In actuality however, the greatest pioneers of the pro-life movement are quiet. They are the people who protect the sanctity of life at every opportunity they get, no matter how small. They take their government given right to choose, and make a choice that isn’t based on their wants or needs, but rather based on the lives they effect, and the lives around them.
I have been to Washington D.C. for the March for Life. I have seen many amazing speakers on the subject, and have heard from both sides of the story. I have gone miles from home to hear from abortion patients, from Planned Parenthood CEO’s, from lawmakers, and from people near and far. But with all of that traveling and learning, I had no idea that the hero and the example of what side of the “Pro-Life” debate I wanted to identify with was here at home.
She had a two year old son at the time she found out she was pregnant with a baby girl. Early on in the pregnancy, she found out that her little girl wouldn’t live for long for she was not developing some vital organs. At that point, a choice was made: they would have their little girl for as long as possible.
No t-shirts with “PRO-LIFE” on them were created. No signs were carried. Quietly, on June 20, 2014, Margaret Grace was born. Later that day, Margaret Grace passed away. Margaret Grace’s quality of life was taken into account from the day she was discovered through the day she passed. She was able to meet her parents, her big brother, her aunt, her cousin, her priest. She was baptized. She had her confirmation. All of this occurred because her parents made a choice to honor the sanctity of her life.
Margaret’s parents are my example. That is the side I have chosen. I haven’t chosen to carry around photos of unborn fetuses, nor have I chosen to learn rape and socioeconomic status statistics… no… I have chosen to follow the amazing example of Margaret Grace’s family and I think that speaks for itself.
Am I Pro-Life? Maybe. Am I Pro-Choice? I’m not certain. But I do know that I am Pro-Example. The example that was set for me in making honorable choices will stick with me for the rest of my life. And for that I am thankful.
Rest in Peace Margaret Grace. You are loved and missed every single day.