Life must go on
Dianne Mayaka was 21 when she conceived. She had not planned to have a baby at that time. Unfortunately, it happened immediately after she graduated from college. A job opportunity came her way and passed because she was already pregnant. She had missed a lifetime career opportunity. She felt devastated. Her boyfriend whom she had thought would support her did the exact opposite. However, Dianne is bold and wants to move on with life. She says, ‘Life has to continue. As long I have the support of my family, I will move on. ‘I was extremely shocked when I got pregnant. I could not believe it. I knew my menstrual cycle so well that when I missed my periods in April, I became suspicious right away and went for a checkup which turned out positive.
It was a moment of devastation, having just completed college and looking forward to quick entry into a bright career. At that time, an international airline I had been eyeing was recruiting its flight crew from Kenya. As much as I had desired such an opportunity, I knew it was now beyond my reach!
When I told my boyfriend about the pregnancy, he was equally shocked, which did not help matters. He had not expected and therefore did not accept the pregnancy. The only thing he was worried about was his own career. We were in college together and had dated for about seven months.
Breaking the news of the pregnancy to my church members was very hard especially because I was in the worship team. I did not know how to approach my pastor.
I must admit that the pressure and fear of breaking the news to everyone got me temporarily thinking of an abortion. I confided in my best friend, who was also our worship team leader, and that saved the situation. After her reassurance I was strong enough to talk to my pastor. I felt that I had let the worship team down.
After giving me his ear, the pastor consoled me that with time I would begin to see the baby as a blessing. His understanding comments gave me the confidence to break the news to the rest of my colleagues in church. I also discussed my predicament with my sister. Although clearly stunned, they encouraged me and promised to support me.
Finally I had to deal with the toughest of all situations-telling my father. My mother passed away during the 1998 Nairobi bomb blast and I was living with my father. I dreaded his reaction and pleaded with my sister not to tell him. So we kept mum!
One fateful day, however, I fell sick and was taken to hospital. I was put on a drip because I was dehydrated. When, my dad came to see me at the hospital the following day, the doctors told him the truth! I waited with abated breath. Surprisingly, he took the news positively and has been very supportive. Later I moved out as I felt uncomfortable living in my father’s house while pregnant.
When I was two months pregnant, I noticed some spotting. I got very worried because I thought the baby was threatening to come out just after I had told everybody that I was pregnant. I had gone to visit my dad at the time and he got very concerned when I explained to him what I was going through. He called my aunt and a neighbor and they rushed me to the hospital. The doctor, however, said that what had happened was normal and common during the first trimester
My best moment was when the baby was kicking. The first time I felt the baby kick I was so thrilled that I smiled the whole night. I could not believe the sensation was real and that the baby was actually alive inside me.
END: PG 11/ 24