Dear John,
There are only hours left before the deadline for our goal to find 30 more monthly donors, and I wanted to reach out to share a story we received recently.
One of our faithful monthly donors, Ben, recently responded to one of Lila’s emails, sharing a beautiful story of how he encouraged another dad - and saved a life! Here’s what he shared:
Hey Lila,
Thank you for reaching out. When I got your email a week ago, I just scanned it and thought, “I don’t think I’ve been much of an activist or a real fighter for the cause other than my small donations. But as I reflected, I have one small experience to share.
Several years ago, I was managing a sales team in SC. One of our sales guys came into one of our weekly meetings and seemed subdued. He was normally very happy and positive so it caught my notice. After the meeting I asked how he was doing and he said that he found out that a girl that he used to be in a relationship with was pregnant with his child.
He said that he wasn’t ready to have a kid at that time and that he wanted nothing to do with the mother. He said that he was encouraging her to get an abortion and that she was thinking about it. He said that he was wanting to pick her up that day and take her to a clinic.
I knew that this person was a good person, believed in God and wasn’t thinking clearly. I listened to him and asked questions.
When it felt right, I told him that I believed in him, that he was a good man, that I’d seen him make other decisions with coworkers that demonstrated to me his goodness.
I then told him that there is nothing that will make him a better man, better salesman, better friend, better in every way, than being a father. I told him that it was the greatest joy of my life to be a Dad and that I knew he would deeply regret it later if he and his former girlfriend chose to end the life of their little baby.
I told him that his little baby would be the best thing that ever happened to him. I told him that this little baby would be his best friend, would always love him and would make every aspect of his life better. He seemed to change in the conversation at some point.
He seemed happier though he didn’t commit to me that he wouldn’t still pursue the abortion, he seemed like he was thinking more clearly. I asked him to take it to God and not make the decision rashly.
The next week for our meeting, he came straight up to me and said, “Ben I told her (his ex) that I don’t want her to have an abortion and I will help her take care of it. We’re not getting back together, but I told her I will help take care of the baby.” The whole office was excited for him. I moved shortly after this and lost contact with him.
I recently (because of your email) went back through his photos on FB and found a photo of him with his baby. His son is now 5-6 years old. I believe he has 2 or 3 more kids :). Based on his other pictures, he loves being a Dad. I knew he would!
Thank you for the reminder that we can all make a difference.
I know my contribution is small, but I’m committed to the cause for the long run. I feel passionate about a lot of topics and political issues Lila, but nothing am I more passionate about than the fight for life and the protection of the unborn. Thank you for all your doing.
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