I grew up in a house that was filled with all kinds of turmoil during my teenage years, and by the time I got into my later years of high school and then on to the “freedom” of college, some serious rebellion had set in. The number of mistakes I have made over my lifetime are too numerous to list, but I am here to share that life is full of second chances! While we can’t change what has happened in the past, I firmly believe we can make better decisions about our futures. I believe this because I have lived it!
Are you reading this blog today because you’re dealing with a pregnancy mistake? Perhaps you are looking for an accurate free pregnancy test in Chicagoland? Or maybe you already know the test is positive, and you’re needing to take some next steps, like a free consultation including abortion and pregnancy information. If you have questions, we hope you will contact Avenue Women’s Center today.
By the time I got into college and for several years after, I was in full-on party mode. Looking back, I almost can’t believe all the bad choices I made during that period, but I will focus on one in particular right now. During my second year of college, I had been seeing a guy for a little while. I liked him ok and we were just having fun. Then one month, my period was late. I waited and I waited some more. We started taking about what we would do if I was pregnant. He said he would support keeping the baby, but I wasn’t sure how much I even really liked this guy, let alone loved him and wanted to be connected to him for the rest of my life. On top of that, with all the turmoil already going on in my house, there was no way I could tell my parents about this. They had enough troubles of their own and I was pretty sure I would no longer be welcome in my house if this turned out to be true. Well, long story short, in the end I did end up getting my period. End of story, right? Well, not really. I’d like to say that I turned things around immediately after that, but it took some time yet before I finally realized that I could continue down my path, or I could turn things around and start making better choices for my life.
Sometimes I think that I’d like to go back and erase all those mistakes I’ve made in my life and start over. But then I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for, because I did finally realize that the choice to live a healthier lifestyle is up to me. And all those bad choices I made in my own past have made me a more compassionate person for the people I encounter in my life today, whether it be in my family, among friends, or in my work here at Avenue Women’s Center.
Looking back, I don’t know what my younger self would have done if I had been pregnant, but I DO know, without a doubt, that I could have used a compassionate and nonjudgmental ear like the ones I see day in and day out here at Avenue Women’s Center.
At Avenue Women’s Center, each of us comes with our own histories and struggles. We understand that you do too. Some women are worried about pregnancy, but end up with a negative pregnancy test. Others have a positive pregnancy test, but learn that the pregnancy is ending naturally on its own via miscarriage. Still others face a viable pregnancy and make decisions about what to do about it – hurry forward or research carefully; continue or terminate the pregnancy; keep the secret or share the news – everyone makes the best decisions they can.
If you are facing your own struggles today regarding an unplanned pregnancy, please know we are here to help. We would be honored to assist as you move forward in the path you decide is best for you. We trust that some day, you will be the woman who’s looking back and appreciating all she’s been through, her own second chances, and who she’s become as a result.
Avenue Women’s Center has locations in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, and Wood Dale, Illinois. At each location, any one of our pregnancy consultants would be glad to help you in your own unique situation. Please call or text us today. We are here to help you!
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.