I had my first daughter when I was 18. It is one of the biggest blessings of my life, but regrettably, it hadn’t always felt this way. Today, however, after all this time, I can safely say that I am proud and no longer ashamed. I am grateful for everything that I went through. In no way does it mean that it was easy, though. It was an experience filled with embarrassment, shame, rejection – it wasn’t an easy journey at all.

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Not only that but also right around the birth, I found out that my boyfriend at the time, the father of my daughter, had cheated on me. When I found out, it destroyed me. Not only did I find myself in unplanned teen pregnancy, but my partner, who I thought and believed will be by my side and support me, betrayed me and my trust. In a time in which his support meant everything to me, in which I just needed someone to be on my side, he went off and did that. I couldn’t believe it. He knew the sensitive position I was in, maybe better than anyone else, but chose to overlook it. I wanted to believe in him, to believe in the idea of us building a family together with our daughter.

So, there I was. 18 years old, with a baby, and no partner to share the load with. I grew up believing that in tales, in happily ever afters. I wanted a teenage dream. And, when things took an unexpected turn, I wanted to believe that I would get a modified version, but in vain. Looking back at everything, I am appreciative of the entire experience. It taught me so much about others, relationships, myself, and my self-worth – to name a few. At the end of the day, my beautiful baby girl changed my entire life for the better. She taught me so much and made me appreciate everything so much more. She taught me what’s truly important in life and what love really is. I love her more than anything, and I am thankful for everything that led me to have her.