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Things Roe vs Wade Have in Common With Me

On January 22, 1973, in a historic vote of 7 – 2, it was decided to be a woman’s choice to have an abortion. On that day I had just turned one-year-old a few days before on January 18th, I easily could have been a statistic as so many others have since.

Things Roe vs Wade Have in Common With Me

Being born in the early 70’s to parents that could not or would not take care of me, I ended up abandoned and in foster care. I could have been aborted, legally had I been born a year later.  I spent much of my childhood, teen years and even as an adult angry at my biological parents. Anger turns to an unforgiving heart, I turned cold to most everyone around me.

Feeling like I never fit in made me more awkward than a normal boy would be. My social prowess lacked in almost every aspect. I turned to befriend the outcasts, always clinging to the broken and needy.

All of this was to fill an empty hole in my soul, a longing I could not understand a thirst that could not be quenched.

By turning to alcohol and other troublesome behavior, I hoped to bury my pain. A pain of loneliness that I never understood. I had little stability in my life, as I never allowed myself to be happy. I used to wish that I had never been born, maybe my brother was right when he wished I never had been.

What if I were a statistic never born in 1973 instead of born in 72?

Roe vs Wade changed the landscape and future of so many children and their mothers.

I would never have met the love of my life, never would have been married for now over ten years to my best friend. I would have never graduated high school, college or even kindergarten. I would not have the opportunity to share my life in writing and, in turn, hope to make a difference in the lives of others. I would never have had the opportunity to have a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior, or have made so many friends along the way. So many things I would have never been able to do if Roe vs Wade was used against me.

You would never have been able to read this and share your thoughts below, just one more reason to be thankful for each breath that fills my lungs every day.

I know abortion is a hot topic, especially whenever elections come around. By no means am I writing this to get into a political or personal debate on the subject. I acknowledge the rights of every human being both born and unborn and furthermore it is not my place nor yours to judge. While there will be a march for life to mark the anniversary of this decision, there are so many millions that will never have their chance. 

About Charles Johnston

Charles is a Christian, husband and father of fur-kids who shares his walk with others in hopes to help other's along the way.

One Reply

  1. Candace Crosby

    Wow ~ there are no words that are adequate to say what I’m feeling. The emotions that come flooding through bring tears to my eyes. To bare one’s soul takes an immense amount of courage. When you realize children are born every day to parents who could care less explains what is wrong in our country AND in our world. As the child grows and continues to be pushed aside or walked upon, the hurt and anger and resentment begin to mushroom. If someone does not intercede, then alternate lifestyles are chosen. Kudos to you, Charles, for having the faith to continue to search for the meaning in life and continue to improve not only your life, but the lives of others around you. God knew what He was doing when you met your loving spouse, and He continues to bless you both. Your blogging will touch others profoundly and continue to heal everyone who follows you.