Tiana Sakr
Getting the facts to help women make an informed decision in pregnancy.
Significant Date
- Font size: Larger Smaller
- Hits: 8586
- 71 Comments
- Bookmark
January 22, 1973 had quite an impact on my life, even though I was not yet born. It was the day that abortion was legalized in the United States, which ended up making it easier for mom to abort in '95. But January 22, 2006 had an even bigger impact on my life, for that was the evening that mom bravely shared her testimony with us. There was instant sadness, but no tears. In part because I am really not comfortable with my emotions being visible, but also because I didn't want to add to mom's pain, which was so obvious. Despite that, she was open for questioning, leting us know, among other things, that she had named the baby Joseph Michael, as well as the date of the abortion (2/14/95). As hard as it was to hear, these details actually made things easier to handle in some ways, so I deeply admire the strength she showed.
Prior to finding out about Joey, I had dealt with numerous losses as a nursing home volunteer, and while they definitely hurt, I was able to move on fairly quickly. I assumed it would be like that with him, especially because I hadn't even known about him and the death was so many years earlier. Plus, some of it was wishful thinking, so I wouldn't have to feel such strong and painful emotions.
A decade later, I see how wrong I was. But you know, as rough as it's been, and still is at times, I don't regret going through that pain. It has opened my eyes in multiple ways for which I am so grateful and there have been some amazing blessings! :)
I will not get into all of them in this post, but one of the ones I am most excited about is that I am now an advocate! Through this blog, my facebook pages and group, etc I get to be a voice for siblings. The kind that I very much longed to find when I was first ready to find help. I was shocked by how little was available for and about us at that time, even among those who offered post abortive counseling. Silent No More (SNM), Rhode Island and Lumina were the only ones I could find, speaking up for and reaching out to others like me, but both were across the country, unfortunately. With mom's permission, a pen name of sorts (Susi O Fanabba, short for 'surviving sibling of an aborted baby'), and the encouragement of those at Silent No More, I wrote my first testimony. That in and of itself was healing, as a lot that I had been repressing came out. I sent it to SNM and to Theresa Bonopartis at Lumina, who was coordinating a retreat day for siblings, a few weeks from that time. I knew I was not going to be able to make it, but hoped that it could be read to the other siblings at least. To my shock, she wrote back with an invite to attend, and offered to help me figure out a way to get there. WOW! I was instantly nervous! Not just about traveling, but about the day itself. Could I handle being in such an emotionally charged environment? Would I be able to keep my own emotions in check or would I have a public breakdown, etc?
Despite these worries, I said yes and am so glad I did. While it was very physically and emotionally draining (no tears though), it brought amazing healing! To start with, Theresa kept it small, only 7 of us total. 5 siblings, a chaplain and her. We all had a very generous amount of time to share our stories, in a comfortable, home-like setting, with hardly any interruption or fear of judgement, mockery, hurting our parents, etc. When my turn came I imagined I would give just a brief account, especially because I was shy and worried about a breakdown, but nope!! Even more came out than what was in the testimony!! For the first time, I was with others who could relate to my loss and found it so freeing :D 5 people, from different backgrounds, finding common ground and healing together!
That day was over too quickly! But the healing and joy that came have not left! Nor have the friendships. We are all very busy with our own lives but still find time to reconnect with each other, for which I am grateful. What's rather sad to me though, is that so few post abortive sibs can relate to the healing I've experienced and I want to do my part to help them. The main ways I have done this are through sharing my own story, in the hopes that it brings awareness to our pain and issues and inspires those who can to start programs and such for us. Also, by starting and maintaining this blog, which has a growing number of testimonies, most of them anonymous, and through my private group on facebook, just for siblings. It's been such an honor to hear from some, including post abortive, that my efforts are helping bring healing and awareness!
There have been some awesome changes in the last 10 years, that I am looking forward to seeing what the next 10 bring :)
Comments
-
Saturday, 09 March 2019I finally found great post here.I will get back here. I just added your blog to my bookmark sites. thanks.Quality posts is the crucial to invite the visitors to visit the web page, that's what this web page is providing. MHR Writer
-
Wednesday, 20 March 2019
Great post. Articles that have meaningful and insightful https://www.assignmentuk.co.uk/write-my-assignment comments are more enjoyable, at least to me. It’s interesting to read what other people thought and how it relates to them as their perspective could possibly help you in the future.
-
Friday, 12 April 2019
All your hard work is much appreciated. Nobody can stop to admire you. Lots of appreciation.
Cute maternity clothes -
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. click site santaclausgreeting.com
-
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
In order to help the business community, our team of domain experts at ProfitBooks published various articles on GST registration, invoicing, return filing, compliance rating, composition scheme and much more.. online shopping pakistan
-
Thursday, 18 April 2019
Thankful such an awesome sum for sharing this glorious information! I am envisioning see more posts by you. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one Sons Of Anarchy Biker Vest Great Job, I greatly appreciate that. Do keep sharing!
-
Saturday, 20 April 2019
I finally found great post here.I will get back here. I just added your blog to my bookmark sites. thanks.Quality posts is the crucial to invite the visitors to visit the web page, that's what this web page is providing.
Balloons -
Wednesday, 24 April 2019
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. banpresto dragon ball z
-
Sunday, 28 April 2019
Thanks a lot for sharing us about this update. Hope you will not get tired on making posts as informative as this. Erasers
-
Sunday, 28 April 2019
Thanks a lot for sharing us about this update. Hope you will not get tired on making posts as informative as this. Erasers
-
Monday, 29 April 2019
I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike other blogs I have read which are really not that good.Thanks alot! Plates
-
Monday, 29 April 2019
This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it Sharpeners
-
Wednesday, 01 May 2019
Well we really like to visit this site, many useful information we can get here.
Laptop Repair Dubai -
Wednesday, 01 May 2019
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. Tin box
-
Thursday, 02 May 2019
I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy.
Tyre Shop Dubai -
Thursday, 02 May 2019
Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! Action figures
-
Friday, 03 May 2019
Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I'm happy I found this blog. Captain Marvel Bomber Jacket
-
Friday, 03 May 2019
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Coloring books for kids
-
Saturday, 04 May 2019
Interesting topic for a blog. I have been searching the Internet for fun and came upon your website. Fabulous post. Thanks a ton for sharing your knowledge! It is great to see that some people still put in an effort into managing their websites. I'll be sure to check back again real soon. Addams family
Component of the abortion is dealing with all issues and management of the themes for the individuals. The reign of the abortion and best essay writing service has been struck for the fulfillment of the goals for the humans. The theme is identified for the ladies of respect and honor.