?Our stories of mothers who have said yes to the lives of their children motivate many of our followers to send us their own testimonies of their experiences with unexpected pregnancies or in crisis situations,? said one of Bogota?s 40 Days for Life team members. ?This is one of them.?

?I was a teenager who was the perfect daughter, in a family that was not so perfect,? recalled this young woman.

?I always did well at school, outstanding grades, no problems of discipline ? was very wise and obedient in my house. As I am an only child, my parents always expected only the best of me,? she said.

Her life changed dramatically when she was 16. She learned that she was pregnant.

So much for the perfect daughter, she thought. Everyone would be so disappointed in her, especially her mother.

?I cried for hours, not knowing what was going to happen with me. The only thing I was sure about was that I wasn't going to end the life of my son. Abortion was never an option for me.?

The young woman was overcome with thoughts of how she would deal with her family, her boyfriend?s family, her school friends ? but nothing would convince her that abortion would solve her troubles. ?Thank God, that's always been so clear.?

Ten years ago this month, ?God blessed me with the best gift ? a spectacular baby spectacular who came filled with smiles and love to those around him. It was all better once he was born. The two families were happy. The suffering and fear were gone, and I graduated from school.?

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It's been ten years full of challenges, she said, ?but I feel blessed to look at those green eyes full of life each and every day. Saying yes to life was the best decision I could make, despite the fear and the circumstances.?

This mom understands that every life is a gift from God. ?My son has taught me to be a better person, to strive every day to be the best version of myself, to be their best example, to be the best mom I can be for him.?

She has no doubt that ten years ago, she made the best decision possible by saying yes to life.

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David Brandao, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

With 40 Days for Life, David wears many hats. Prior to joining the 40 Days for Life team, he was an award-winning radio and TV journalist. He has also served as a board member for a pregnancy help center and as publications director for a major national pro-life organization.