The Protector

Alone and afraid I sat there waiting, my heart beating double time and my head spinning in disbelief. Is this the right thing? Should I rise and leave? Why am I here? Tears streaming down my young face, I must have looked hideous when she walked in. I thought she will laugh at me or be cruel and accusing, but no, she smiled and took my trembling hands in hers. Her name was Dorothea and she was the kindest soul I have ever met; truly she was my gift from God. To give birth and walk away has to be the hardest decision a young girl can make…not my own decision at fifteen…but seemed as the only choice I had. She stayed with me throughout the night, wiping sweat from my brow, bringing water, talking and praying with me. She placed him in my arms though that was not supposed to be…she told me he was a gift, a beautiful gift from God and I wept at the thought of separating from him; knowing someone else would watch him grow, calm him at night and see is first footsteps… still the choice was not there for me…there was no way for me at this point.. I left alone and afraid...smaller body and empty arms…my head spinning in disbelief. Did I do the right thing? Should I go back? Then I saw her in the huge cathedral window…smiling and waving…holding my boy up so I could see and I knew it would be okay… She would be sure it was.