Daisha’s Change of Heart
We met Daisha earlier this year when she was referred to us in the beginning months of her pregnancy. Daisha is an amazingly kind woman who is working hard towards her nursing degree at Widener University. Her pregnancy came as a shock and she began to fear it would interfere with the future she had planned for herself.
Helpers Mary Anne and Teri first reached out to her and took her to lunch to talk with her about her concerns and fears.
This is usually how we begin our relationships with our girls. We get to know them, talk with them about their life and then discuss how we can help. Most often these women contemplating abortion are scared and confused. We do our best to help ease those feelings. We reassured Daisha that we would be willing to help support her with housing, school and her life throughout and beyond her pregnancy.
Daisha told us her family was not willing to support her at all with the pregnancy and that some of those closest to her had advised her to terminate the baby, actually going so far as to schedule repeated appointments for her at the Cherry Hill Women’s Center. Thankfully with our help, Daisha found the courage to stand up to her family and stand up for her baby’s life!
Fighting through feelings of worry, fear and intimidation Daisha became a mother who valued her child above anyone’s opinion and despite threats! What a great God we serve! She stood up for life and God blessed her when a close friend’s family took her into their home to live with them. The Helpers took care of health care management and counseled her, giving her a promising outlook at her future. Each time her fears crept back in and she felt alone Teri would reassure her that “when you see this baby’s face it will all be worth it. I promise.”
Encouragement, love and a little support for Daisha was all she needed to be elevated to the point where she resolved to love her baby more than herself. Daisha’s strength and optimism became infectious and the baby’s father, Golden, and their families became so excited about the birth of this new baby, they threw Daisha a baby shower which Teri joyfully attended! The Helpers stood in for family until her own family came around…that is what we do friends!
Alani Desiree-Leigh was born on October 30, 2016 weighing 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measuring 21 inches. As you can see in the pictures she is what her mother and the Helpers knew she was from the beginning…a wonderful gift from God!
“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me;he freed me from all my fears. The oppressed look to him and are glad; they will never be disappointed.” – Psalm 34:4-5