for the convenience or emotional well-being of his mother or the crime of her father. Killing babies inside and outside of the womb is murder, period. We have done an amazing job of reaching out to women in crisis with thousands of Pregnancy Care Centers across this country and around the world. These amazing centers are helping young women every day, physically , emotionally and spiritually. The staff and volunteers give of the themselves tirelessly for every young woman and her baby, lives are being saved! They are truly "loving them both". The Safe Haven Law is in place, not because we don't think women should be helped before the birth of their child, not to "replace" the work of thousands of pregnancy centers across the nation, not because we don't believe a young woman who has just given birth alone and afraid does not need help. It is in place because no matter how good our efforts are BEFORE we get to the point of birth, some women will not avail themselves of the help offered. For reasons we may never know, they did not take the help freely offered to them up to that point. The Safe Haven Law gives them one more emergency option to drop their newborn off at a fire station, police station or hospital and hand that baby safely to a professional without being prosecuted. And yet, even with this safeguard, experience tells us that there will STILL be a few who just cannot handle the face to face interaction. It is still too difficult and even with all the help available to them, still choose to abandon their infant to the elements and risk their death. The Safe Haven Baby Box is that final attempt to give her one more option. The option of safely relinquishing her infant without the face to face interaction. Maybe, just maybe this is the only option a few women will choose instead of abandonment. <br /><br />In a perfect world, no one would have sex outside of marriage or ever find themselves experiencing unwanted pregnancy. In a perfect world, no one would ever consider chemically aborting or surgically aborting their unborn child. In a perfect world no one would have the legal RIGHT to kill an unborn child in the womb. In a perfect world, every woman experiencing a crisis pregnancy will walk into a pregnancy care center and get the help they need for themselves and their baby. When abortion is finally illegal in this country, there will certainly be more women in crisis who will need the services of these centers, and we must be ready. Crisis Pregnancy Centers will not cease to exist because abortion is no longer legal, in fact they know that their work will increase and be even more necessary. When abortion becomes illegal, we must have a safety net in place for those few women who are in denial and hiding their pregnancy in desperation. There won't be fewer of these women, there will certainly be more. <br /><br />Until then, we must do everything in our power to save every life and help every mother in crisis. We are committed to providing that last line of defense for the very desperate mother in her time of crisis. We cannot abandon her. Every mother matters, and every baby matters. </center>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-8444088751550770242015-08-20T07:49:00.000-05:002015-08-20T07:49:20.726-05:00Newborn surrendered under the Safe Haven Law, Jane's story<center>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkSpfKgfaVY/VdXMWCKdJsI/AAAAAAAAAGU/sTn6iGsWQ_M/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkSpfKgfaVY/VdXMWCKdJsI/AAAAAAAAAGU/sTn6iGsWQ_M/s320/untitled.png" width="320" /></a><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512091" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512090">As volunteers in the pro-life movement, there are many instances where we aren't able to see the fruits of our labor. From the dedicated sidewalk counselor who prays her words have reached a young mother contemplating abortion to those who spread the joy of adoption. We can sometimes go days, months, even years without seeing the results of our efforts, often making it a challenge to keep our hearts and minds focused on that for which we are truly fighting for--mothers and their unborn babies. To that end, we must continue to be faithful and trust that we are following God's plan. Every once in a while, we are rewarded by that one special moment in time when a plan is realized before our very eyes, allowing us to experience first-hand the impact our actions have made on the life of another and the beautiful ripple effect it has on the lives of those around them. It's this rare and special moment that makes all those years of work and dedication worth it. This is one such moment for me.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512096">On August 1, 2015, I received a message in my inbox on Facebook from someone who was inquiring if there was a Safe Haven Baby Box near their location. Since Safe Haven Baby Boxes are not legal in any state yet, I was concerned, although this wasn’t the first time I had gotten a message like this. On average, I receive about 20 emails and messages a day with questions and comments regarding the baby boxes, from people asking specific questions to those who simply want to know how they work. Due to the casual nature of the inquiry, I didn’t view the message as urgent and added it to my growing list of messages and calls to return. A few hours later, my cell phone rang from a phone number that I didn't recognize. My phone number is published on all of my sites as I want young women in crisis to know that I'm here for them. I quickly answered the call and was surprised to discover that the caller was the young girl who had sent me the Facebook message. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512098">To protect her privacy, I'll call her “Jane." Jane told me that she was pregnant, that no one knew about the pregnancy, and that she was pretty sure the baby was coming any day now. Alone and frightened, Jane had no interest in either a parenting or an adoption plan, and she was adamant about remaining anonymous. She went on to tell me that she was starting college in the fall. Her parents had no idea she was pregnant and she didn’t want to disappoint them. Jane was concerned that others would judge her and her situation. I was quick to assure her that simply wouldn’t happen and to promise I would do everything in my power to help her. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512100">After gathering as much personal information as I could, I quickly contacted a hospital in her area and spoke to a social worker about Jane's situation. The social worker advised me to have Jane contact her right away. I immediately called Jane and gave her the social worker's name and number and Jane promised to contact her. Since that day, I attempted to contact Jane but to no avail. I hoped that Jane would do the right thing, but all I could do now was pray and wait for a phone call that might never come.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512102">A few days ago as I was driving to Michigan, I received a call from the social worker who had agreed to help Jane.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512104">“Monica, I have some great news for you," she said. "Jane came in yesterday, delivered a healthy baby, and surrendered the infant under the Safe Haven Law." </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512106">My initial reaction was stunned silence as I attempted to comprehend what the social worker was telling me. Suddenly, my eyes filled with tears at the thought of Jane's incredible selflessness and sacrifice as she put her baby's needs above her own. My heart began to sink for Jane who, alone and scared, had the courage to give up her child to the beauty of adoption. In an instant, though, that sorrow turned to joy for the baby now saved from abandonment</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512108">Sometimes it's easy to forget that we truly never know what a young woman goes through when confronted with seemingly impossible choices, especially if we've never been in that situation. But as a child who was once abandoned by my birth mother and then later reunited with her, I know the love this young woman has for her child. As was the situation of my birth mother so many years ago, Jane loved her child so much that she was compelled to act in that child's best interest. Decisions such as these are courageous and should be honored, respected, and celebrated.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512110">Our Safe Haven motto is “No Shame, No Blame, No Names." For Jane, that is exactly what we did. Thank you, Jane, for standing up for the life you created and doing the best that you could for your baby. Please know that your child will be loved by two parents who prayed for this precious gift of life.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1439982844821_512112">The Safe Haven Law is in all 50 states and allows a young woman in crisis to relinquish her child at any approved Safe Haven location with no questions asked. For more information on your current Safe Haven Law go to <u><a href="http://www.safehavenbabyboxes.com/" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank">www.SafeHavenBabyBoxes.com</a> </u></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-90456595586733905332015-06-15T21:39:00.001-05:002015-06-15T21:39:54.300-05:00From Tragedy to Triumph, Aiden is turning 2 years old<center>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmxbdL5_HNI/VX-Lnl8-gtI/AAAAAAAAAFw/LcBLJ0U55f0/s1600/IMG_2331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmxbdL5_HNI/VX-Lnl8-gtI/AAAAAAAAAFw/LcBLJ0U55f0/s320/IMG_2331.jpg" width="255" /></a><div class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151435" style="margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151434" style="font-size: 10pt;">Often we wonder what drives us, what motivates us to move forward in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or what motivates us to get up every morning, take a deep breath and face the day. For 16-year-old Ashley the answer is simple. </span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;">His name is Aiden and he is about to celebrate his second birthday.</span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151432" style="margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151433" style="font-size: 10pt;">Nearly two years ago, Ashley and her mom welcomed me into their home to talk to Ashley.</span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151431" style="font-size: 10pt;"> I wanted to help her in any way I could as she was only 13 and pregnant by rape. I didn’t realize that this day I would become part of their family and they would become part of mine. In the time we've spent together, Ashley has become like a daughter to me and Aiden like a grandson (even though I have no idea what being a grandma feels like). She is a true hero in every sense of the word. Not only did this vulnerable, frightened teenager choose life for her son, but she bravely confronted her rapist and was instrumental in his prosecution and conviction.</span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151437" style="margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151436" style="font-size: 10pt;">For the last two years, Ashley’s supporters have stepped up and helped this young mother, showing her what we as pro-lifers are all about. </span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151438" style="font-size: 10pt;">Being Pro-life isn’t just about saving babies, it’s walking a long and difficult road with these women and their children. The same road all of you have been walking with Ashley and Aiden since the day we brought you their story.</span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151449" style="font-size: 10pt;">Ashley turned 16 a few months ago and is working on getting her license and a part-time job.</span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;"> Although balancing school and motherhood is difficult, Ashley perseveres because she knows what she's doing is important. </span></div>
<div class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151440" style="margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151439" style="font-size: 10pt;">"Being a 16 year-old mom and still being in school is one of the biggest challenges of my life," she said, "but it’s also the most rewarding."</span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151451" style="font-size: 10pt;">Next week, Aiden, a vibrant, smart and lively toddler, turns two and his mother couldn't be more proud.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151442" style="margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151441" style="font-size: 10pt;">"He's into everything," Ashley said.</span></div>
