The mere thought of bringing a new life into this messy situation at my age was more than I could bear — or so I thought.
If someone had told me just four short years ago that my life would be marked by more blessings than I could count, I would have looked at them with complete incredulity. I never dreamed I could be surrounded by the warm love and happiness I experience today.
It was all made possible by my unexpected pregnancy and a community that empowered me to take on the mission of motherhood.
I was raised in a small trailer with no electricity, let alone love, support, or a good example. I would try to take my younger siblings places and be outside, with them never knowing that my intention was to protect them from what occurred inside our small, four walls. …
