Rayne’s Story

“In 2013 I found out that I was unexpectedly expecting. I was 19 years old and in a new relationship. As you could imagine, that was a scary and confusing time for us. I was alone in Lethbridge with no family and little income, which I used for University textbooks, food, and rent. I didn’t know where to turn. I booked an appointment for us at the Lethbridge Pregnancy Care Centre.

I was nervous going to the appointment but quickly learned that these people cared about us and would help us in tangible ways. Beyond equipping me with baby clothing, nursing covers, a nursing pillow, and further resources to help us through that season; they equipped me with a long-lasting hope. I don’t say that to be cliché. The way they spoke to me and the words they chose to use were out of so much love and genuine encouragement that I hadn’t really experienced before. During that time in my life, hope was fickle and idealistic, and the only thing I expected out of my circumstances was suffering. I was unrooted, ashamed, scared, and disappointed, all the time. And to be honest my journey through those emotions lasted several more difficult years.

Through the quick marriage between my partner and I; to struggles with mental health; to the unexpected passing of my new husband when our baby girl, Rosie, was just 2 years old; all the way to meeting my current husband, things were really hard for me. But what I feel is relevant to share now, is that the hopefulness instilled through my early experiences with the Lethbridge Pregnancy Care Center were pivotal in my ability to persevere through those difficult times. As those experiences showed me a different way of looking at potential and opportunity through adversity. A light at the end of the tunnel, if you will.

Rosie is now 8. And we are happy. In fact we are thriving. She has 3 siblings. An unconditional loving dad. A stable environment to grow up in. And she’s an amazing little artist who has big dreams. I’m so grateful for my experiences with the Lethbridge Pregnancy Care Centre 9 years ago that helped show me what it was like to be supported, and valued, and hopeful.”