First Fruits Friday - My Why
Everyone who works or volunteers for Seneca has their “why.” This week our blog was written by our Operations Manager, Karen Geis, who shares her “why.”
Philippians 4:13 I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me
Growing up I had aspirations of becoming a singer. Dorothy from “Wizard of Oz,” to be exact. Any chance I had, I would perform, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for house guests. If we were on vacation as a family I would prepare musicals (The Wizard of Oz or Sound of Music) for my siblings and myself to perform in front of our parents and grandparents.
As I got older, my love of music grew with me. I sang in any choir I could possibly join in church and once I was in middle school I joined the choir there. This was a new, private school. The choir program was not yet fully organized and established. I wanted to grow “professionally” however, and I knew that would not happen under this circumstance.
I began taking singing lessons in hopes I could start competing in vocal competitions.
My plans were off to a great start, and before I knew it I was transferring from my small private school to the high school with the #1 choir program in the State of Oregon. I sang in the Jazz choir and the chorus. I competed at many vocal competitions. I was on my way to achieving my dream.
Let me backtrack one year. I met a boy. He went to that high school. I became pregnant just as I was beginning to achieve my singing goals.
I won’t go into details, but the bottom line is that he was set on aborting our child. When I refused, he told me adoption was my only other option, else he would deny paternity. At 16 years old, I was not strong enough to stand up for myself.
I continued my pregnancy and on April 27, 2000, I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl. I held her, and there was no way I could, or would, ever let her go.
With my parents' unending and loving support, I brought her home and raised her. She went through high school with me, I graduated with a diploma a year early. She came to college with me and I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences. Then, she traveled with me where I met and married a military man years later. Together, our journey continued.
She is my “Why.”
Last week I encountered a teenager heading to the abortion facility. She was too far along and came into Seneca. I was the staff member who was graced to initially meet her. I showed her a high school Senior picture of me and my one-year-old daughter which I proudly display on my office wall. Tears began to stream from both of us. I shared my story. She found hope.
I may not have become a famous singer - at least not yet. However, I am a proud Mom of four beautiful daughters now. A proud Mom who is blessed beyond measure, and who has the incredible honor, to sing at my “why’s” wedding next month. :)
