18

Today is my oldest baby's 18th birthday..I can't believe 18yrs have gone so fast..18yrs ago today at 9:11am, I had a baby girl..She was 8lbs 9ozs & 21 inches long..She had a head full of hair, and the chubbiest cheeks..She was the most beautiful creature I had ever laid eyes on..

I was an 19 yr old, unwed mother..I had dropped out of college..I had a psychiatrist tell me to abort my baby because I would not make a good mother..The father told me he couldn't handle being a dad at 19..All of my friends abandoned me..It seemed like the whole world was against me..The only people I had to rely on were my parents, and God..My parents took care of me all 9 months..My mother & father coached me through the birth..God watched over us the whole time..Jenna was baptized, and raised in the Catholic faith..She still is..My whole family has embraced Jenna..Even though I didn't have a baby shower (because we felt it wasn't the right thing to do) Jenna was outfitted for almost every day..I even received assistance from a crisis pregnancy center..Our church never shunned us or disrespected us..They received us with loving open arms..Just as Jesus & his blessed Mother has..

And so, I raised my baby girl at home with my parents..I eventually went back to school..But my main purpose in life was Jenna..She settled my life down..It was just us 2 for 4yrs until I married Bob..And he has claimed her as his own ever since..

Jenna has not wanted for anything..Sure she has material things, but she has been loved since the moment I found out I was having her..Even though it was a rough start we made it work..I call her my "unexpected blessing"..She was never a "mistake" at anytime..She has grown into a beautiful, compassionate, caring, young lady..

Whatever she decides to do with her life, be it a vocation to religious life, marriage, etc..She knows that she was and will be loved..That we will accept her choices, help her in anyway we can..She knows that her Lord & Savior loves her despite of how she came into the world..

And so, on this her 18th birthday..I say to my beloved child..I love you Jenna, with all of my heart, & soul..My our Lord bless & keep you..My our blessed Mother shelter you under her mantle..And my you have a long, rich, faithful life..