October 17, 2016
Giving Hope

Dear Dr. Laura:

When I was 12 years old, I wrote you a very intense, long letter, explaining my deplorable situation at home, and I asked you for a game plan on how to raise my kid brother.  Yes, you read that correctly.  My grandma found the letter before I was able to mail it, and she was devastated to read how we were unattended at home.

She took me and my brother into her home and at 55 years old, working 12 hours a day, seven days a week, she gave us not only a home, but she gave us hope.  She insisted we maintain our grades, and made us do chores.  Unfortunately, I made a poor choice, and at 16, I became a mother.  I was still in high school.

But your phrase about being "my kid's mom" stayed in my head, and I thought right then that I wasn't going to be a stereotypical teen mom.  I graduated as valedictorian of my class (with a ten month old son).  I've worked and supported him and have never been on public assistance.  I paid my way through college (no loans) and still drive the same car I had in high school  I attended college around my son's schedule, so he was never with a sitter overnight and was never left alone.  

My son is now 14, and I'm the CEO of my own company.  He's doing well in school, and is kind, respectful, courteous, and an absolute blessing.  So thank you for silently encouraging me to be my kid's mom, and for being the voice in my head that didn't let me give up over the last 15 years.  

Wanda 


Posted by Staff at 10:59 AM