Four babies birthed, not one planned.
Backstory
This is a harsh truth I rarely think about, but one that always lingers in the back of my mind. It comes to mind more often when "pro-life" and "pro-choice" are being bandied about as much as they are in an election year. I was not that girl who always had kids around her. I babysat relatives' kids, but I didn't like it. I didn't like THEM. I did not wish to marry at 18...but I did. Not one of my four children was a "planned" pregnancy. I certainly never entertained the idea of having 3 in less than 4 years....but there I was at barely 22, with three-year-old, a toddler, and a newborn. I knew only diapers and midnight feedings, cracked nipples and endless loads of laundry, and a body that was not my own, for what seemed like years. It definitely was not what I had planned when I was a teenager, daydreaming about being a grown-up.I did not choose motherhood, but my children will never know that. It chose me...and I don't regret a bit of it.
by accidentaltourist in Six-Word Momoirs on Oct 27, 2012 | 
| 
T-shirt
Comments
canadafreeze says,
I can tell almost an identical story, AT. I had three unplanned pregnancies within 5 years, married not quite as young ad you, but young. I don't regret my children for a moment. I love them beyond words and they know that.Having them when I did, however, changed the direction of my life.
accidentaltourist says,
I've said it before, CF...we are kindred spirits. :)canadafreeze says,
I believe we are:-)lillybrook says,
I had my first at 22, but she was a surprise. Her brother came 3 years later, and he was a surprise (after the miscarriage of the "planned" baby). My third was the biggest surprise.They have all been an adventure and a gift. They turn your world upside down and take you on a path you didn't even know you wanted to walk and it makes you stronger, braver, most compassionate... I am a better person because of my kids.
Dragonflower says,
I always liked to play with other people's kids, but never, ever (ever) wanted any of my own. I never imagined myself as a mom.Now I couldn't imagine my life as not-a-mom. My daughter made me a better person, far less selfish and self centered. I learned about feelings through her. And to finally understand that unconditional love actually exists. I was 31 when she was born. Like lillybrook, I am a better person because of her. A far, far better person. She is still teaching me!