my dad told me and my sisters that if any one of us got pregnant, don’t bother coming home. i got pregnant at 18 years old, in college while using an diaphragm.

i thought i was being responsible. by the time i realized i was pregnant, my “boyfriend” was sleeping with my roommate. i found an abortion clinic and scheduled the procedure without any doubt. a close friend was to drive me there, but the night before she said that she couldn’t take me and that i should have the baby. i called another friend who without hesitation came and drove me and stayed with me the next day. i have never once regretted my decision. that was 37 years ago and i now have 3 daughters who know that they can always come home.