Pregnancy Advice and Free Sonogram Service
1003 South Baxter Avenue
Tyler, TX 75701-2212
Phone: (903) 592-4495
When you are a teenage girl the world of pregnancy is intimidating and lonely. I do not think that anyone can really understand that statement unless they have been there themselves. I can say this. I remember finding out that I was pregnant and only being 18 years old. I felt so alone even though so many people were around me supporting me. The truth of the matter is that no one around me had been there. I had no idea what to do, what doctor to go to how to get on insurance or Medicaid. I was like a deer caught in head lights. The world seemed so empty and I could see disappointment every time someone looked me in the eyes. I felt like there was no one to talk to about my concerns. But there was someone.
As I walked into the Pregnancy Resource Center I thought that I knew what to expect, because I have grown up having relatives work there and my Bible study group even met there at one time. As I walked in I thought I would get the looks of disappointment and condemnation. After all, I grew up in an extremely Christian home, went to a Christian school and I did and still do have a very true relationship with Jesus Christ. How could I screw up? How can I be pregnant? I figured that they would not understand that everyone sinned; I just wore the evidence of my sins under my shirt. I did not just want to be preached to, but I needed to be heard, and understood.
They handed me a couple sheets of paper to fill out, so that they understand where I am coming from. After a few minutes of waiting, they led me to the small bathroom and handed me that small cup to fill up for the pregnancy test. As I figures the test was positive and instead of words of condemnation, they offered an embrace of love. I had no idea how I was going to face the world, but right at that moment I felt loved and cared for. After they quickly talked to me about my plans of parenting, adoption and discouraging against abortion (which was never ever an option), they let me talk. They answered questions of how to break the news or where to go from here; they ended my time by praying for me. I knew I was going to raise my now two year old daughter, I just did not know where to start. Since I had no insurance they talked to me about how to get on Medicaid and where to go for the best health care. They gave me numbers and even made a few calls for me. I was great to have a little understanding of how to start my new life with this child.
After a couple months they asked me to come back in for a completely free sonogram. That day was one of the most memorable days of my life. I was preparing for my wedding that was going to take pace in a coupe weeks, through all the chaos this day seemed to slow everything down. As I was asked to lie on the padded table, I began to get anxious to see my child. The room was packed by my family and my now in-laws. This was the first day I saw my little girl. I knew she was real. I saw her hear beat, her hands moved, and her legs kicked in excitement. It was almost like she knew I was watching her. When the lady told me that my child was a girl, tears quickly filled the room. I loved her more at that point. I could not afford a sonogram at that point, but the Pregnancy Resource Center in Tyler Texas made it possible for me to see my little girl for the first time.
To this day, I am very thankful for the help that the Resource Center offered to me. I am only one of the many young girls that they support. The women that work there do not do this for a paycheck. They volunteer everyday because they want to help the young women of our society, and to make a difference. Every pregnancy test is free, and every sonogram is free, and run by professionals. They are there for you. To show the love of Christ to women of all ages. I have heard many stories of woman whose lives were changed because they decided to go to the Pregnancy Resource Center. I am just one of those women.