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<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151453" style="font-size: 10pt;">Aiden especially loves the outdoors and playing in the park, and the young mother has her heart set on buying him a swing set. </span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151455" style="font-size: 10pt;">Even though Aiden was conceived through rape, Ashley believes her son is a miracle and an inspiration.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151458" style="margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151457" style="font-size: 10pt;"> “I swear if it wasn’t for Aiden, I wouldn’t be here today. He has impacted my life more than anyone could ever imagine at a time when I was falling apart. I was 13 years old, terrified, not knowing what the future would hold for me," she confessed. "Now I’m 16, completely confident in what my future will be as a mommy, a mentor, and a best friend. Now here he is, a week away from being 2 years old. So smart, so big, so full of life, and so happy. God blessed me with him and I wouldn’t want my life any other way. I love my son. Aiden saved me."</span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151460" style="margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="yiv5771841235" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1434397008599_151459" style="font-size: 10pt;">If you would like to donate to Ashley and Aiden for supplies or to help purchase the swing set for Aiden you can do a secure donation at </span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a class="yiv5771841235" href="http://www.livingexceptions.com/" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span class="yiv5771841235" style="color: #0563c1;">www.LivingExceptions.com</span></a></span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;">. </span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;"> For more on </span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;">Ashley and Aiden’s story, you can follow her updates at</span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a class="yiv5771841235" href="http://www.facebook.com/mkprolife" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank"><span class="yiv5771841235" style="color: #0563c1;">www.facebook.com/mkprolife</span></a></span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-size: 10pt;">.</span><span class="yiv5771841235" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-58086194717376402102015-05-17T15:16:00.003-05:002015-05-17T15:16:25.737-05:00Conceived in Incest: Why I cannot remain silent on the 20 week fetal pain bill…<center>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Conceived in Incest:
Why I cannot remain silent on the 20 week fetal pain bill…</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Kristi Hofferber</span></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JybJVYd6MxM/VVj2zG6araI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Ry7NNlyoMXk/s1600/10458838_10152775558196680_376689698210599015_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JybJVYd6MxM/VVj2zG6araI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Ry7NNlyoMXk/s320/10458838_10152775558196680_376689698210599015_n.jpg" width="233" /></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Define pain… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it the act of being torn limb from limb, or
maybe it is the act of being discriminated against?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This question remains at the center of a
nationwide hot topic issue surrounding abortion in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately with the piece of legislation
known as H.R. 36, those of us who are conceived in rape or incest will feel the
pain in both instances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This bill, if
passed, will seek to minimize abortion after 20 weeks gestation for the unborn
under the premise that they can feel pain at or after this state in the womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But wait, there is a caveat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the woman claims rape, or that she is the
victim of incest, she receives a free pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is then able to obtain the abortion up until the day of delivery if
she so chooses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how is the H.R 36 a
step forward? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sends the wrong
message to women who need support and compassion in these situations, not an excuse
to potentially bring themselves further trauma and the loss of their unborn
child, not to mention that we (those of us conceived in rape or incest) feel
pain too at this state of gestation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My personal story has
been shared many times in the pro-life realm, but do people really understand
the situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were six children
conceived between my biological mother and her own father, four of which
tragically lost their lives to abortion to conceal his criminal actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These children were given the death penalty
for the crime of our biological father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This hardly seems like justice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, the law allowed this “opportunity” for our biological father to
cover his crimes, and ensure that the evidence was “taken care of.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So then what for his daughter, our biological
mother?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost, the abuse
should have never happened. Secondly, no one batted an eye when my biological
father took her time and time again to the same abortion clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So who is being protected by legislation that
includes a rape and incest exception?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are providing the rapist with the ultimate escape!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why then would we tout this legislation as
progress when the victims are legally allowed to be victimized yet again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the only surviving
child of this horrific situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
adopted at birth, grew up in nurturing and stable home, and I am now finishing
my master’s degree in social work to further extend my abilities to help these
women and children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that my life is
not in vein, and I will stand firm in support of legislation that defends 100%
of unborn children in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
pro-life movement needs more organizations and individuals who are willing to
put it all on the line and stand boldly against this type of discriminatory
legislation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to be firmly united
in support of laws that do not defile an entire class of children, and hold our
legislators accountable from the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
American citizens we do not accept discrimination between one race over
another, so then why should we allow it with the lives of the unborn who are
the most vulnerable of our population? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
abortion was illegal in cases such as rape and incest in this country, my
birthmother would not have endured over twenty years of abuse by her own
father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing for what is right,
especially when it comes to innocent lives, is crucial to gaining ground and
ending abortion in our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
willing to take a stand for what’s right, or are you going to defend legislation
that further harms women, punishes a child with death because of the crimes of
his or her father, and allows the criminal to walk away unscathed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not willing compromise the value of your
life, why should the value of those of us conceived in rape or incest be any
less? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To learn more about
Kristi’s story, follow her on Facebook at Kristi Hofferber, Pro-life Speaker,
or at </span><a href="http://www.kristihofferber.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">www.kristihofferber.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristi is the
wife of a pastor, and together they have one son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She speaks nationally and internationally on
the importance of “no exceptions” in pro-life issues, and she is a founding
member of Living Exceptions.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-16482539453414637582015-01-14T16:44:00.002-06:002016-01-12T14:54:25.728-06:0013 year old Ashley was raped and became pregnant. Here is an update!<center>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtbA_uMrFgo/VLbw9fQsPxI/AAAAAAAAAEs/1xd4Uk-T0Oc/s1600/Ashley%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtbA_uMrFgo/VLbw9fQsPxI/AAAAAAAAAEs/1xd4Uk-T0Oc/s1600/Ashley%2Bcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18260" style="font-size: 14pt;">Two years ago we brought you a story about an amazing young 13-year- old girl named Ashley from Elwood, Indiana, who was raped by her brother’s friend and became pregnant. Ashley prosecuted her rapist, and he was charged and convicted on three counts as Ashley wasn’t his only victim. This story tugged on the heart strings of millions of Americans as this young girl chose to carry her child to term and gave birth to a beautiful little boy she named Aiden. Planned Parenthood of Indiana even weighed in on Ashley’s tragic story via their official Facebook page by posting a link to an article written in the <i class="yiv8384888578">Indianapolis Star </i>by saying the following: “As this article notes, heartbreaking stories like this are all too common in Indiana, which ranks second in the number of teen sexual assaults. Comprehensive sex ed can make a difference in preventing sexual assaults.” It seems as if Planned Parenthood feels that giving rapist more sexual education will keep them from raping women.</span><span class="yiv8384888578"></span></div>
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<span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18262" style="font-size: 14pt;">Ashley, now 15, is a freshman in high school and has adapted to her new role as student and young mother. After the birth of Aiden, Ashley returned to school, and much to her shock, discovered that the boy who was convicted of raping her was allowed to attend the same school. Her rapist, who was also a minor when the crime occurred, was protected as a juvenile and his identity was never released. Ashley was quickly taken out of the main school by her parents and put into an alternate school, so she could continue her studies without incident. Ashley is excelling in her classes and is a straight A student. </span><span class="yiv8384888578"></span></div>
<div class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18265" style="margin-bottom: 8pt;">
<span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18264" style="font-size: 14pt;">Last August, Ashley’s family faced another devastating tragedy. Her brother was killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bike not far from the family home. The perpetrator still hasn't been identified. This tragic event has devastated this family, but through prayer and the assistance of family and friends, they are putting their lives back together once again.</span><span class="yiv8384888578"></span></div>
<div class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18267" style="margin-bottom: 8pt;">
<span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18266" style="font-size: 14pt;">Although this road hasn’t been easy, Aiden is now 18 months old and has brought his young mother love and healing from a situation that once felt unbearable. Ashley will be attending the March for Life this year with the organization Living Exceptions, as Aiden is a true “Living Exception" and his and Ashley's story epitomizes the mission of this life-saving organization. Stop by the Living Exceptions booth and give Ashley words of encouragement as she continues to embrace life by raising her son and doing the right thing.</span><span class="yiv8384888578"></span></div>
