As 2018 winds down we are reflecting on the things we hold most dear. To close out the year we want to showcase a “Top 10” list of what we love about Exhale, here are some of our favorite things:
Here are some of the things you added!
- As an Exhale peer-counselor, I love that the talkline is a safe and non-judgmental space where callers can be their full, unfiltered selves. It’s so rare to have a space like this.
- Exhale taught me that there is more gray area in between harsh ideologies than we all probably imagine. It gives me hope that we can build empathy and understand each other better.
- Being available to all who need your services
- Exhale reminds me that there are people, even during this very divisive time, who are open to hearing challenging narratives and responding with love and acceptance.
- Exhale grants the freedom to tell your own story on your terms and validates whatever feelings you might have about it.
- A breath of fresh air during the right to life and pro-choice chaos.
Christina says
I discovered this site via TED talks pod. I had an abortion about 16 years ago. I was divorced and had a teenage son. I was in a serious relationship. Twenty eight years ago I had uterine ablation surgery and was told I could not ever get pregnant again. Well, I got pregnant. I was told that because of my compromised uterus and my age, I would not be able to carry a child full term. I was also told that I ran the risk of severe complications and possible death if I decided to continue the pregnancy. I could not take that chance. I had a minor child that depended upon me. My partner, and later husband, was an anti choice zealot, but understood the risk and realized that I was willing to end our relationship because I was NOT going to risk my life. I had the abortion. After my husband and I married, my abortion became a knife that he stabbed me with whenever we had an argument. He seriously believes that he is morally superior to me because I had the abortion and believes that I should have taken the chance of death since God chose to make me pregnant. Our marriage continued to deteriorate for many different reasons and we eventually divorced. I have not told anyone about my abortion because I don’t want to be judged by anyone, particularly anyone who has not been pregnant and/or faced the possibility of death if they tried to carry full term. Like the old saying goes, walk a mile in my moccasins. I have come to terms with my decision. I will face St. Peter when the time comes, provided he exists. I am thrilled to have found this organization!