Nearly 19 years ago, I was a fragile teenager faced with some very tough and grown-up decisions. I was pregnant and confused and had very little support. To many, this was no shocking news, and the negativity associated with teenage pregnancy and me were the expectations of many.
Alone, scared and with very little means, I made the decision to have my baby; no one could have prepared me more for the journey than my son himself. He taught me love, patience and strength. How not to give up, and even how to say I’m sorry when I’m wrong.
Most of our earlier years together were merely trial and error. We struggled daily and I was constantly worried about food and shelter. However, through the grace of God, many people were placed in our lives and from these special relationships came a whirlwind of opportunities.
Fortunately, I took advantage of those opportunities and have broken a cycle that has haunted so many before us.
This week, I am driving to North Carolina Central University, where my son will begin his freshman year.
Not only is this a huge feat for our family (both close and extended), but this marks a milestone in both of our lives: my son’s transition from adolescents to adulthood, as well as my pre-mature transition as a 34-year-old, divorced mom to empty-nester.
My thoughts exactly: I’m way too young to be an empty-nester!
Although the past several weeks have been stressful (good stress, if there is such a thing) with all the planning, purging and packing for college, it’s actually times like this when the impact of being a single parent are most strongly felt.
However, I am grateful to be “here” in spite of the circumstance.
To my son, I gave every fiber of me and now to the world I give my “love deposit”: a handsome, intelligent, respectful, well-mannered, self-sufficient, self-assured young man. And together we have beaten the odds.
It’s amazing how things come full circle. Years ago, I found it hard to see the end of the week. Today, I can see his future.
I love you son!
Latricia Allen is The Women’s Foundation’s Grants Manager.
