Lydia
Many individuals and families come to LFCS trying to deal with change. It might be the change created by infertility, or the change of a divorce or a relationship that is struggling. Perhaps they come because of our changing economy or the stress of unemployment. As I greet spring I am reminded of many individuals who have found hope and new direction at LFCS – individuals like Lydia.
Lydia was pregnant with her second child. She had recently separated from her abusive, drug addicted husband. She was alone in raising her 10 year old son and providing financially for their family. Additionally, her pregnancy was deemed high risk due to medical issues. Lydia also had a severe physical disability. She wondered if she should be pregnant much less could she maintain a healthy pregnancy and raise her son. After working with an LFCS social worker she pressed forth and delivered a healthy baby boy.
Lydia is thankful that there were compassionate people at LFCS who could help her through a difficult time. Think how important it has been in all of our lives to know that we have people to love us and stand by us. Spring is a time of year to reflect upon our blessings.
We were also a ray of light for Donna who found herself with an unexpected pregnancy. Donna is a birth mother who made the difficult and emotional decision to make an adoption plan for her son nearly five years ago. Here’s a letter from Donna in her own words — her story is truly heartwarming.
Dear LFCS,
It has been almost five years since I made an adoption plan with your office for my unborn son. He was placed in a wonderful loving home and I am eternally grateful for the caring staff I had met while I was making the hardest decision I ever had to make. I can still remember vividly the day I came in to meet with my case worker, Eileen. She was such a wonderful caring person and we hit it right off.
I would actually look forward to us meeting. I needed to make sure I was completely comfortable in my decision and with her help I knew I was making the correct choice. Eileen referred me to a wonderful counselor to talk to and with the help of both of these wonderful ladies, I was able to choose the perfect family for this little life inside me. As I look back over the years, I cherish the relationship I have with not only my son, but his parents, and the friends I have made with LFCS. Your agency has let me also connect with other birth moms for a support group that is much needed. We have met a few times and it is reassuring to know I was not alone with the feelings I had. It is very reassuring to know other people know exactly what I went through and can relate 100% with the entire process.
As I move on in my life, I hope to continue having a long relationship with LFCS. I would love to be able to talk with other birth moms, continue to be on a birth mom panel and be there for your agency as you were there for me. With much appreciation I want to say one last thing. Thank you for your knowledge, your ever-giving spirit of your staff and for continuing to give me the support I need as a birth mom.
With best regards to you all,
Donna
Many of us who support the ministry of Lutheran Family and Children’s Services do so because God changes lives in Jesus name through this ministry!