Friday, January 25, 2013

Life is Good

Some of you already know this, but just in case you don't I'm going to tell you. My mom was 16 years old when she got pregnant with me. She was 17 when I was born.  When I was little, 17 didn't seem so young to me.  I mean, when you're nine, 17 is practically ancient.  AARP and stuff.  I mean, you can even have your driver's license!

In many people's eyes, she probably had no business having a baby.  How could she ever fulfill her dreams now?  And honestly, a baby shouldn't have a child for mother, ya know?  But she had me.  And life was crazy and there were ups and downs and joy and sorrow (you can read my first post about it here if you want).  Lots of good and a whole lot of bad.  She didn't have a well-connected family to help her out or a rich sugar daddy or anything.  If I'm going to be totally honest, all the shenanigans that followed were actually pretty ridiculous.

But here I am.  I'm here with this awesome husband and these fantastic kids and all you wonderful readers and friends.  It's good.  Being alive is good.  She just celebrated her 50th birthday.  Only 50 years old and five beautiful grandchildren already!  It's good.  Being alive is good.

Since I can't be in Washington D.C. today at the March for Life (500,000 people?  Hollah!), I just wanna give a shout out to all you young mama's out there who are doing this thing that some people tell us will be too hard for us, and send a virtual hug to all you would-be-mamas who are afraid it will be too hard for you, and a high-five all you already-did-it-and-survived mamas who give us so much love and support.

Anything is possible.

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31 comments :

  1. My husband is the same age as your mom and I'm the same age as you. First marriage for us both. Will have been married 10 years this March but early February we celebrate 14 years since we met. I could not imagine my husband being a father at that age. I mean, he would have done it if it happened, but seriously, your post gives me a lot of pause. And I pause in awe of what your mom did. Seriously. I felt so young at 26 being a first time mom, so unprepared, I have no idea how I would have fared at 17.

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    1. I think the thing we have to remember is that no matter how old we are, our kids are God's children simply entrusted to us. He fills in the gaps, no matter how wide.

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    2. Your response summarizes so well how we as mothers should feel. And even though I'm way older than you, older than your mom even, and with three grown children, these words so hit home. I sent my youngest off to college this past fall, 300 miles away. I'm still entrusting him to God's care and still believing I have been blessed by God to have him as my son. Great post.

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    3. "He fills in the gaps ..." Wow! That is so simple, and so deep. Just like Him. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it!

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  2. Well said! I'm going to high-five my young mama when I see her next. <3

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  3. God is good. He brings joy and goodness out of suffering. We just have to witness to this truth! Which you have done here -- thank you!

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  4. I was 20 when I had my first, and though I was married and had gone to college, there were so many judgmental comments and stares. Lots of "you're throwing your life away!" and "Why weren't you on the Pill if you were going to do something as dumb as get married when you're nineteen?!"

    But yes, God is good! My daughter saved my life in many ways. I love your reply to the first comment -- so true! I am thankful for the baby I had at 20 and the one squirming in my lap right now that I had at 33. And the two between. God knew what He was doing when He gave them to me. Praying for the March-ers today, and like you said, all those mamas and would-be mamas.

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  5. What a beautiful and inspiring post! My mom married shortly after high school (she was still 17) and I was born when she was 19. She already was managing a household and a family for a couple of years before she could even vote (voting age was 21 then). I take off my hat to moms, like yours and mine! God bless! :-)

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  6. My mom was also 16 when she had me. I was 17 when I had my first child. It's a strange thing to "grow up" with your mom. And you are right...major ups and downs. I think the mistakes you make with your first child are compounded exponentially by inexperience and immaturity but really, it's all in God's hands and His plans are always perfect. I am a big fan of learning from your mistakes and honoring what you come from. Thanks for the post and I too am admiring from afar the marchers doing their thing on our behalf! I work for a Christian Children's Ranch. One of our home moms and three of our girls are marching today! I am totally blown away by all of them! God bless them all!

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  7. Awesome post! I have a niece who had twins last year in much the same way. She was 20 at the time. Life is hard, but those girls are beautiful and such a blessing!

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  8. I'm a teen Mama myself - my sweet boy will be 10 this summer. God is big enough to fill the gaps, and he has been with us each step of the way! Praying for those at the March!

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  9. Big high fives and hugs Dwija! And high fives and hugs to your mom too! Life is beautiful.

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  11. I love learning more about you! You just keep getting even better :)

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  12. Since we're on the topic of teen moms, can I beg a prayer for my brother-in-law's niece, Talya. She's 14 and is being induced today. So young to begin the journey of motherhood, but I can't help but think how fitting it is that she's giving birth today as so many march for life. Her son is Joel. They're both going to need a lot of God filling in the gaps, I think.

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  13. I'm happy you're alive too. God is good. You have a good, brave mamma. You can tell her I said that...;)

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  14. What a brave mother! Great post. Virtual hug to all young mamas from me, too!

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  15. All life is precious, no matter what. Your Mom (and Dad) knew that, and so they knew enough. Your childhood stories are so so interesting, Dweej, I just loved reading through them :)

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  16. I had my first about 6 weeks after my 18th birthday. It WAS tough but I've had 9 more since (and one on the way!). God has blessed me abundantly! My son will be 21 next month and I thank God on this day (the March day) and everyday that he's alive!! God bless you and your mother!!

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  17. My Mom was also 17. I think she is so strong and amazing. It is truly wonderful now, to have a young active healthy Mom. A baby is a gift no matter what your age. I am glad that young 17 year old thought the same thing and had me. <3

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  18. Praise God!..Loved this post!..Your mom is lucky to have you, and you her..Thank you for raising awareness. I just wish and pray more girls choose Life! Xoxo Marissa..I'm going to read your link now.

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  19. I LOVE your blog, Dweej! What a beautiful story..thanks for sharing!

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  20. And you were SUCH a gift to your mom! SO full of life and fun! Only God sees far enough in those situations to see ALL that this new child's life will bring. Thank God she said "Yes", Thank God you're here!

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  21. I just went back and read your History of the History series! WOW! God is so good to have carried you through all of that and brought you to this place, this house unseen ;)
    Thanks again for all you do ;) I really love reading all of your stuff. So funny and so honest! It's great :) Praying for you! I know balancing it all is not easy...
    And you're so right about God filling in the gaps! My motto has always been "Do the best you can with the tools God has given you, then allow Him to fill in the gaps."

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  22. wonderful post.
    y mom was 21 when she had me, but a no good dad (who certainly couldn't fill in any gaps!) meant she was on her own. But she had a great big God who carried us during the hardest times, and a wonderful family that just Loved. really, what else do you need?

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  23. I was a teen mom - there were lots of shenanigans. Thanks for this most excellent post. MUCH LOVE TO YA!

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  24. Thanks for this post-- such a compelling reminder to look past our own egos and presumptions about motherhood and new life. I love how you can keep such a balance on the blog between sweet, real, and funny.

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  25. I love your Mom! I'm so glad she persevered ... and you continue to do so! You both are a testament to the pro-life movement!

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  26. Wow! What a journey! What a brave Mom!

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