18 years ago today I was 17. It was my senior year of high school or at least it should of been. I was that girl. You all knew her. That girl in high school who suddenly disappeared from the halls-the girl who got pregnant in high school. Let me tell you, it wasn’t trendy 18 years ago to be that girl. There were no television shows or magazine covers to glamorize it.
At 23 weeks pregnant I went into preterm labor. For a week they were able to pump enough medication into me to delay delivery. Halloween 1995 at 24 weeks pregnant I welcomed my 1 lb 12 oz baby girl into the world. The doctor laid her briefly on my chest before being whisked away by a team of doctors and nurses. Hours later I was wheeled down to get a glimpse at my daughter. She was covered in tubes and wires and her eyes were still fused shut. She was beautiful despite it all.
Her outcome was bleak. I was told to prepare for wheel chairs, feeding tubes, extreme mental impairments and the list went on. Some said it was what I deserved for being a teen mom, others said that I got myself into this so I would have to deal with this on my own, and I was ridiculed by the rest. Let me tell you, it was a dark, terrifying, lonely time.
No matter, everyday I was there mothering her as much as I could under the extreme circumstances. Two and half months later and one month and one day before her due date, Alison beat the odds and came home months ahead of schedule weighing a hefty 4lbs 7 oz. Not only did she come home but she stayed home. The first few months were rough. Sleeping for only 45 minutes at a time, countless doctor appointments, and financial hardship.
Alison beat the odds in ways that doctors can’t explain. It wasn’t an easy ride but we made it.
I could go on, the story is good….well, at least I think so:) I share the good with the bad. The triumphs with the tragedies. No, it wasn’t ideal to be a pregnant teenager. I see my daughter now at the age I was when she was born and she is such a baby still. I think back to the girl I used to be and I see a scared young girl in need of a little compassion, guidance, and forgiveness.
I think sometimes we dismiss people who are hurting when we feel like they brought it on themselves. We pick and chose who is deserving of mercy and compassion and when we do we are playing god. Loving someone who is hurting because of their poor choice doesn’t mean you agree with or support their transgression. Indifference and humiliation further breaks the person. We serve a God of healing and mercy and sometimes that healing and mercy comes from you.
Today, I rejoice and thank God for the miracle who sleeps down the hall. I thank God for giving that 17 year old girl such love and compassion for that tiny baby, and I thank God for His compassion and mercy on me, and for being the God of second chances.
*Photo is of the first time I got to hold my daughter*
~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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.....and a sprinkle of love 
Rebecca, thank you for such a beautiful post. God’s love,mercy and guidance were with you always…especially when you walked alone. You are so right; we all need to open our eyes and hearts to the people all around us, that are alone, afraid, suffering, confused… the closer we are to Jesus, the more our eyes will be opened to the needs of others. May God continue to bless you, Alison, your family, and friends:-)
Thank you, my friend! Your words really bless me :)What an awesome God we serve. To Him the glory!! I
Happy Birthhday, to your daughter!
Thank you for sharing your very touching and very personal story.
Blessings!
Thank you, my friend! Many Blessings to you.
“Loving someone who is hurting because of their poor choice doesn’t mean you agree with or support their transgression.” YES! Exactly!! Thanks for beautiful post, and an excellent reminder of how we should be treating people. Happy birthday to your daughter.
Thank you, my friend! Your kind words are so encouraging. I hope you’re having a blessed day!
What a great story and a courageous mom! Happy birthday!
WOW! Yay you!!! Babies having babies is tough, but to say that someone deserves an ill child is . . . . well, I have no words for that one.
“We serve a God of healing and mercy and sometimes that healing and mercy comes from you.” What a lovely reminder. It is all too easy to sit in disapproval–then we can excuse our laziness and pride. Your story is beautiful! Happy Birthday to your daughter and blessings today to you. 🙂
What a beautiful post! And I’m so sorry people were so nasty to you. A lot of love and grace could have done wonders for you during that time.
Because of what you have been through, I would imagine that you are a fantastic example of God’s mercy and grace to others who face similar situations.
My friend, thank you for the sweet words they blessed my day 🙂 God be the glory!!
Wow, what a awesome testimony. You know some people are such jerks. No one deserves to be judged and treated like you were. However, look at the miracle that happened Alison! Your testimony is going to help another young girl out there. People are so quick to judge other people. Alison, if your mom let’s you read this you have a awesome mom in my book !!!!!!
Luke 6:42 (AMP)
42 Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, allow me to take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You actor (pretender, hypocrite)! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
God is so good and the lesson has taught me so much about love, perseverance, grace, and forgiveness. Thank you, for your kind words and sweet encouragement. Alison says thank you (through a little smirk and laugh) 🙂 Are you enjoying your new car?
No problem Rebecca anytime!! Yes, Rebecca I am loving my new rooter tooter! I love watching the gas hand. It barely moves at all 🙂
As a fellow teen mom, I can totally relate. Through that experience God has taught me how to see people with a greater compassion. It’s hard to feel self righteous when at look my life and realize that it all is a result of sheer grace! What began in a less than ideal way He has transformed into beauty. The Lord bless you and your daughter hugely!
Great to hear from someone who has been there. “Sheer Grace” amen to that! Thank you for the sweet blessings and taking the time to visit. May God Bless you richly.
Breathtaking. amazing.