The Tiny Little Bridge
December 6, 1997, is a day that’s forever etched in my memory for its mix of chaos, emotion, and heartwarming moments. It started as a regular December day with a holiday event scheduled, but the weather, as it often does, had its own plans. Despite the challenges, the day became a testament to resilience and the spirit of giving.
The Morning of the Event
I had been asked to be the Grand Marshal for a holiday festival alongside my dear friend, Austin O’Brien. It was a massive event organized for over 3,000 underprivileged children. The rain had been relentless the night before, and by morning, the streets of Santa Ana were more like rivers. As we drove down Harbor Boulevard, the flooding was alarming. Trash cans floated down the road, and cars stalled in water that reached their doors. My nerves were on edge, but my friend Pilar lightened the mood with her humor. “We’re surfing in Santa Ana!” she joked. I didn’t laugh then, but in hindsight, it was a moment of levity amidst the stress.
I had the kids in the car with me, and to calm them (and myself), we sang “Jesus Loves Me” as the van pushed through the water. Dave, my husband, drove separately in his one-ton van, which was much better equipped to handle the flooding. Despite leaving later, he arrived at the event at the same time as us, looking pale and unwell.
A Special Anniversary
The event itself went ahead as planned, thanks to a giant tent erected to shield everyone from the rain. After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, I found Dave, who was quietly watching from the sidelines. I asked him, “Do you know what today is?” He paused, thought for a moment, and said, “It’s Saturday.” I laughed and reminded him it was our anniversary. Despite his illness, he managed a smile and gave me a kiss.
What I didn’t know at the time was how much that moment would mean in the days to come. Dave’s condition worsened, and by the next week, he was diagnosed with Hepatitis A. Our lives shifted dramatically. We had to isolate him and reorganize our daily routines to prevent the illness from spreading. For months, I slept on the couch and avoided touching anything he might have handled. It was exhausting and heartbreaking, but we made it through.
A Call That Changed Everything
In the midst of these personal challenges, the Project Cuddle crisis line kept ringing. On December 6, 1997, as the rain poured and life seemed to be testing our limits, a call came in that would remind me why I do what I do.
The voice on the other end was young and trembling. It belonged to Rosa, a pregnant eighteen-year-old who had been living under a bridge near the 405 Freeway. She had no prenatal care, no support system, and nowhere to turn. The rain had driven her to a point of desperation, and she called for help.
Rosa’s Story
Rosa’s life had been anything but easy. She had fled an abusive home at fifteen and found solace with a group of friends. But as circumstances changed, she ended up living under a bridge with her partner, Drew. Together, they had created a semblance of a home with a mattress and makeshift shelter. Despite the hardships, Rosa and Drew shared a deep bond and held onto hope for a better future.
Rosa was nearing the end of her pregnancy and terrified of giving birth under the bridge. The rain had made their living conditions unbearable, and Drew urged her to seek shelter. That’s when she found Project Cuddle’s number in a newspaper article.
Finding Rosa
When I arrived under the bridge, Rosa was lying on a damp mattress, shivering. Drew sat beside her, holding her hand. They were both scared but hesitant to leave the only security they knew. It took some convincing, but eventually, Rosa agreed to come with me. I promised her warmth, safety, and the support she needed.
We brought Rosa to my home, where the kids welcomed her with open arms. Tyler, my youngest, even tried to make her laugh with one of his costumes—a bright yellow ensemble with Playtex gloves on his feet. “I’m a duck!” he announced. Rosa couldn’t help but giggle, even through her tears.
A Night to Remember
That night, Rosa went into labor. We rushed her to the hospital, and the Gilmores, the family she had chosen for her baby, joined us there. It was a difficult delivery. The baby’s heart rate dropped, and an emergency C-section was performed. I held Rosa’s hand as the doctors worked quickly to bring her son into the world.
When the baby let out his first cry, relief washed over all of us. Rosa named him Steven Michael, after the attorney who had been instrumental in facilitating the process. She wanted the Gilmores to cut the umbilical cord and be the first to hold him. It was a beautiful, selfless gesture that spoke volumes about Rosa’s strength and love.
A New Beginning
Rosa stayed in touch with the Gilmores after the birth, receiving letters and photos of Steven as he grew. She worked hard to rebuild her life, finishing her education and pursuing a career. Drew faced his legal troubles and served his time, but he came out determined to turn his life around. Together, they planned their future, which included getting married the following summer.
As for Steven, he thrived in the Gilmores’ loving care. They were overjoyed to have him in their lives and remained grateful to Rosa for her incredible gift.
Helping Hands, Open Hearts
Life is full of challenges, but it’s also filled with moments of hope and transformation. Stories like Rosa’s remind me why Project Cuddle exists—to offer a lifeline to those in desperate need and to create connections that change lives.
If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy and feels overwhelmed or unsure about what to do, please know that you’re not alone. Here at Project Cuddle, our dedicated team is here to offer compassion, guidance, and resources to help navigate this challenging time. We’re just a phone call away, ready to listen and provide support without judgment. Reach out to us anytime—we’re here to help you find a path forward with dignity and care. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for you and your baby.
Tune in next month and there will be more to come.
Hugs & Cuddles,
-Debbie Magnuson The Baby Saver