He Could Have Been the One
By Sarah McLaughlin, PA Pro-Life Federation's 2015 Essay Contest Winner, Junior High Division
“Spare change? Granola bar? Anything will do.” She asked anyone who would listen. If anyone could be a little generous, she wouldn’t feel like a filthy homeless creature. All the distant memories fled to her eyes and created a downpour. The lady didn’t look up when two muscular, yet gentle arms wrapped around her. She just turned and sobbed into the chest to which they were attached. When the tears subsided, she looked up to see a young man with soft, brown eyes. His dimples implied that he was used to laughing.
“What is your name?” she asked, her weary eyes never losing contact with his.
“Chris. Yours?”
“Izzy.”
“Well, Izzy, I would like you to have my jacket, gloves and this,” handing her a hundred dollar bill, “and buy food and a Bible. Read it and you will see there’s always hope.”
Before she could utter a “Thank you” Chris was gone. Once again, Izzy began to cry, but this time they were tears of hope.
*********
“Ugh. Mrs. Todd isn’t here. We have a sub instead.”
“Joe, you’re so negative right now, and you always wear the same grey sweatshirt and jeans. Weirdo.”
“Hilarious. But I’m just changing things up. Lay off me, really.”
Joe found the substitute. Kind, brown eyes, a healthy build and dimples. ‘What does he have to be so happy about? Is he mocking me with his muscles because I’m fat?’ Throughout class, Joe noticed the sub, Mr. Evansburgh, watching him. At the end of class, Mr. Evansburgh called Joe over.
“Joe, I’ve been watching you throughout class, and you don’t seem healthy.”
“Wow. I know I’m not as fit as you, but seriously. You have no idea what’s going on with me.”
“Not physically, Joe. Are you feeling alright?”That’s what got to him. He began to sob and explain he was physically abused at home. Kids at school had noticed the change and bullied him. The two talked for an hour.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Evansburgh. You saved my life.”
“It’ll be ok. And please, call me Chris.”
*******
Twenty years earlier …
“I can’t do this. I don’t have the money, husband or time,” said Sally, justifying her decision. She looked down to her bulging belly, whispering to her unborn son, “I’m sorry, Chris.”
It was settled. The abortion clinic would help. Curious about the procedure, she searched and clicked on the first article that appeared. It was called “He Could Be the One.” She read it, but it wasn’t what she’d thought it would be. Horrified, she began to cry. She never thought about the clinic again. Chris was born in May.
*******
Unfortunately, Chris’s mother never saw the pro-life article. Chris was aborted. He never got to fulfill God’s plan for him. One trip to the abortion clinic impacted the lives of others. Chris would’ve made a difference, but the choice was snatched from him.
One action changed “he could be the one” to “he could have been the one.”
For additional writing from members and associates of the St. Gabriel Respect Life group, see below:
https://stgabrielcarlisle.squarespace.com/our-pro-life-views-1/