Reply #28: I never saw this coming. [View All]

[dmr]

Truly, I did not. It wasn't until Sunday that the anger fully hit me; and it wasn't until Monday that I was able to talk about it.

My reproductive years are over. I have nothing to worry about. Yet, having lost a friend from a botched backroom abortion, and another who nearly died from bleeding & infection, those awful days has left a scar seared in my heart and mind that I want no one else to experience.

I've always been thankful that if there should ever come a time that I or someone I care about needed this service, it was legally and safely available.

Pregnancy is an intensely personal moment in a girl/woman's life. While she may gain advice from others, the moment must ultimately be between her and her physician - for whatever the reason(s)!

I had a discussion with my 20 year old (liberal) son this past Monday, and to my dismay, he agreed that he didn't want his tax dollars paying for someone's 'mistake'. He left me momentarily speechless! He went on to say that anyone can come up with the few hundred dollars if they had to. Just like that. Easy as pie! Just sell something! That's all.

He was reluctant to hear my words. He only saw the pregnancy as a mishap, and he didn't want to pay for it. And he thought I was over-reacting.

I needed to calm down. I was angry at him, and I was hurt. How could my son, the liberal champion, be so cold-hearted and cruel? We had some heated exchanges - very, very unusual for us.

I realized he was just ignorant, falling for the bullshit that has been used as talking points throughout the years. That, despite my influence, he is still a product of a post-Reagan world of materialism.

He and I have talked about this throughout the week. He told me my reaction to him rattled him so badly he couldn't sleep. He wanted to know why. Was I exaggerating or what?

Earlier today he asked me if I knew MadFloridian & if I ever looked at her journal. Yes, of course, she's a favorite of mine.

"Mom" he said, "I couldn't believe you called me an ignorant man, but I get it now. I get what you meant that things are not always as they seem. Thank the mad lady in Florida."

I thank you too Mad. And I thank my son who was intellectually curious enough to do the research.

You never know whose life you touch here, MF. You touched ours, and I thank you.