<div class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18269" style="margin-bottom: 8pt;">
<span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18268" style="font-size: 14pt;">If you would like to donate to Ashley and Aiden, you can do so at </span><span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421167914505_21740"><a class="yiv8384888578" href="http://www.livingexceptions.com/" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421167914505_21739" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421167914505_21738" style="color: #0563c1;">www.LivingExceptions.com</span></a></span><span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18387" style="font-size: 14pt;">. All donations to Ashley and Aiden go directly to help the family to buy diapers, wipes, and clothing, or you can choose to help defray Ashley's expenses when she is out in Washington attending the March for Life. </span></div>
<div class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18271" style="margin-bottom: 8pt;">
<span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18270" style="font-size: 14pt;">Currently, Ashley does not receive support from the State of Indiana. Unfortunately, the state of Indiana is one of 31 states that has no law protecting a child conceived through rape from his biological father. If Ashley files for any kind of government assistance, the state must go after Aiden’s biological father for repayment. In return, he can demand visitation rights. We are encouraging legislators to pass legislation protecting these children and their mothers from being victimized once again by terminating any rights that father might have. But until Indiana changes its law regarding children conceived in rape, Ashley’s parents must bear the financial burden of caring for Aiden. If you would like to read more on the states that have no laws protecting children who are conceived through rape you can go to <a href="http://www.31states.com/" id="yiv8384888578ms__id4296" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" shape="rect" target="_blank">www.31states.com</a> for more info.</span></div>
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<span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421104786198_18272" style="font-size: 14pt;">As individuals committed to the pro-life cause, we must be willing to step up and support young girls, such as Ashley. If you are financially able, please consider helping this young mother. To follow Ashley and Aiden’s story visit my Facebook page at </span><span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421167914505_15705"><a class="yiv8384888578" href="http://www.facebook.com/mkprolife" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421167914505_15704" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span class="yiv8384888578" id="yiv8384888578yui_3_16_0_1_1421167914505_15703" style="color: #0563c1;">www.Facebook.com/mkprolife</span></a></span><span class="yiv8384888578" style="font-size: 14pt;">.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-79203849050451489272015-01-05T21:11:00.000-06:002015-01-05T21:11:00.411-06:00Dead newborn found in the woods in Indianapolis could have been saved by the Safe Haven Law<center>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqrFuMCPKjs/VKtRu4gikDI/AAAAAAAAAEY/fbPICCb1y6M/s1600/firefighter%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqrFuMCPKjs/VKtRu4gikDI/AAAAAAAAAEY/fbPICCb1y6M/s1600/firefighter%2Bpic.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I sit at the fire station working my shift as a
medic/firefighter, waiting for our next emergency, my heart is heavy. I just
got a call that another newborn child has been found dead in the woods in
Indianapolis, umbilical cord still attached and discarded like a piece of trash.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if this young mother knew that
there is a law that could have saved her young daughter and this young mothers
name would have never been known. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
law I'm referring to is the Safe Haven Law--a law that has been in effect for
almost 14 years that has saved the lives of almost 3000 babies nationwide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in April 1973, a young 17-year-old girl, scared and
alone, gave birth to a baby girl. She had been raped nine months prior and was
determined to do what she felt was best for her baby. Two hours after giving
birth, she abandoned her baby at a local hospital, the one place where she knew
her baby would be cared for and protected. I was that baby, and my biological
mother abandoned me without the protection of the Safe Haven Law. She did it
out of desperation because she felt there was no other option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, however, we have a law in place that
protects not only the life of the child, but also protects the mother from
prosecution. The Safe Haven Law was enacted to give women like my birthmother
who find themselves scared, alone, and desperate an alternative to abandoning
their child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Safe Haven Law, also called the Baby Moses Law in some
states, is in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia. The law is in
place to protect all parties involved. In most states, a woman has 30 days
after birth to safely surrender the child at any fire station, police station
or hospital with no questions asked. In some of these states, the girl gets
free medical care to assist with the birth of the child or any complications
resulting from the birth. This law is a win, win situation for all parties
involved. The mother walks away with zero chance of prosecution, while the baby
has the opportunity to be adopted into a loving home, and a family opens their
hearts and home to the child for whom they've prayed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we were busy making plans to celebrate the beginning of a
new year a desperate young woman out of Indianapolis felt she had no choice, no
other option, but to continue to hide her pregnancy, and once that child was
born, to hide her from the world. Unfortunately, she made a devastating choice
and left her baby in the woods, exposed to the elements of harsh winter. Now,
we are planning a funeral for a child that never had the opportunity to see her
first birthday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This child has been named
“Amelia Hope” as the name Amelia means defender. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a firefighter/medic for the state of Indiana and the fact
that I was abandoned as a child, I feel a personal need to educate our youth
and our communities about this life-saving law. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a perfect world, we would prefer that the
mother come forward, visit a local crisis pregnancy center, and receive the
assistance and counseling she needs; however, this may not be possible in all
situations. With these cases, we want young women to know that the Safe Haven
Law is there as an option that respects the lives of both mother and child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you or someone you know would like more information about
relinquishing a newborn child, please call 1-877-796-HOPE or go to </span><a href="http://www.safehavenlaw.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">www.SafeHavenLaw.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-41456739727162864862014-07-28T15:13:00.001-05:002014-07-28T15:13:30.297-05:00Saving Baby Henry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ymduxWpIuixYt0uRU2VVksyaTk-W_NBqKe8eIK2oWrZc8oR6IfjZi4myh3Lr6m-yyN5AdYzR26YHVw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sapphiredreams.org/msig.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkaIPcHmv60/U9aukC2oaMI/AAAAAAAAAEI/48-vif19BhE/s1600/Henry2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkaIPcHmv60/U9aukC2oaMI/AAAAAAAAAEI/48-vif19BhE/s1600/Henry2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="yiv2705953635" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4651" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">A few months ago, we brought you the story of a young couple who received the devastating news that their unborn baby had a life-threatening condition called BOO syndrome. This courageous couple rejected abortion and decided to fight for the life of this innocent child. For the last few months, Emily has been on bed rest and living in an apartment in Cincinnati, Ohio, to be close to the hospital that can save Henry when we is born. Her husband, Kevin, has been living at home in Indiana to continue working to provide for their new family.</span><span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="yiv2705953635" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4656" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="yiv2705953635" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4654" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">On July 18, 2014, Henry arrived two months early, weighing only 4 lbs, 3 oz, and is 18 inches long. At barely three days old, he already has had two bedside procedures and one major surgery. Doctors have determined that there probably is some function left in one of Henry's kidneys, and they are fighting to sustain it for as long as possible. The hope is to delay the need for dialysis as he is too small and weak to tolerate the procedure at this time. This loving family has such a long road ahead of them, and they are currently discussing long term options with doctors. </span></div>
<div class="yiv2705953635" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4659" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv2705953635" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Instead of cradling their young son in their arms and heading home to begin a new life as a family, Emily and Kevin are engaged in a battle to save Henry's life. Instead of despair, though, their message for everyone is a message of hope and faith:</span></div>
<div class="yiv2705953635" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4660" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv2705953635" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4662" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="yiv2705953635" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4661" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“We are so blessed and thankful that Henry has arrived safely for the most part. We just wanted to let everyone know that he is here and we appreciate all the prayers, love, and support from around the world. No doubt the original article put us in touch with supporters that brought us much love throughout this entire process! Thank you!!"</span></div>
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<span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
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<div class="thread-quoted-body expanded" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4664" style="display: block; height: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span class="yiv2705953635" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4663" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">As Emily and Kevin continue the quest to save their precious baby boy, please consider making a donation to support this young couple. All proceeds go directly toward medical bills for Henry and Emily.</span></div>
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<span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="yiv2705953635" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406578214709_4652" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
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<span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span><span class="yiv2705953635" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="yiv2705953635" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2014/05/07/they-rejected-abortion-when-told-their-baby-had-a-major-medical-issue-now-they-need-your-help/">http://www.lifenews.com/2014/05/07/they-rejected-abortion-when-told-their-baby-had-a-major-medical-issue-now-they-need-your-help/</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdGWWzf8tAE/U8G7ZS9wbWI/AAAAAAAAAD4/WZ7Sw7pnv78/s1600/RBP_0873+BW+5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdGWWzf8tAE/U8G7ZS9wbWI/AAAAAAAAAD4/WZ7Sw7pnv78/s1600/RBP_0873+BW+5x7.jpg" width="142" /></a></center>
