About two years ago two lovely girls started attending our small Quaker church. T, tallish dark haired, and E, short blonde, and they both played classcial bass. E sort of looked up to T. T’s mom is a bit of manic depressive, but ok now, but T worries she’s got mom’s tendencies (you know, she’s neurotic, but what classical musician isn’t?)

T went to the Ukraine to study under a master bassist, but came back, too strange and just before the political poisoning debacle. Decided to go to George Fox College and dabble in the sciences.

E went to Northwestern. She’s plain looking until she smiles and then the whole world lights up. She’s brilliant, has scientist parents. And we don’t see her too often anymore. Sigh.

T had some traumas but finished her first year at GFC. And her big announcement in early summer, “I have boyfriend.” Really, has gotten her out of her self pity mode. That’s good.

BUT

today, she shared in church, “Well, it’s a wild ride I’ve been on and it just seems to get wilder. I’m pregnant. Due on April 3. My boyfriend is moving up her and we’ll both be attending Seattle Community College.”

She’s only 20ish, this is obviously not planned, and she obviously feels totally stupid. On the other hand, the guy at least seems to be staying in the picture (and marriage, I think, is a stupid idea at this point because they’re both nut cases). Do the right thing, bring up the kid, have your own lives if you must.

So there was a big group hug of pregger Oliva and weeping T and the pastor and the women and a few guys and lots of praying,

“Hey, we love kids. May not be the direction you planned but trust in God and don’t worry sweethearts, we’s hear to help you. We’s loves babies.”

Or dialect to that effect.

T is a strange and wonderful person, but somewhat delicate emotionally. I think she realized today how much we love her and want her to just go ahead and do what needs to be done and be happy about it. Yes, you won’t be rocket scientist in 4 years, but several people shared this:

Sharon finished law school while pregnant

Patty finished art school preggers and then toddler.

Cheri finished college pregnant and toddler

A year ago I would have worried about T’s ability to handle this, but I think she’s matured just enough to realize she has everybody’s support, and this will modify her plans, but doesn’t destroy them, and she’ll definitely a new adventure/challenge.

Today at just over one years old, Sophia, the daughter of Tim and Rose, arrived in church in a very summery sporty outfit and, Glory be, the little tykess is walking!!!

And talking. Dwayne got down to her level and was trying to entice her to walk to him and let go of the pole she was holding on to.

Head shake no, then looks around him, and points to Dad, “DA!”

Even old curmudgeons can appreciate cuteness.