My name is Christina and today I can smile. A few years ago, I couldn't say that. I was a girl living without laughter, without hope, without a chance. Growing up in a broken home, my dad wasn't around as much as I would have liked. I started replacing that need for him with boyfriends. At 15 years old, I found myself in an abusive relationship and at 18 years old, I was pregnant. I was too ashamed to tell anyone, so I called the clinic, made an appointment, and had an abortion all by myself. I hid the pain of it deep in my heart, not dealing with it, and eventually masking it with drugs and relationships.
I became a heroine addict, and pregnant again. I thought that if I chose to have this baby it would make everything better. After I had her, I lost custody of her and wound up pregnant again. I felt I had no other option but to have another abortion. I was lost and alone. I thought there was no hope for me. At the point of suicide, I chose to pick up the phone instead of a knife. I was admitted into a program where I learned about forgiveness for others and especially myself. Today I can smile, not only because I have my daughter back, but because I have myself back as well.
"Transforming Troubled Youth Through Christ" - Freedom Village USA