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What if you learned after 37 years that your birth father was a rapist and that he brutally beat and raped your birth mother, abandoning her along the side of the road to die? To make matters worse, you discover that your life was almost taken by abortion because someone wanted you dead and paid a stranger to make it happen. After uncovering the tragedy surrounding your conception and life, how would you look at your life or yourself? Would you continue on with your life like nothing ever happened? Would you guard your secret, never telling a soul, with the hope that no one discovers that you're a mistake-- a child who wasn't supposed to live and was better off dead. I am one such child. For me, this is the reality and truth of my life.</center>
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After learning the truth of my conception and near abortion, I began to look at my life as a lie. Instead of being the loved and cherished daughter of my adoptive parents, I was an unwanted child. I questioned my life, my very existence, in a world that once held so much meaning. Was I alive by a mere stroke of luck, or by the grace of God? Was I merely an unloved and unwanted baby thrust into the arms of parents looking for the "perfect" child? There are seminal moments in everyone's life when who and what they thought they were is challenged in a deeply profound and earth-shattering way. This discovery was my seminal moment, and I started to look at my life from a distance, as if through a telescope, with only a pinprick of light visible at the very end. How was I supposed to pick myself up and continue to live a life now deemed as a mistake from the start?</center>
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Growing up as an adopted child, my life wasn't that different from the lives of my friends and classmates. My parents were big believers in consequences for negative behavior, but I never was required to prove my worth to them. Often, my grades, or sometimes even my mouth, would get me into trouble, and I would find myself grounded. Once I corrected the offense, I got my freedom back. I learned quickly that actions had consequences, and these experiences led to a greater understanding of the importance of redemption, forgiveness, and trust. Never in this entire process did I ever feel unworthy of the love and respect given to me by my parents. I knew that my life had value simply because I existed.</center>
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This idea of every life having value is rejected by the pro-abortion movement, but you may be surprised to learn that it's a common attitude of some pro-lifers as well. As a child conceived in rape, I am constantly reminded by others in the pro-life movement that I am expendable, an exception. As a result, I am compelled to prove my worth professionally and personally every day of my life as if I'm a less valuable member of society due to the nature of my conception. My question is simple: Why? Why should I base my value on what others believe about the circumstances surrounding my creation? The answer equally is simple: I shouldn't! But some in the pro-life movement has turned children conceived through rape into second class citizens for more than 41 years. This is an everyday struggle for me and others conceived in rape. It comes with its own set of challenges, which include the dehumanization of our very existence.</center>
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People often tell me that I am taking the rape exception too personally or that I am overly sensitive. But I ask you, if an individual advocates for an exception for rape, how is that not an indictment of my value as a human being and how is that voice of support for a rape exception not directed at me and all the others who share similar circumstances? The children of rape must cope with the knowledge of the horrifying violence that led to their conceptions. They should never have to justify their existence and right to life to anyone.</center>
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The circumstances of a child's conception are irrelevant when it comes to the right to life. If we start deciding which babies are worthy of life and which should be sacrificed, we are no better than those we oppose. To be truly pro-life, we must protect and cherish the life of all the unborn, who are made in God's image--fearfully and wonderfully made--and deserving of life.</center>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-79087573814763094422014-03-02T21:39:00.000-06:002016-01-12T14:54:49.586-06:00From my first breath to her last<center>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRb01y-XkiY/UxP5RJvuheI/AAAAAAAAADo/9K2aNEji9KY/s1600/sandyandI.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRb01y-XkiY/UxP5RJvuheI/AAAAAAAAADo/9K2aNEji9KY/s1600/sandyandI.1.jpg" width="320" /></a> There are moments in our lives that define us--that push us, sometimes kicking and screaming, to be the person we are or to realize the person we could be. For some, it's a series of life events, but for others, it's a single, defining moment of clarity that hits you like lightning from the Heavens. For me, this single, defining moment was meeting my birth mother and discovering that I was a child conceived, not in love, but by a brutal act of violence.</center>
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I often wonder what my life would be like had I never went searching for her and never uncovered the truth of my birth. Would I still be attending church "some" Sundays and carving out exceptions for abortion if the child was conceived by rape? My answer, happily, is no because, since I met my birth mother I have become a better person, a better daughter, and a better Christian.</center>
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When I got the call that my birth mother was in the hospital in Michigan and not doing well, I knew I needed to be there. At the age of 57, she had contracted a urinary tract infection that went septic. For seven days, she was on a ventilator fighting for her life, and for seven days, I was sitting beside her praying that God would give me more time with the woman who had given me life. Three years wasn't long enough to get to know the woman who sacrificed so much for me. </center>
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On the 4th day of her hospitalization, the doctors reported improvements in her test results. Encouraged, I decided to head home and see my children. My husband and I had been at the hospital every day, and this night we felt she was strong enough for us to go home and see our kids. We lived three hours from the hospital and we were completely exhausted. She was still on a ventilator and couldn't talk. Before we left, I kissed her cheek and said, "Love ya girlfriend, you are my hero.".A single tear trickled down her cheek.. Arriving at the hospital the next morning, I was met with the distressing news that she had slipped into a coma during the night. At the time I had kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, I didn't realize those were going to be the last words I said to her or I would have said so much more.</center>
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My birth mother fought for three more days, but on the 7th day, the doctor delivered the devastating news: She was dying, and nothing could be done. My heart sank and all the hopes and dreams of a future with the woman who had given me life sank, too. That day I sat for hours watching the monitor and tracking every beat of her heart, every breath she took. Eventually, her heart beats slowed as did her breathing. My eyes were glued to the monitor. I was terrified that if I looked away, even for a second, the monitor would go silent and dark. The slower the beat of her heart, the more I fell apart. Then she took one last breath and her heart stopped. As I held my birth mother's hand in those final moments, my husband held me. I could feel his arms tighten around my waist--his presence an anchor gifted by God during one of life's stormy moments.</center>
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Although I tried to be strong for my birth mother's husband, I completely fell apart! Tears flowed just thinking about what my life would be without her presence, her courage, and her strength. This woman who had fought so hard for my life, carrying me to term, all the while knowing she couldn't love me the way I needed to be loved, knowing that I needed a mother and a father, and giving my Mom and Dad the most precious of gifts, a baby daughter. The most selfless gift a mother can give is her child, and she gave me freely, with no reservations. How blessed I am to have been given a gift of such magnitude that it can never be repaid. She believed in me until the day she died, and I believed in her. She was with me when I took my first breath, and I was holding her hand when she took her last. How amazing is God to allow her to be there for me when I needed her the most and how awesome is it that God allowed me to be there for her when she needed me the most?</center>
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March 6th is the first anniversary of my birth mother's death, and I find myself missing her more than ever. Looking back at that day, there was so much more I wanted to say to her, so many more questions that will go unanswered. Since the day I reconnected with her I have spoken nationally and internationally on her amazing story of sacrifice, selflessness, and forgiveness. Blessed with loving parents, an amazing husband, and my children, my life is a testament to the courage and strength of a scared 17-year-old girl who put her fears aside to save the life of an innocent child. And God willing, I will use that gift to speak for those who have no voice and for the sanctity of life in every mother's womb.</center>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-65684833553849842552014-02-22T16:36:00.003-06:002014-02-22T16:37:46.141-06:00Baby saved from Abortion<center>
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Seeing the fruits of our labor doesn't
happen everyday in the pro-life community. But when a baby is saved
from abortion, all glory be to God!
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2705103796814062061" name="_GoBack"></a>June 10, 2013
started out like any other day at "Allen County Right to Life"
in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Everyone was working on projects for upcoming
events. I was making calls regarding our Banquet dinner in October
when my cell phone rang. It was my oldest daughter, Ali. I answered
the phone and she informed me that a friend of hers had called her
and asked if she would drive her to her appointment today at the
abortion clinic. I sat stunned for a moment thinking why is this girl
calling my daughter knowing that my daughter is against abortion.
Ali asked me if she should go with her friend, and as stunned as I
was, I immediately said "yes! She is going to need you!” I
asked that she stop into my office first before she takes her into
the clinic. I knew the resources we had could save this child's life.
Ali agreed to bring her to the office before heading to the clinic.
"Allen County Right to Life" is right beside the abortion
clinic and two doors down from us is "The Hope Center"
where they have an ultrasound machine.
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I immediately let everyone in the
office know what was going on. Julie Perkins, Executive Director of
"Women's Health Link", and I started working on a plan.
When my daughter arrived we immediately jumped into action working on
saving this child's life and also this woman from a lifetime of
guilt. Ali’s friend agreed to allow an ultrasound and what she
saw, saved her child's life. She was 9 weeks pregnant and she started
crying as soon as she saw her child on the screen.
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Being a pro-life Christian and just
trying to be faithful to Gods plan we sometimes don’t get to see
the miracles that we are a part of. We occasionally lose site of
God's path because we don't see the end result. Mother Theresa says
it best "God doesn't ask us to be successful, he asks us to be
faithful".
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Feb 5<sup>t</sup>h, 2014, I got to hold
the child that was almost killed on June 10th, 2013. He came into
this world weighting 9 lbs, 9 oz. and is beautiful. Welcome to the
world Blake!
