Maybe you expected your life to be like this at 20 years old, maybe you did not. Whether you were excited or you cried when you found out, you now know that your child was not an "accident," but a "surprise."

Our lives are completely different. I have no idea what your life is like. I know what it is like to be a young adult, but I have no clue what it is like to be a young parent. I will never understand what it would be like to juggle becoming an adult while raising a child. I work with seven toddlers at a daycare. I adore the pictures of your little love on Facebook. I have babysat numerous children. Have I even had a glimpse into your experience as a parent? No.

What I do know is this:

I come running late to work because I needed a few extra minutes of sleep because I was up late studying. You run late into the daycare that I work at because your 2-year-old had a different plan for you this morning. You were up late after cooking for him, playing, and doing his laundry. I don't know if you ever found a moment for yourself, but I can tell by the look on your face that you probably haven't.

At 4 o'clock, you are done with work, but you are picking up your toddler. For eight hours, I get worn out from chasing seven toddlers, but I get to go home at the end of the day. Maybe I have class at night or homework to do, but you don't know when your next free second will be. I can see that you are exhausted, but ready to do what you need to for your child for the rest of the day. I can see how happy this little person makes you.

I am annoyed when I have a headache and a cold and still have to go into work. You have to figure out what to do when I call you and tell you your child needs to go home because of a fever. I see the stress in your eyes, but I see the strength you have while you keep chugging along.

I am upset when my friends ditch me or when I have no one to go out with. You haven't slept in a few days or had a few minutes of silence to yourself. You never show failure or a sign of giving up to your child. I see that.

In your 20s, you are learning how to become an adult. Paying your own bills, being independent, and moving to the career chapter of your life. A lot of people our age struggle with this and find themselves slacking or being incredibly lazy. They go out, live for themselves, and shop for one person. I see a quick flash of envy in your eyes, but it switches right over to the love for your little one.

But you are a young mom. You sacrifice the girls' nights. You are more responsible than most people your age. You are always putting another human being before any of your needs. You deal with the stigma put toward you, the stares, and the rumors. I see it. I see how quickly you have become a put-together, functioning, and instinctive mom. I see that your child makes up who you are on this day. I see every bit of effort that you have put into raising him.

Having a baby while you are young is something you should never be ashamed of. Anything I can do, you can do it faster, stronger, and with a baby by your side. I get worn out from children at a part time job that I get paid for, but one of these small, needy, loving humans is your entire life. That is something to be proud of.

Maybe it is hard right now, harder than I could ever imagine. I pray that this gets easier for you and that you never feel alone. Down the road you will be so wise and calm and have so much advice for those of us who have not caught up to you yet. Maybe it seems a little early that all of this happened, but God had this planned for you all along. Just know that although I am not a mother, I see and appreciate everything you do for the lovely toddler that brings joy to his teachers and small friends. You brought him to his earth and continue to make sure he is well, happy, and thriving. You do all of this on top of the other things that typical 20-year-olds do. I see that.