Dear Young Mothers,

I need you all to understand how strong you are. You are doing something that would scare the hell out of most young women at an age when people still expect us to act like children. I bet their were, are, and will continue to be many points in your life where you will face a lot of challenges that most young women won't have to face. Some college and high school aged girls are out partying, socializing, and going to school while you may have to spend nights at home talking care of your child. Maybe even you have to catch up on homework during late hours when your child is asleep. I wanted to take the opportunity to reach out to you all and let you know how much you are admired, loved, and supported.

I don't understand what it's like to be a mom yet, I hope some day I will though. For some of you, you know what that kind of love and connection feels like now. Don't let people feel bad for you and make you feel like you are missing out on living life. You aren't. There comes a time in a person's life where they are ready to become a parent, and yours was earlier than others. That is unique, and it is a different kind of adventure, but you are bound to love it.

When days become hard, know that you are not alone. Look into your child's eyes, and you will remember that it is all worth it. Someday, when they are old enough, they won't be able to stop thanking you for all you have done for them. Young mothers are examples to the rest of the potential mothers of what love and sacrifice is all about. Maybe it was not what you had planned on happening, but you accepted the fact. Better yet, you made the situation into something great and filled it with love and joy.

I do not personally know a lot of young mothers, but I still want all of the young ladies out there to know that I am rooting for them every day. You deserve the world, really. A lot of you had to mature in the blink of an eye and change a lot of things that you may have done before your baby arrived. Don't waste your time wondering what your life would be like without your kid, because by now I hope you feel like it was one of the best things to ever happen to you. Thank you all for being so great, loving, and caring. I wish nothing but the best for you and your child. Keep on keeping on with heads held high. You owe it to your child, and yourself, to show the world how great you are.