A Baby Changes Everything

This month, November 2014, my eldest son is turning 19 years old. Despite being a mother for the past 19 years, I find it hard to believe that I have been his mother for this long. Where did the time go? Here’s a glimpse of my journey into motherhood.

Yes, a baby changes everything. Every. Little. Thing.

On March 2, 1995, I received a phone call from my doctor giving me the results of my blood test. I was battling a flu… or so I thought. Wrong! She said I was pregnant. Instead of excitement, a warm streak of fear ran down the middle of my spine. You see, I was only 22 years at the time. I was in college. And, I was single.

There was nothing more frightening to know that I was carrying around an embryo, and that I had no plans whatsoever to move forward with my life. All I was thinking about at that time was finishing college and pursuing a career. I didn’t know that my life was going to take a sharp turn in this direction. So, my next step was this: I had to work up the courage to tell those who were closest to me.

I needed some type of support. From anywhere. From anybody. And to be honest, there wasn’t a lot of support in the beginning.

Long story short, I had to quit school (morning sickness was rough). I lost my job and place to live (yes, even in 1995, there were loopholes about getting a pregnant girl off the payroll, and I worked in property management – so I had to say good bye to my apartment).

Blessings still abound in the midst of uncertainty.

I found a new job, one that provided health benefits from the first day, even with my pregnancy! I moved back home to be supported by my mother. And, I gave birth to a beautiful son! Two months after his birth, I married his daddy. We are still married to this day, and we have three more children.

I will spare you details of all the challenges between then and now, but please know that motherhood is a unique journey for each of us. Some of us are more privileged than others when we find out about the pregnancy. Some women struggle for years to get pregnant, while others can just think about pregnancy and find themselves there. Whatever the case may be, it is in our control to be supportive of a pregnant woman!

My son opened the door for me to embrace the wonder, the trials, the joys, and the blessings of motherhood. I would not trade my experience for anything. He has been a blessing to me since they first placed him in my arms. You can read about his story here.

Live. Love. Learn.

It feels like I have lived a lifetime raising my children, yet the journey is far from over. I have learned to love unconditionally, and to sacrifice beyond any measure I had hoped or desired. But above all, I have learned from my children. I have learned that it is okay to take a detour, to stop and smell that rose, and to enjoy every moment. For when you blink, they will be all grown up.

And, if I had my chance, I would do it all over again. Oh yes, I would.

Then: November 1996 (First Birthday)                                  Now: May 2014 (High School Graduation)