You were only 20 years old when I meet you. You were hired to cover the evening shift in the campus cafe.
I remember on meeting you, how surprised I was to learn just how young you were. You had an air around you that made you, at first glance, seem much older. You had a weariness I wouldn't have expected to see in one so young.
But I took to you instantly. You touched the Mom in me and as I grew to know you I 'adopted' you as a child of mine.
You had so many problems to deal with that it seemed as though life was beating you down. But like a mom, I always tried to offer words of encouragement to you. Sometimes I could only hug you.
I remember we even prayed over your situation together. I wanted you to know just how much God truly loved you.
I think you knew.
I was a sounding board for you. I know that most of the time, you just needed an ear to hear you.
You became pregnant and you felt like it was the last straw, the end of the world. I know the struggle you went through in deciding whether to have the baby or an abortion. You asked my opinion and I gave it. But it was your life and your body, I could only tell you to talk with your family, but most of all to pray.
I prayed.
You decided to have the baby. I remember how excited you were. You had spoken with your mother and grandmother and they were willing to help you. I thanked the Lord for making a way for you. I was so excited for you.
But things happened on the job. Communication and mistakes were made. You were forced to quit.
I always had hope that everything would be okay with you and the baby growing inside you. I was so sorry to suddenly lose touch with you and I missed you.
Now I hear that you and your precious baby have died in childbirth and I grieve for a life that only knew struggles and sorrow to the very end - at 21.
Tamika,
With your babe at your side
you can now rest in peace.
All struggles and heartaches
have finally ceased.
Unspeakable joy
your tears wiped away.
You've made it to heaven
it's a glorious day.
Posted By: Vanessa Humphries
Tuesday, September 23rd 2008 at 10:56PM
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