06/05/2007

Generation Why

Once a problem, now a blessing

Biases have been overcome

By KATIE HOOVER

Special to the Record-Eagle

The joys of motherhood are unexplainable and never-ending.

That one person can change the way your whole life is, can turn your day upright, and is an amazing feeling.

I have only been a mother for two short years, but they have been the most incredible and challenging two years of my life. Since I got pregnant at such a young age, I had many more things to battle through. I could not even go to a regular doctor because I was so young that I was a high-risk patient.

I have dealt with so many stereotypes and so many mean people. People I thought would be my friend until the day I died suddenly started looking at me differently and passing judgment. Parents wouldn't let their kids hang out with me, like pregnancy was contagious or something. In all actuality, those same kids that were passing judgment were 10 times worse than I ever thought about being: drinking every weekend, having multiple partners, doing drugs.

My mom used to hug me when I would cry because of how mean people would be, the things they would say or the rumors they would start about me. And for the cherry on top of it all, I gained about 70 pounds, so I looked and felt like a beached whale.

So there I was, 15, with a child, fat as could be, practically friendless, and I felt like the world's ugliest heifer. But it was nothing some counseling, antidepressants and endless tearful nights wouldn't cure.

I have come a long way, and I'm not conceited in any way, shape or form. But I am 17 years old, about to graduate from high school. I'm getting married in July, and I have the cutest, smartest, most lovable child God has ever blessed this earth with. And if it wasn't for all of those struggles and conflicts I had to overcome, I would not be the proud mother I am today.

Because nothing in this world could ever beat when you're having a bad day and your 2-year-old, red-headed, blue-eyed, dimple-faced son comes up to you with a great big hug and says, "I love you Mommy.” That right there was worth all the pain, tears and struggles. Because nothing can replace how awesome that makes you feel inside.

Katie Hoover is a senior at McBain High School.