By Sarah Terzo
Editor’s note. My family and I will be on our vacation through August 27. I will occasionally add new items but for the most part we will repost “the best of the best” — the stories our readers have told us they especially liked.
Eduardo Verastegui, who starred in the movie Bella, told the following story:
“I decided to go to an abortion center to see if I could learn more about what women think and feel when faced with a crisis pregnancy and considering abortion.
I arrived that morning, and quickly forgot about the film. I was in shock when I saw all these young ladies – 15, 16, 17-year old girls – going into the abortion center with those sad faces, with those tears. It broke my heart, especially since I was not trained to help.
Then I saw a small group of people outside, trying to convince these girls not to do it, not to have an abortion. I went up and told them, ‘I’m here to help.’
Next thing you know, a lady came to me from the group and said, ‘You know what? This couple is here for an abortion and they don’t speak English. Do you want to talk to them?’ I jumped – Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay (Oh my gosh!) – what am I gonna say… I didn’t want to sound like I didn’t know what to say…so I said, ‘Sure…I’ll help’
Next thing you know, this couple was in front of me – a very, very poor couple from Mexico. They didn’t speak English – but they asked, ‘Are you Eduardo from the telenovelas?’ ‘Yes, I’m Eduardo…’ and that began our unforgettable conversation. We ended up talking for 45 minutes – about life, about faith, about Mexico, about their dreams, about their jobs – about everything. I gave them a little teddy bear and a little carriola (stroller) – and the woman started crying. I also gave them my phone number and told them to call if they needed any help – then they left.
Soon after, I went to New York to film ‘Bella.’ Then, several months later, back in Los Angeles, I received a phone call from the man I met with the pregnant lady in front of the abortion center. He said, ‘Hello Eduardo – this is Javier, and I have great news. My boy was born yesterday! I want to ask your permission – I would like to name him Eduardo.’
I just put the phone down – I couldn’t even talk. It’s the most emotional thing I’ve ever done in my life. It changed my life.
It was beautiful. I went to the hospital to meet them and see the baby. A few weeks later, I was holding little Eduardito in my hands. It was beautiful.”
“Bella” star Eduardo Verastegui saves baby!” LoveMatters.com Advertising Supplement Vol. 14, 2008 ed.
Editor’s note. This appeared at Clinic Quotes and is reposted with permission.