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The reason I fight so hard for the
unborn is because I was saved from abortion when my birth-mother
changed her mind back in 1972, after being brutally raped at the age
of 17. She abandoned me at a hospital 2 hours after I was born.
Saving lives has been a part of my daily routine for a long time, as
today I am a firefighter and a medic. I have been named the "Fighter
for Life" by my friends in South Africa! I am so blessed to
have been able to follow God's path that he so intricately laid out
for me all those years ago. I know that these blessings are from a
scared, selfless, 17 year old girl.</div>
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Along with my busy schedule working as
a medic/firefighter, I am also the founder of "Living
Exceptions". Living Exceptions is an organization made up of
individuals who were conceived in rape or incest and teaches
pro-lifers how to be 100% pro-life and not make exceptions for the
lives that are less convenient. You can connect with a pro-life
speaker at www.LivingExceptions.com.
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I have dedicated my life to saving
lives, born and unborn!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-36809925681885575822014-02-12T08:55:00.001-06:002014-02-12T08:56:40.435-06:00Glenn Beck, Will you have lunch with me to discuss the Rape/Incest exception you hold?<center>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392216859881_2350" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When someone says, "I am pro-life except in the case of rape or incest", they are using an oxymoron to describe themselves. This is in essence describing themselves as pro-choice and have a lack of understanding of what being pro-life is truly about. Glenn Beck, who my husband listens to almost daily, is a good example of someone who is highly intelligent but lacks the understanding of what it means to be pro-life with no exceptions. Let me explain.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392216859881_2534" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">First of all, let me tell you about who I am. I am a medic and a firefighter from Indiana. Four years ago at the age of 37 I reconnected with my birth-mother who placed me for adoption at birth. The information she entrusted in me the </span><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392216859881_2536" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">day we reconnected has changed the course of my life forever. My birth-mother was brutally raped at 17 and as a result became pregnant with me. But in 1972 my life was protected by a law that said that my life had value. And even though the law was in place, protecting me, my birth-mother succumbed to the pressure of carrying a child conceived out of rape and found herself at a back alley abortion clinic at the advice of her mother. While standing in front of the man who was going to take my life, my birth-mother changed her mind. She left this clinic and never looked back. Her mother hid her from the outside world. She gave birth to me and never even looked at me. But she gave me the greatest gift I have ever received, on top of giving me my life, she gave me an amazing family. And for that I will forever be grateful. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392216859881_2538" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When someone decides that they are pro-life, they have come to the understanding that this child deserves his or her right to life. They understand that no matter how a child was conceived, whether by two people in some type of relationship, or by the horrible act of rape or incest, the child should not pay the price and be given the death penalty. If someone has an exception for rape or incest, they are no longer pro-life but are pro-choice. We would say that a pregnant couple needs to take responsibility for their actions instead of killing a child to keep the lifestyle they want or need. We would also say that if you get pregnant and are not ready to have a child then adoption is the best option. But what about a child who is not conceived with wine and roses? What if a child is conceived out of a horrible act that man meant for evil? Do we then not look at this child as a child who deserves their right to life? Does this child not have the same rights as a child conceived with wine and roses? If we say that we are against abortion because the child shouldn't pay the price then why are we making an exception for a child whose conception was less fortunate? Glenn Beck often refers to his belief on this subject as we think of the mother who was raped or rather that it would be a difficult decision to make if she was raped. Of course we think about her rights and her emotional state. However, sometimes we get so wrapped up in the emotional state of the woman, we forget that there is an innocent living being inside who has a right to live as well. Glenn, I would like to give you something to think about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since I am a medic I am going to put this in terms I can easily explain.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392216859881_2540" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lets say your daughter is in a horrible two car accident and the person in the other car died. Your daughter was trapped in a car for two hours before firefighters could extricate her. They get her out of the car and discover her right thigh (femur bone) is broken and is protruding out of her leg. This is the biggest, strongest bone in our body. As a medic we put her leg in traction, stabilize her and rush her to the hospital. While at the hospital they run lots of tests and x-ray's. Inevitably they decide she needs surgery. The doctor finally comes in to talk to the family after surgery and says "I have some bad news". Her femur bone is broken but we have stabilized it, put pins in it and she will be in traction for about 6-9 months until it heals. She might have a little bit of a limp for the rest of her life when it heals or she could recover 100%. We just wont know till she is out of traction. Now at this point, your daughters life has been through a traumatic event, she has a leg in traction and her life now is on hold for 6-9 months until her leg heals. What about the emotional state of your daughter? Should she be forced into traction, left to deal with the trauma of an accident that took someone's life and have to put her life on hold for 6-9 months? What if your daughter said, "I just can't deal with all this just cut my leg off so I can get my life back and not have to deal with all this emotional and physical trauma". Will cutting her viable leg off fix the problem? No, she will has to heal, emotionally and physically just like a woman who was raped. 60% of pro-lifers like yourself think the same way you do. But it's time we start realizing that abortion isn't going to fix the rape. The woman needs to heal emotionally and physically and killing her child isn't going to take that away. Bad things happen to good people, but it's never ok to kill a child because of a bad situation.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392216859881_2542" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am a firefighter and a medic from Indiana who saves lives on a daily basis. My life was saved back in 1972 when my birth-mother walked out of that back alley abortion clinic and now I save lives. I have emailed you a few times and I understand that you must be busy but I am asking that you would sit down and have lunch with me. My treat. Let me talk to you from the child's point of view who was conceived in rape. I can show you what man meant for evil, God made for good. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392216859881_2546" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can follow my ministry at my website <a href="http://www.monicakelsey.com/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #196ad4;">http://www.monicakelsey.com/</span></a> or www.facebook/mkprolife</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-29300776903369660622014-01-25T11:40:00.001-06:002016-01-12T14:47:41.773-06:00Forgiving the man who Raped my Birthmother, My birthfather<center>
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When I discovered that I was conceived in rape, the uncontrollable emotions of anger and hatred filled my body for several months on into years. I was literally “out to get” my birthfather and wanted to “make him pay” for what he had done to my birthmother. As I learned to cope with and accept the truth, I eventually realized that the only way for me to be at peace was through forgiveness. Forgiving my birthfather for the circumstances of my conception has proven to be one of the most difficult and emotional periods in my life. Only through the grace of God and the support of my husband was I able to accomplish this.</div>
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On a cold morning in January, I made a surprise phone call to my birthmother hoping to reconnect and answer questions that I have had for many years. A few hours later my husband and I were making the three hour trip in the snow to visit the woman that placed me up for adoption 37 years prior. It was an amazing reunion and she was absolutely beautiful in every single way.</div>
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Monica Kelsey</div>
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After visiting with her for a while, as I was holding my husband’s hand, I asked her “Who is my birthfather?” The look on her face is one I will never forget. Her eyes squinted and an instant look of sadness had overcome her. After a long uncomfortable silence, nothing prepared me for what I heard next. It was like watching a movie about someone else’s life. My birthmother began to tell me about a dark night in 1972 where she was brutally raped and left along the side of the road to die. My heart sank as she was telling me this horrible story. I could not immediately comprehend that she was describing the circumstances of my conception and I kept asking myself, “What does this have to do with me?”</div>
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My husband’s hand started to grab my hand a little bit tighter. She went on to say her mother took her to the hospital and then to the police station to press charges. Her life was in a total tail spin and she was quickly falling into a depression. Then a few weeks later her worst nightmare come true. She found out she was pregnant with me. As my birthmother sat in her living room telling me the graphic details I started to wonder how anyone could do this to another human being. How could this man, or monster was a better word, force a woman against her will?</div>
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With advice from her mother, she went to a back alley abortion clinic hoping to “get her life back” and to forget what had happened. After showing up to this “so called” clinic and while standing in front of the man who was going to take my life, she changed her mind. She left the clinic and never looked back. Her mother hid her from the outside world, she gave birth to me and never even looked at me. She didn’t even know if I was a boy or girl. At this point, I was so angry with this man who raped her, I didn’t even truly understand that he was my biological father. That shock finally hit me for a few days later.</div>
