The shock
I was 15 when I realized I was pregnant. My first thought was that my mom would be so mad at me. I cried and told her through my closed bedroom door. Well she got mad, but then she told me it was okay and we'd figure it out. It was really hard to tell her, but I couldn't figure it out on my own. Some of my friends have babies, but I really wanted to stay in school and maybe even go to college.

The plan
My mom and I went to see a counselor who told me the choices I had. My mom said that they were my choices to make. My boyfriend said he didn't want to be a dad and didn't want his parents to know. That was fine with me. Fewer people to fight about it. So I went home and made a list of things I wanted and things I didn't want. I knew I couldn't have an abortion. I think I'd always wonder if what I did was really right. I also knew I had all these ideas about my life and a baby wasn't ever in the picture. There was no way my mom could help. She was already working two jobs and told me all the time to finish school.

The decision
I had to go back to the counselor and ask a bunch of questions before I decided on adoption. Like do I get to choose the parents? What if they move away? Can I see pictures or send letters? I didn't want to give up all opportunities to know this baby - and I wanted to make sure she knew I was out there and was loving her. When it came down to it my mom works real hard to give me a good life, but she wants more for me. I'd want more for my baby, like a family that can provide a loving and healthy home with stability.