Today I stand proud because it has finally dawned on me—I made it. I survived being a teen mom, and I raised a man… one I can stand behind and say, this is the fruit of my labor—literally, lol.
I feel a deep sense of pride because for 21 years I was told how I would fail, how I was not good enough, how unqualified I was. I lived in constant fear and overwhelm, facing a life-sized task I could barely comprehend at the time. And to add insult to injury, I was abandoned on the job… well, maybe I walked away from my partner in that job due to irreconcilable differences.
I remember Anthony was 7, and I was in way over my head at just 23. I had chosen to be a single mother of two. Now, as a 37-year-old woman, I don’t think I would have chosen that path… or maybe I wouldn’t. But I have to acknowledge the courage—the absolute guts it took to walk away from my newfound security and step into the abyss of the unknown with very little family support.
Looking back, it should have been clear that I was not okay, lol. And I’ll admit, those first five years were so hard. I often thought about backtracking, but I couldn’t—I had burned all my boats. Moving forward was the only option left, and it became the only one that could ever serve me or bring me joy.
By the grace of God, I made it through—through the ups and downs, the countless tears, the despair. I often felt like an imposter. No matter how much I learned or healed, there was always a part of me that felt like I alone was not enough. But what could I do? I took each day as it came… and I kept going.
And before I knew it, there stood a whole man—still barking mum orders at me, lol 😆
I share my journey not to claim victory, but to encourage anyone who feels like the road ahead is vague and filled with trouble. Truth is—it will be vague, and it will be tough. But you will come out okay, of that I am sure. As long as your heart is pure and you’re moving from a place of love and good intentions, you will be okay.
Hang in there. It does get dark and lonely sometimes—but never forever. In between, the sun will shine, memories will be made, and somewhere down the road, you will look back and realize you painted something beautiful. A life full of meaning, memories, struggle, and growth—a grand work of art that you should be proud of.
Today, I’m proud of my son and of myself—for choosing the tough road, for choosing each other, and for coming out of it quite decent.
I know without a doubt he knows I have his back until the wheels fall off.
Happy 21st birthday, AC. May this be the start of a brilliant new chapter in your life. I love you now and forever—keep shining in your own special way 🙌
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