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After accepting the truth I grew more and more angry with my biological father for what he had done. My birthmother fell into a deep depression which led to alcohol and drug abuse for many years. I wanted revenge on my birthfather for his mistreatment of my birthmother and these emotions eventually consumed my life for many months.</div>
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My birthmother passed away in March of 2013. In one of my final conversations with her, I asked how she had felt about my birthfather. Her response was shocking to me. She said, “I had forgiven him a long time ago, he doesn’t control me anymore”. She went on to say that he had controlled her life for so many years and she was finally strong enough to take her life back. She then said something that I will never forget. She said “you need to forgive him and free yourself also”. I smiled after she said this statement, for no other reason than the fact that she knew her daughter and she knew I was hurting.</div>
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Today, I live my life free and realize that forgiveness is the path to righteousness. I pray for him and his family as well. We all fall short of the glory of God sometimes and it’s an absolute blessing that we all have the power to repent because Jesus died for all of us, even my birthfather. My birthmother once told me, “it’s amazing how something so beautiful has come out of something so horrible”. I couldn’t agree more. God sometimes uses our deepest pain to be the launching pad to our greatest calling. I am confident that many babies will have a birthday because of my birthmothers’ story and my courage to tell it!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-29273818692650776362014-01-25T11:38:00.002-06:002016-01-12T14:52:06.665-06:00Ashley and Aiden Update<center>
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Ashley was 14 years old when I read an article about her in the newspaper discussing how she was raped and as a result became pregnant. </div>
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Ashley and Aiden</div>
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From the moment Ashley found out she was pregnant, she knew that carrying her baby to term was her only option. On June 26, 2013, her son Aiden was born and he has warmed the hearts of everyone that he comes into contact with. Throughout the Summer and Fall of 2013, I have had to privilege of getting to know not only Ashley and Aiden but her parents as well. Ashley has a wonderful family and I have come to realize that they are her biggest supporters.</div>
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Ashley's rapist was 17 years old and happened to be a friend of her brother's at the time. He was convicted and charged as a juvenile, so the judge decided to only charge him with molestation. Given that he was a minor, a charge of molestation instead of rape might seem reasonable to some. Sadly, however, this was not his first offense. It was his third. He had been charged with molestation in the cases of two other girls he had raped besides Ashley. He didn't spend any time in jail for his crimes and his punishment was probation, drug testing and sexual aggression classes. Since Ashley's rapist was charged as a juvenile he does not have to register as a sex offender. </div>
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When Ashley went back to school she was shocked to learn that her rapist was allowed to attend the same school with her, as if nothing had ever happened. Instead of removing her perpetrator from the school, authorities gave her the option to go to an alternative school. This seemed unfair to almost everyone, since she is the one who has to make all the adjustments. She plans on returning to the main school as soon as possible. However, until her rapist is removed, she feels attending the alternative school is the best decision for her. </div>
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Ashley's mother and I attended a school board meeting asking for her rapist to be put into the alternative school so Ashley could rejoin her friends. Surprisingly, the board seemed unaware of her situation. Nevertheless they were concerned. As of this time, the school board has not made a decision and Ashley still attends the alternative school. </div>
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In August I invited Ashley to go on a two-day vacation with me and my 14-year-old daughter. Ashley’s mother, Kristi, volunteered to watch Aiden so that she could come with us. Even though Aiden is a blessing for her and everyone in her life I feel it is important that Ashley enjoys life as a teenager should. She didn't ask to be raped, she didn't ask to be a mom, but she has accepted the role that God chose for her. </div>
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Ashley's positive attitude is what makes her so unique, as she is always looking for the best out of every situation. Aiden is growing and has started to try to crawl. He loves his mom, loves to sing and loves to have his picture taken. It is hard to not fall in love with Ashley and Aiden when you come into contact with them because she is so positive. </div>
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Ashley would like to thank everyone for all the prayers and gifts through the last six months. Her family says that the diapers and formula that are being donated are helping them out tremendously. </div>
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Ashley's mom wants to thank everyone publicly. Here is a short message from her. “Thank you everyone for all the prayers and support for my daughter Ashley and my grandson Aiden. Monica from Save The 1 is amazing and has made such a difference in our lives. Honestly without their help I don't know how we would make it through. Thank you all so much from my family and thank you Monica for all the hard work and dedication!!” </div>
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Ashley's advice to young girls is "Always stay strong and remember your not what happened to you in your life, your what you choose to become."</div>
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<em>If you would like to donate diapers, wipes, baby food or formula for Aiden please visit www.MonicaKelsey.com and click the donate button with Ashley and Aidens picture. 100% of donations go to Ashley and Aiden. </em></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-31222502607744529542013-11-08T18:56:00.000-06:002016-11-05T10:36:48.542-05:00The Death of a Son, Saves Two Little Girls<center>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4839" style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4838" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4837" style="font-size: small;">The death of a child is a parent’s worst nightmare. We go through this life believing that our children bury us, not that we will bury our children. That somehow we will always out live our children. But for my parents, their worst nightmare came true. My brother’s death was undeniably the worst day of my parents’ lives. But through the grief of losing a son, God's plan was to save two little girls. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My parents were married on June 27, 1970 after my dad returned home from Vietnam. They had dated for many years and knew they would get married and start a family when he finally returned. My dad always prayed for a son, like most fathers do, to carry on the family name. He would have taken any child that God gave him, and to his excitement he was blessed with a son on June 2, 1971.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4852" style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4851" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4850" style="font-size: small;"> My mom tells me the story of how my little brother, Robbie, was born three years before me and passed away after only living 24 hours. “He was absolutely beautiful and perfect,” my mom says. All 10 pounds, 13 ounces of him. “I know he is in heaven waiting for me and I know he is in good hands.” She points out that she trusted God and his reasoning but never understood it. Today she says “His reasoning is clear”.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4832" style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4831" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4830" style="font-size: small;"> As long as I can remember, my adoption was something I always knew about even though my parents didn't talk about it often. I was one of their daughters, and was never made to feel like anything but. My parents had three children in addition to Robbie. I have an older sister who was adopted also and a younger sister who is their biological child. My older sister was 2-years-old, malnourished and abused, when she was placed with my parents. She was taken from her parents because of abuse and neglect and almost died because of it. I was brought to my parents on June 8, 1973 after becoming eligible for adoption. My parents were told that I was placed for adoption because my birth mother was too young to care for me. Later we discovered that my birth-mother was very young and was brutally raped and as a result became pregnant with me. My older sister and I were chosen by my adoptive parents. My family was then blessed five years later when my mother became pregnant and gave birth to my younger sister.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> When we were young, my older sister used to hook me up to a dog chain and make me drink from a dog bowl. When she started making me eat dog treats I quickly discovered that I was being mistreated. Although the dog treats weren’t bad as they tasted like bacon, I had to tell her enough was enough. My older sister was known for how bossy she was and I was known as the instigator. My younger sister was known as the informer and was sent with me to most parties to fill my parents in when we returned. I am sure you understand my parents’reasoning for sending the informer with the instigator. For some reason it never worked out well for me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4828" style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4827" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4826" style="font-size: small;"> My dad often laughed about having three girls. Living in a huge house with nine rooms and only one bathroom, God obviously had a sense of humor. My dad is thankful now that his three girls are married with families of their own because his showers are hot instead of cold. He often would ask, “Who used all the hot water?” Being the instigator I would speak up quickly and say, “Not me; it was your other daughters!” My younger sister (the informer) would quickly point out that I was in the bathroom for over an hour with the water running. My dad did, however, make sure that our family dog was a male so he didn't feel so outnumbered.