Note To Young Mothers

Dear Young Mother,

I want you to know you are worthy of the gift you have been given. Many people will try to tell you that you cannot do this on your own. They will tell you that you are not "mature" enough to make this choice. They will tell you that you don't have what it takes to raise a child that is strong, beautiful and wise.

I promise you they are wrong.

I want you to know that the road of motherhood is not a flat and even path, but the nights spent caring for your child and the days spent watching them grow will be the best ones of your life. You will be so in love with this person that you will not be able to fault them for the frustration you have. You will want to forgive them for making you angry, even before they are done misbehaving.

I want you to know that you have never known the love a mother feels towards her child. You are blessed to have the chance to understand the world from the view of the people that raised you. The first time you hold your child you have only just begun to see a glimpse into what "Love" really is. The longer that you allow yourself to enjoy your child's presence, the more you will be able to truly love them, your family, your friends and your life.

I want you to know that the baby will improve your quality of life, not destroy it. Many will lead you to believe that giving birth to your child will "ruin your life" and you will not be able to reach for your goals. This is only true to those who have not seen the fire in a mother's eyes when she is determined to do what ever it takes to be the best mother possible. Being a mother will give you the motivation to be a better person and to reach for the best you that you can be. It will show you the strength that you have naturally hidden within you.

I want you to know that you are walking your own path and you get to decide each direction it follows. You are not your mother. You are not your sister. You are not your friend. You are the only you that can ever live in your shoes. The mistakes that others have made, have no bearing on you. You are free to enjoy what they have struggled with. You are free to change the course of your history. You are the only one who gets to help guide how your baby is raised.

Lastly, I want you to know that a man is not a ticket to a easy time raising your child. Just because you do or do not have a spouse, does not mean you are any less capable of being everything your child needs. If you look for a man just so you do not have to do this alone, then you are taking away his chances of finding true love. Single moms will always say that married women have it easier and married moms will always think differently. The truth is that mothers who embrace motherhood will have it easier than those that fight it. You can do this alone just as well as you can do it married.

Be creative with your plans, embrace the blessing that is being given to you and please know that you are not alone. There are more of us out there than you think.

Love,
Melissa