About fourteen years ago, my roommate and I waited nervously in a tiny bathroom, watching the time tick by. We were waiting for the moment when I could check the pregnancy test. That day changed everything for me. I went from being a basketball player and a carefree college student to a pregnant teenager and a mother. This is my story.
In my second semester of college, I found out that I am expecting a baby. I was not sure what to do; I became stressed, so I told my parents. They felt sad at first but did not waste time helping me. They moved me home from college and made a small apartment for me and the baby in their basement, though my three younger sisters still lived at home. My parents really supported me during this difficult time.
While I was pregnant, I visit doctor, mostly alone, sometimes my mom with me. At my 20-week ultrasound, I learned I had a boy. I would not sure what it would be to raise a baby boy. Most of my friends were busy with college or jobs and did not have kids, so I felt pretty lonely.
Two weeks after my due date, my doctor decided to induce labor. My mom stayed with me through a long 26-hour labor, which ended in a C-section. I named my baby Jaden, and he was perfect to me. After he was born, my parents helped me take care of him and recover. They helped me celebrate all of his first moments.
For the first five years, we lived close to my parents. My dad even went to special “dads and donuts” days at Jaden’s daycare. When I worked nights at the hospital, my parents took care of Jaden. They helped me move whenever I needed to change apartments.
Later, we moved about an hour away because of work and school. I made new friends, mostly single moms, but I still felt like something was missing. I was afraid I might never meet someone who loved both me and my son, Jaden.
Then I took a job selling cars, which gave me confidence and financial stability. I met a new coworker named Alex. At first, I did not think much of him, but he was kind to Jaden, playing catch with him one night after work. Slowly, we got closer.
One day, Alex asked about my favorite drink. I told him red wine, and he challenged me to try a beer. I tried, and he laughed and said he had already fallen for me. We started talking more, and one night, we stayed out late chatting after drinks. I realized I had a crush.
As we spent more time together, Alex met Jaden. They bonded over basketball, video games, and movies. Soon, Alex asked me to be his girlfriend, then told me he loved me. We started building a family.
After moving in together and buying a house, we saw a family counselor to help with the transition. The counselor helped us talk together and get closer.
Two years later, Alex asked me to marry him while we were walking on the beach with the family. I approved and said Jaden had a special role at our wedding. After that, we took a fun and joyful family trip to Costa Rica and had many adventures.
Not after a long time of period, I was again pragmatic. Jaden was thrilled to be a big brother. Though the pregnancy happened during COVID, we adapted with virtual classes and a drive-thru baby shower.
Alex was wonderful the whole time, always helping me and taking care of our baby, Callum. Seeing Alex and Jaden become close like father and son makes me really happy.
Our family might be different from others, but it is filled with affection. I hope my story encourages other single parents to believe love can come when you least expect it. The right person will love you and your child, and your family can grow in astonishing ways.