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Growing up adopted has provided many emotions that most don’t understand. I felt blessed to be a part of such an amazing family but I always wanted to meet the woman who gave birth to me and thank her for allowing me to be so blessed by an amazing family. I have met my birth mother and I hugged her and thanked her for giving me the gift of adoption. She was beautiful and amazing. She was so thankful that she was able to take her worst pain, and turn it into such a beautiful gift for my parents. </span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4822" style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4821" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383958381767_4820" style="font-size: small;"> My parents continue to love this instigator unconditionally and have been amazing role models for me. They have been married for 46 years and their endless love for each other is truly breathtaking. My mom states today that God's reasoning is clear. She knows that two little girls desperately needed a home with two loving parents and if Robbie wouldn't have gone to heaven so soon, where would her two daughters be today? I used to think that I was a gift from God to my parents, today I realize that my parents were a gift for me. </span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-38452053697822673862013-10-29T19:19:00.001-05:002013-10-29T19:19:34.112-05:00Diamond in the rough!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The odds of finding a diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is less than 1% a year. </span><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383092146819_2505" style="line-height: 115%;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383092146819_2504" style="font-family: Calibri;">This park is known for their motto "finders, keepers." More than 150,000 people a year try their luck at digging for diamonds and less than 600 diamonds are found each year. Some individuals spend their entire vacation and walk away with just wet clothes, dirty shoes, and some dusty memories. But it's the thought of "what if" that keeps people coming back year after year. Some people think it's just luck, but after my visit and amazing discovery of a sparkling jewel among the dirt and rocks, I believe it was truly a sign from above.</span></span></div>
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In March when my birthmother passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57, a part of my life was gone. This facet of my life was over, I thought, as if a part of me died with her. I was angry that God had taken her from me so soon. Even though I reconnected with her 3 years ago and loved every minute of our bittersweet reunion, three years wasn't enough time to get to know the woman who sacrificed so much to bring me into this world. As I sat by her hospital bed holding her hand and praying, she took her last breath. My heart was broken. </div>
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At the age of 17, my birthmother, much to her horror, was violently raped and became pregnant with me. She hid her pregnancy from the outside world and abandoned me at a hospital two hours after I was born. As I spoke at her funeral about the courage, hope, and sacrifice it took for her to give birth to me and place me up for adoption, many of the people in attendance were shocked. Some had no idea that I even existed. I quickly realized that I was this family's secret, my birthmothers "diamond in the rough," if you will.</div>
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After the funeral, I became good friends with a cousin of mine who almost became my sister. My cousins parents (my birth aunt and uncle) knew about the pregnancy and wanted to adopt me, but my birthmother's mother had other plans: First, abortion, and then if that didn't happen, adoption for sure. The adoption was a gift to my adoptive parents, who had been praying for a child for years. My mom and dad are my inspiration, and I couldn't imagine my life without them in it.</div>
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On October 20th, my birth cousin and I traveled to Arkansas, the home of my ancestors, to spend time with some of my birthmother's family. I went to see where my grandparents were buried, and to my shock, discovered my grandfather passed away when my birthmother was pregnant with me. Discovering this news and seeing his tombstone made me appreciate my birthmother's courage and strength even more. First, being raped and then finding out she is pregnant with me, followed by her father's passing would bring anyone to their knees. How strong she must have been! </div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the visit, my birth cousin and I decided to try our luck at treasure hunting at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. This year only 399 people out of 60,000 visitors to the park have uncovered diamonds. After sifting through dirt for two hours, clothes wet and shoes dirty, we decided that my 82-year-old uncle, who tagged along, was tired of sifting through dirt, so we decided to call it a day. I took a short walk around the property, appreciating the gift God had given me. I had prayed for my birth family for years and here I am spending time with two people my birthmother cherished and loved unconditionally. It was the answer to so many of my prayers. As I was heading back up to get my bucket and join my family, I happened to look down and a shining sparkle in the gravel caught my eye. I bent over, brushed the top of the stone off, and picked it up. I knew what it was as soon as I held it up: a yellow diamond. The staff at the park verified it was a diamond and weighed it. Much to my surprise, it was over a half carat. My diamond is number 400 for the year 2013. </span></span></div>
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After arriving back home and gathering my thoughts, I realized that the week with my birth family had been about family, life, and the power of prayer. For so many years, I prayed for a relationship with my birth family. I had faith that when God knew it was time, he would let it shine and sparkle. I had faith that one day I would become my birthmother's "diamond in the rough". My birthmother loved life, the outdoors, and her family, me included. She loved me so much that she gave me what she knew she couldn't--the love and security of an amazing adoptive family. Maybe the visit to the park was a reminder that the light is still shining. That a diamond in the rough is always just a step away! God took my birthmother's deepest pain and turned it into the most precious of jewels--a future of faith and family for her baby. Then He took my pain from her death and turned it into an answered prayer. Thank you, Lord, for my birthmother, her family and her strength, and of course, for the gift of what I thought would be unanswered prayers.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-85466921993109527302013-08-27T18:09:00.000-05:002013-08-29T04:50:08.490-05:00NRLC, we need some answers!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-7"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
was very upset when the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act was
passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June with a rape
exception added to it. Just because I was conceived in rape doesn't
mean my pain scale is different then a child conceived with wine and
roses. The bill originally had no exceptions in it until Trent
Franks' comment during a House Judiciary hearing on the bill on Wed.,
June 12, 2013. Trent stated that he objected to a rape exception
being added because "the incidence of rape resulting in
pregnancy are very low." This not only echoes the voice of Todd
Akin last August, but also much of the leaders of the pro-life
movement who tend to diminish the incidence of pregnancy by rape.
"It's only 1%" is their motto, instead of just standing up
to defend my life and other lives conceived out of rape. </span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">All
of the Democrats had opposed the original bill, but two pro-choice
Democrats were trying to introduce a rape exception John Conyers from
Michigan and Jerry Nadler from New York. Every single Republican
UNANIMOUSLY voted against the rape exception amendment, citing that
too much time would have gone by to justify a late-term abortion for
this exception. This was on Wed., June 12th.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">But
Trent Franks' comments were quickly picked up by every liberal news
media outlet, and by Saturday, we began hearing talk that a rape
exception amendment was being introduced this time, by a Republican!
In fact, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia formally
introduced the rape exception amendment on Monday, June 17th. Then on
Tuesday, June 18th, the bill with the rape exception in it, was voted
on and passed. 6 Democrats voted for it and 6 Republicans voted
against it. 2 Republicans are from Georgia, whose Right to Life
affiliate is a no exception / no compromise organization.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194yui-ie-cursor"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-14"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-15"></a>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">So
how did this bill go from having EVERY Republican vote down a rape
exception, to having nearly EVERY Republican vote FOR a rape
exception? Well, pro-life leadership surely had a role, right? If
there are political consequences like losing a PAC-endorsement,
having their scorecard with NRLC affected, wouldn't that certainly
make a difference? So what would any pro-life organization do? They
would bring in people like me who was conceived in rape to show my
value, to talk them out of supporting the exception. Right? Well I
never received a call and no other member of Save The 1 has received
a call yet either.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div dir="LTR" id="Section3">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv72635831942"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-13"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-141"></a>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I
was shocked to hear recently that a pro-life U.S. Congressman who is
100% pro-life, with no exceptions, voted for the Pain Capable Unborn
Child Protection Act, with rape exception added to it. This is
because he said he was <i><u><b>warned</b></u></i> by National Right
to Life that it would go against his "scorecard" if he
tried to oppose the exceptions by voting against the bill with the
exceptions in it. Why would a pro-life organization risk so much to
pass a bill with exceptions especially when they had the votes a
week before? Does this kind of bologna really happen? Then I
received a copy of the letter sent to all of the pro-life members of
Congress the night before the vote was to be taken on, confirming
that this type of threat was really made. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_76"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-16"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-19"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-22"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-23"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-24"></a>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">For
the past week, I debated blogging on this and publicly releasing the
"smoking gun" letter. Many of my friends are with NRLC
affiliates. I volunteer several days a week at a local affiliate.
