Hi! to all amazing moms and dads in this community!
note: this is a repost from my original content which i blanked. Reposting it to the right community for visibility**
I'm a new member here and I just want to share a bit about my motherhood journey. This was during my teenage life. Becoming a mother is a true blessing and a life-changing experience, but when it happens unexpectedly, it can come with emotional and mental challenges. Especially if you are at a young age and no one can guide you how to be and what to do.
I’m truly grateful to the person who introduced me to 
At the age of 16, my life had an unexpected turn. While most teens at my age were focused on school and chasing their dreams, I found myself facing a bigger responsibility knowing that there is a new life depending on me. Before all of this happened, my parents did not to let me enroll in college because for them I am rebellious child. But All I just wanted is to be free as other teenager experiencing. They asked me to take a year to reflect on my actions, but I misunderstood their intentions and ran away. I didn’t expect that this decision marked the beginning of the most challenging chapter of my life. The teenage pregnancy.
When I ran away I work as a maid on a wealthy family and also that was the time when I met this guy who claimed to love me. Not knowing that his intention is just to take advantage of me. Like many young girls, I was so blind when it came to love because that was my first time. I trusted him completely and even approached my parents to ask for their blessing. My mother didn’t agree because she wanted me to finish my studies first. But I was so stubborn and chose to go with him anyway.
After three months of being together, I found out I was pregnant and shared the news with him. I didn’t expect he wasn’t happy at all based on his reaction and facial expression. He even asked me to go back home and stay with my parents throughout my pregnancy. I was deeply hurt, but he promised he would visit me from time to time. I believed his empty promises again and decided to go home. My parents were surprised, but they didn’t say anything. Instead, they welcomed me with open arms.
During my pregnancy, I was emotionally drained. I cried day and night, hoping he would come see me and share the journey of becoming a parents, but he never come even once. Instead, he consistently saying hurtful words that only made my pain worse. He showed no concern for my feelings, even though I was carrying his child. To support myself, I worked on the farm, harvesting vegetables and selling them at the market just to afford the basic essentials for my baby. My parents was just helping me on my food but they cannot provide all my needs during pregnancy since I have other siblings who is currently studying.
When I was at the hospital to give birth, the guy still didn’t bother to visit me. When I was at the delivery room, the doctor who assisted me asked how old I was. After I told him, he encouraged me to continue my studies if there was any way to do so. He even shared some valuable life advice while treating me. I broke down in tears and thanked him, it really meant so much to hear those kind and understanding words during a difficult time. At that moment, I realized that even at my lowest, there are still people who truly care. Thankfully, my sister was there with me in the hospital. Even though the baby’s father never showed up, I have someone who stayed by my side until I was discharged. Her presence gave me the strength I mostly needed.
When we got home, my aunt looked after us on our first month. I was truly grateful to her because she gave me the kind of care only a mother could, even though my own mother wasn’t there to support and teach me in caring for my baby. When my child turned four months old, I received a call from DSWD. I was so nervous because I thought it was about the baby’s father issue. When I get there I was surprise when they told me that I was one of the grantees the government picked who is entitled for full scholarship opportunity. I couldn’t hold back my tears, I was overwhelmed with happiness knowing I had the chance to return to college and pursue my dreams. Right then, I cared for my baby until enrollment comes. Even my baby is still 9 months old, I need to leave him to my parents for me to continue my studies. But before I left home my parents give their best advice that I can bring wherever I am. "this is for you and your child, not for us. so be careful and remember this is your chance to stand up and continue walking”. They took care of my child so I can pursue my studies and I’m so thankful to have such supportive and understanding parents.
While pursuing my dreams, there are lot of challenges, I struggled emotionally and constantly worrying about my baby, who was just 9 months old when I left. Knowing that he is already eating rice porridge because we cannot afford to buy formula milk. But then I trust my parents that they can took care of my child as their own. Truly that the grandchild is spoiled when they are cared by their grandparents. I prayed constantly for strength and determination. Even though my tuition was covered and I received an allowance, it wasn’t enough. So I asked my instructors if anyone needed a working student. Thankfully, one of them hired me. I cooked, cleaned their house, and did their laundry which is an easy tasks for me, thanks to the values and skills my parents taught us when we are growing up.
After graduating, I worked as a call center representative for 6 months. Unexpectedly I met a guy who is kind, understanding, and handsome who embraced and accepted me completely. I’m happy and grateful because even I am a single mom it doesn’t matter at all. My teenage years were filled with pain and challenges, but despite that, I consider myself lucky and blessed. Finally, I found someone who accepted and loved me for who I am, regardless of my past. This experience thought me that “sometimes, you have to meet the wrong people before the right one comes along”- unknown. Today, we've been married for six years and raising four beautiful children together, three boys and a girl.
• **photos are all mine ***