Randall's Position On Right to Life
My mother (Leona) was born on May 14, 1928 in Mobile, AL. Her mother (Beatrice Petite) was an unwed mother (age 16). I'm glad that Beatrice made the choice to allow Leona to be taken in by relatives (and ultimately, adopted).
Leona (age 11) holds a cousin (baby Melvin) in Mobile, AL
Leona was raised with her relatives in Mobile, while Beatrice departed to live in New York City. A friend of the Petite family, Alice Washington, informed them that she and her husband (Booker) were willing to adopt and raise Leona in New Orleans. The Petite family made arrangements, and the adoption took place ...thus allowing Leona to begin a new life in "The Crescent City." Alice & Booker Washington were of the middle-class, and owned a grocery store in Uptown New Orleans.
Leona (age 18) a few years after being adopted
Leona (age 20) with her adoptive mother (Alice Washington)
Years later, after getting married, my mother (Leona) wanted to have ten children. She and my dad (Bill Sr.) named the first children in advance. There was no question about the name of their first daughter... it would be "Alice." The first son was to be named "William Jr." The second son was to be named "Adolph" (after my dad's maternal uncle, Adolph, who raised him like a son). The third son was to be named "Brent."
Because of physiological complications, Leona could not deliver naturally, and all of her children were delivered by Cesarean section. My parents' first child was, in fact, a son, but he died shortly after birth (in 1951), which was devastating to my parents. Because the baby died so soon, they chose to NOT give him a first name; and he was laid to rest as "Baby Randall." The second son, born on inauguration day in 1953, was named Adolph as planned. Their third child was a daughter, born on Jun 1, 1955 (Bill & Leona's wedding anniversary), and was named after my father's maternal grandmother, and (of course) Leona's adoptive mother. Coincidentally, both had the first name "Alice."
That brings us to the time of my birth (Aug 1956). My sister was my mother's third (3rd) C-section. All family physicians advised her that another pregnancy would bring her certain death. So when it was discovered that Leona was pregnant once again (with her FOURTH C-section pending), there was cause for great concern. Not only that, but Leona's normal size and weight was 5ft. 3 in, and about 110 lbs. Can you imagine her having to deliver a baby that was born at 8 mos. (1 month EARLY)... who was delivered at 9 lbs. 13 oz? Yes, that is what I weighed at birth. And it nearly killed Leona.
But God was merciful, and she survived the delivery (via C-section). Doctors insisted, and my parents agreed, that Leona undergo a hysterectomy after I was born With the prospects for another child now removed, they decided to name me "William Jr." instead of "Brent."
Some so-called "Pro Choice" advocates would "yawn" at my mother's story.. and the road she has traveled. But I, for one, am most grateful (and very appreciative) of the fact that my mother chose to put her life on the line in order to choose life for me.
Here are just a few more photos for your review:
Despite just having survived the tragedy of losing their home to widespread flooding in the Lower Ninth Ward (1965), Bill & Leona take time to celebrate at a Christmas party, and chose to NOT let their spirits be dampened.
Bill & Leona enjoying a moment in Portland, ME (Dec 1977)
My dad, Bill Sr., passed away in April 1984 (at age 56). To me, their legacy of having raised their family in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans ...with true Conservative, God-fearing principles, made THE difference in my and my siblings' lives. It is not a coincidence (or accident) that today we have respect for God, family and country. Nor are we looking for the Government to be our savior. Leona became a widow too early, but she did not complain; she just trusted in God's divine Providence.
Leona (age76) Mother's Day, 2004
My mother's health showed a progressive deterioration from the time of my dad's death forward. As of the Summer of 2009, my mother was situated in a nursing home in northern Louisiana (Bernice, LA) under Hospice care. She survived Hurricane Katrina, and was evacuated there in late Aug 2005. Her home (in the Lower Ninth Ward) was lost by the ravages of the storm.
Despite all of this, the legacy of my mother will endure for the remaining days of my life. This woman, ladies & gentlemen (Leona Petite Washington Randall) is a bedrock of inspiration for my life. And I am so very blessed because she (in so many ways) chose LIFE.
It is tragic that President Barack Obama endorses and supports the horrific agenda perpetrated by Planned Parenthood ...as this video clip attests:
This radical group was founded by Margaret Sanger (an avowed racist) for the purpose of bringing systematic genocide to "undesirable races of people." Read the history of Planned Parenthood at the link of the following website:
The issue of the "rights of the unborn" were addressed by our 40th President. He was asked one day if abortion should be legalized. The President paused, then answered: "I've consulted with experts in professions that deal with the issue of human life. I've asked lawyers, medical practitioners, clergy, scientists, and educators if they could tell me CONCLUSIVELY that an unborn child developing in the womb was NOT a human being. None of these professionals could tell me with certainty that it wasn't human. So my response, in light of their testimony, is that I will err on the side of the unborn."
I have viewed the following video several times, and I'm still wondering if the day will come that I will be able to do so with "dry eyes." I encourage you to view this true story of baby Eliot in a video titled: "99 Balloons:"
In recent years, "abortion rights" advocates have stated that embryonic stem cells hold the key to healing countless thousands of lives that suffer from various diseases. This is a very emotional and potentially explosive issue for many. But when the raw facts are examined, the case in support for killing human embryos for stem cell research loses its support. This is because there has been NO EVIDENCEto show a healing property in embryonic stem cells. But adult and umbilical cord stem cell research has produced thousands of positive, healing results. When you examine the real evidence AND the facts (...not the "interpre-FACTS"), you reach a quick, unambiguous conclusion:
Still not convinced? Then I ask you to read the following article (from Jan 2010) that clearly chronicles the utter FAILURE of embryonic stem cell research:
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=517870
There are some who have made a past decision to have an abortion, and are now carrying the grief. If that is you (or someone you know), look to the love of God... because He is merciful and will abundantly pardon (forgive). A commonly quoted verse is John 3:16. But we should not forget that John 3:17 is just as powerful.
"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17)
I hope and pray that all who have an opportunity to protect the life of the unborn ...will encourage those grappling with an unwanted pregnancy to allow that child to see the light of this life through the vehicle of adoption.
Yes: "The Option is Adoption!""...therefore choose life..." (Deuteronomy 30:19)