Emily's Story

Emily and Aidan

Emily Behny

My name is Emily and I found out I was pregnant when I was only a sophomore in high school. I was in a relationship with a boy that I thought I loved and who I thought loved me too.

When I first found out I was pregnant I was mostly scared of what my parents would think and say. After my family got over the shock of the pregnancy they were there to support me 100% in whatever my decision may be. I thought long and hard about my options and I looked at different adoption sites but at the end of the day I knew I could not place my baby for adoption.

I heard about Heartline Pregnancy Center and decided to see what they had to offer. I felt very welcomed there and at peace. Like there was a light at the end of the tunnel for me. I participated in the Earn While You Learn program while I was pregnant.

I gave birth to my son, Aidan, when I was 17 years old. He was a healthy 8 lbs. 10 oz. baby and it was definitely love at first sight. Once I held my son for the first time I knew it was time for me to be the best mother that I could be for him.

I started my junior year of high school only two weeks after giving birth. Leaving my son at Heartline’s daycare program, Teens ‘N Tots, was so hard but I knew he was in good hands. I looked forward to the weekly support groups. It was very encouraging to know I had so much support and to know I wasn't the only struggling high school mom.

It was very difficult being a 17-year-old teenager AND a mom. I had many times where I just cried and felt like I couldn't do it anymore but looking into my son’s eyes gave me strength. I graduated in 2008 with my class. It was the greatest feeling in the world walking across the stage, shaking my principal’s hand and holding my diploma. I had just graduated high school and I was a mother to a 1 1/2 year old! I did it and it felt GREAT!

I ended up going to college that July. My son still continued to go to Teens ‘N Tots while I would drive to Fort Wayne every day for school and then back to take him and home and then I would go to work. It was a busy schedule for a young girl but I did what I had to do and graduated from college.

A lot has happened since then. I met and married a wonderful man. He's a great guy to me and has shown me what true love really is and is also a very good step dad to my son. We bought our first home and welcomed our own baby girl last October.

My life has changed so much in just five years. I've had many obstacles but I've overcome everything. Not by myself of course, but with the help of family, friends, Heartline/Teens n Tots, and lots of prayers! I really feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be in my life. Teens N Tots has been a wonderful support system.”