These are good pro-life people and I have nothing bad to say about
any of the people who are working for and volunteering for Right to
Life, they are my favorite people on earth! But this strategy from
NRLC is degrading to me and my friends who fight every day to show
the value of a child conceived in rape. It's not becoming of the
pro-life movement and there is nothing honorable about it. Since the
bill did not pass the Senate, it will surely be introduced again in
the next Congress, and the same damaging tactic could be employed
again. And so, I'm posting this letter with great sadness, but I
feel that these tactics are a virus and the only way to be healed
from it is to expose it. So I am posting the NRLC letter below. Now
can anyone say to me that this letter is honorable? Is this
manipulating and threatening? Is it a form of slander to a good
pro-life Congressmen who take an honorable stand against the rape
exception? Do Paul Braun and Rob Woodall of Georgia deserve to have
NLRC tell their pro-life supporters nationwide that these good men
are pro-choice and that they support the killing of babies after six
months gestation? Even if you support compromise, do you support
these tactics? Does Eric Cantor deserve a RTL PAC-endorsement while
Paul Braun and Rob Woodall get trashed? I'd like to hear from all of
you after reading the letter below. Is this what you stand for? Or
does the pro-life movement need to change its strategies and get
serious about protecting all?</span></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="LTR" id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_75">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">--
Monica Kelsey</span></span></div>
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<div dir="LTR" id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_73">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yiv7263583194misspell-26"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_74"></a>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Conceived in rape,
Pro-life Speaker</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------- Forwarded message ----------<u></u>From: <b></b> <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:federallegislation@nrlc.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:federallegislation@nrlc.org"><span style="color: blue;">federallegislation@nrlc.org</span></a>></span><u></u> Date: Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 7:15 PM<u></u>Subject: NRLC scorecard letter on H.R. 1797 (20-week abortion bill)<u></u>To:</div>
</div>
<div class="yiv7263583194im">
<u></u><u></u><u></u> <br />
<div>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_56">June 17, 2013 </span></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_57"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_58"><br /></span></span></td><td><div style="margin-left: 280px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow"><u><span style="color: blue;">(202) 626-8820</span></u></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 280px; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_60">RE: Scorecard advisory on H.R. 1797,<br />the </span><i>Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act</i></span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Dear Member of Congress:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of state right-to-life organizations, urges you to vote in favor of our organization’s top congressional priority for 2013 – the <i>Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act</i> (H.R. 1797).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">NRLC regards this bill as the most important single piece of pro-life legislation to come before the House since the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act was enacted, a full decade ago. H.R. 1797 would extend protection nationwide to unborn children who have reached 20 weeks fetal age (i.e., the sixth month and later), based on findings that by that point, if not before, they have attained the capacity to experience great pain as they are being aborted.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">NRLC urges you to vote for the Rule on this legislation, to oppose the hostile motion to recommit, and to vote for final passage. </span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">NRLC will regard a vote against this legislation, no matter what justification is offered, as a vote to allow unlimited abortion in the sixth month or later – and that is the way it will be reported in our scorecard of key right-to-life roll calls of the 113th Congress, and in subsequent communications from National Right to Life to grassroots pro-life citizens in every state.</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_61"><br />Respectfully,</span></span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 625px;"><tbody>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_64">David N. O’Steen, Ph.D. <br /> Executive Director </span></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_65">Douglas Johnson <br />Legislative Director</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td><div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow"><u><span style="color: blue;">(202) 626-8820</span></u></a></span><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_66" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><a href="mailto:federallegislation@nrlc.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:federallegislation@nrlc.org"><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_80" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">federallegislation@nrlc.org</span></span></a><span id="yui_3_7_2_75_1377521610457_67" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.magnetmail1.net/link.cfm?r=662485503&sid=25310273&m=2738252&u=NRLC_FL&j=14295105&s=http://www.nrlc.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nrlc.org</span></span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-45972575274061584752013-08-14T09:52:00.003-05:002013-08-29T04:55:33.257-05:00Rape victim chooses life despite the circumstances<span style="font-family: inherit;">After I wrote my article about Ashley and Aiden I was contacted by a few people with similar stories. One story however broke my heart. Angela wrote to me asking for help for her friend Mariah, that was raped and now pregnant. The story didn't end there. This girl was brave enough to choose life for her unborn baby against her mothers advice but because of her decision to chose life she was kicked out of her parents house. Mariah was now sleeping at a friends apartment and had been for some time. My heart just broke for this girl who had no support. So I immediately got in contact with her and made arrangements to meet. I met Mariah when she was 29 weeks pregnant and still living with a friend. While we sat at a coffee shop talking, Mariah just cried. Mariah was 17 years old and while at a college party with her friends she was drugged, raped and is now pregnant. Mariah was a virgin and was waiting till marriage. Mariah pressed charges against the rapist and there is a warrant out for his arrest but he is on the run. Mariah's story of courage and strength starts here. Mariah's mother wanted Mariah to have an abortion but Mariah declined. After realizing that Mariah wasn't going to have an abortion her mom suggested adoption. When Mariah let her mother know that she was going to raise her child, Mariah was kicked out on the street and left to fend for herself. Her mother based her decisions to kick her out on how this was going to affect Mariah's younger sister. She was heart broken with the lack of support from her mother. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While talking at the coffee shop we talked about adoption, parenting and her plans for school if she parents. Mariah is a very smart, brave, pretty young girl who I have to say I admire so much. To stand strong about not having an abortion and now wanting to parent she is an inspiration to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday August 11th Mariah moved back into her parents home and has started to work on her relationship with her Mom. This makes my heart smile. Mariah says they have a ways to go but she is hopeful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week when I took Ashley to Cedar Point, I told her about Mariah. Her response "I want to help her". Last night while sitting at dinner with Mariah I got a text from Ashley who was going through all Aidens newborn clothes. These clothes no longer fit Aiden so Ashley is boxing them up for Mariah. Mariah is also going to be raising a son. I am just so filled with joy that all the donations that were sent for Ashley are now going to be helping yet another child and his mother. This is what being pro-life is all about guys. Helping the least of us. I have fallen in love with these two strong girls and the strength that they both are doing what is right. These two girls didn't asked to be raped and certainly didn't ask to be pregnant, but there actions are inspiring. We all could learn alot from them and their sacrifices.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcDO8JW7jNw/UguZGJpQKaI/AAAAAAAAACo/D2FKNWbUg0Y/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcDO8JW7jNw/UguZGJpQKaI/AAAAAAAAACo/D2FKNWbUg0Y/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mariah is now 33 weeks pregnant and is need of donated items. Anyone wanting to donate gently used items please contact me. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNm5kMLcIAk/UYn9wRYCZ9I/AAAAAAAAAAY/6rRKbRbdoHI/s1600/msig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNm5kMLcIAk/UYn9wRYCZ9I/AAAAAAAAAAY/6rRKbRbdoHI/s1600/msig.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-44724320069868913862013-08-06T07:00:00.001-05:002016-01-12T14:33:01.537-06:00My birthfather is a rapist, but that does not define who I am<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04i6KgUNLdw/UgDkkAg-cPI/AAAAAAAAACY/_3Vk0dpMOJ4/s1600/medic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04i6KgUNLdw/UgDkkAg-cPI/AAAAAAAAACY/_3Vk0dpMOJ4/s320/medic.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04i6KgUNLdw/UgDkkAg-cPI/AAAAAAAAACU/_1V_kn29Ky0/s1600/medic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: right;"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span></a>As a firefighter and medic,
I’ve pretty much seen it all. Seeing these emergencies and catastrophes in the
field bring emotions also. But the biggest emotional roller coaster of my life
came when I heard that I was conceived during a brutal act of violence. I never thought
I would hear the words "conceived in rape" when I reconnected with my
birthmother a few years ago. Sitting in her living room and holding my
husband’s hand, we heard the horrible details of a dark night back in 1972. My
birthmother was 17 years old. She was leaving a steakhouse when she agreed to a
ride with a man and his friend. This man didn't take her home, but rather took
her to a dark road a few miles outside of town and violently raped her.
Afterwards, he left her to find her own way home. Bloodied and hurting, she
walked home and went to her room and cried. This night was the start of my
birthmother’s hell!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
The next morning, she confided in her mother and headed for
the police station. Charges were filed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Just when my birthmother started to see some normalcy a few
weeks later, she found out she was pregnant with me. She was devastated. She
wondered, what will people say? Will she be known as the town slut for a crime
she didn't commit? She told me that this is when she fell into a complete
depression. She said she cried for weeks. Then at the advice of her mother, she
found herself at a back alley abortion clinic. She told me she wanted to
"get her life back!" In her mind, if she could make my life go away,
then she could go on with her life like nothing ever happened. So she thought
that having an illegal abortion would get her life back to normal. But after
going to the room and sitting on the gurney where my life would be ended, she
changed her mind. She left there and never looked back. Her mother hid her from
the outside world. She gave birth to me and abandoned me at a hospital two hours after birth. But
she gave me the greatest gift I have ever received. On top of giving me my
life, she gave me an amazing adoptive family! For that I am forever grateful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I started telling my birthmother’s story a few years ago
and the more I spoke about her the more blessed I felt to have been given this
gift of life. It also started to raise questions about my life as to who I am
or why I am here. Questions that I only found justification with the answers
coming from her. We spoke often on the phone and every time we talked I always
came up with more questions that I longed to hear the answers to. Some answers
I don't think I was equipped to hear, and others I longed to know. But for me
to heal and find my value, I needed to hear the truth from her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
On March 6, 2013 at the age of 57, my birthmother passed
away from a urinary tract infection that went septic. For seven days while on a
ventilator she fought for her life and for 7 days I sat beside her praying that
God would give me more time. But God had other plans for her. She was with me
when I took my first breath and I was with her, holding her hand, when she took
her last. I am so humbled that her family allowed me to be a part of their
lives those final seven days. It allowed me to be there to show her how much I
appreciate her sacrifices of bringing me into this world and giving me an
amazing life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I found my value through her story and I have come to peace
with the fact that my birthfather is a rapist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I have been in contact with my birthfather. I asked for his
medical history and a DNA test, which he agreed to. A few weeks later, he had
hired an attorney and he asked me to stay away from him and his family. I have
since started praying for his family so hopefully one day he can find peace
like I have.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
For now, I continue to tell my birthmother’s story of
courage, love and faith. She is the hero and I am the one who received her
precious gift. Before she passed away she told me that its amazing how
something so beautiful has come out of something so horrible. I have to agree
because our relationship was a beautiful thing. As a firefighter, medic and
pro-life advocate, I will continue to fight to save the lives of all,
especially babies conceived in rape.<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></span>You can
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705103796814062061.post-24388477642505250282013-07-11T17:10:00.002-05:002013-08-29T05:00:52.525-05:00Update on Ashley and Aiden<br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://liveactionnews.org/an-update-on-ashley-and-baby-aiden/">http://liveactionnews.org/an-update-on-ashley-and-baby-aiden/</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144759681400203211noreply@blogger.com0