But three months later I realized that my night of drinking had very serious consequences. My pregnancy test had a blazing positive sign. My heart sank. I panicked. I was just beginning college. One of my options was an abortion. Not only would my family never accept my being pregnant, but I wasn't even sure who the father was. After weeks of agonizing, I did make an appointment for an abortion.

The technician explained that I was too far along for a suction abortion and would have to travel to another state for a late-term abortion. I began making arrangements for the trip - but luckily, God had another plan. My dorm director convinced me that this was not the best thing for me or my baby.

And so, after a great deal of research, I found a reputable adoption agency. I prayed that God would help me find a good family for my baby. A wonderful couple, who were everything that I had prayed for and more, had applied. My caseworker rushed their application through.

Soon I delivered a healthy baby boy. As I looked down into that beautiful face, I knew I had made the right decision. I knew that his new family could provide all the things I could not, and I was suddenly at total peace with my decision. Two days later I left my baby behind. That was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I have never regretted it.

I now receive letters from this couple thanking me for such a wonderful gift. They say they cannot put into words the love and happiness they feel having their own son. He's the light of their life, and it makes me very happy and completely at ease with my decision.

I did finish college, married, and started a family of my own. My happiness now is my reward for sacrificing my happiness then for the sake of my child. I have no trouble looking at my own child and remembering the child I gave to someone else. I am proud that I put my child's interests ahead of my own, that I gave my son the chance at a better life, instead of ending it before it started.

-- Angela