For the expecting and "been there, done that" young moms,

Here's a statistic for you: In 2010, 30 percent of all pregnancies of adolescent females ages 15-19 in the United States ended in an abortion.

This is exactly why I say you did not take the easy way out, and same goes for those of you older than 19. It is my opinion that you ought to be highly respected.

I have my reasons, many of which I think you be able to see for yourself. I personally cannot imagine being in your shoes, and for that reason, I have no other response besides respect. I know it's not ideal; therefore, it can't be easy. It can't always be as wonderful as your social media makes it out to be, but it can be what you've made it to be.

First of all, you're brave.

Society often places a heavy burden on young moms, and I'm sure you have had at least one person make you feel this weight. They argue that you made a mistake or that you aren't fit to be a mother. You're brave for facing society despite their degrading opinions. Maybe it was scary or stressful for you to let the word out, but you did it with grace and happiness. People disagreed and looked down on you, but you are brave and you should be respected.

Second, the amount you give of yourself.

For many young people, the goal is to go out every weekend, have the best clothes, dream the biggest dreams and so on and so forth. As a parent, your goals make a U-turn. You transitioned your life into what is best for your child. You learned what it's like to love on a much deeper level than most young people ever experience. This love required sacrifice: the true, pure and deliberate gift of yourself. In carrying your baby, you gave your body. In living everyday life with your baby, you give your love, strength and time. You could spend your Friday nights out with the girls, but you've found it much better to spend it doing something as simple as cuddling on the couch with the one you love the most, your child. You live selflessly as a young mother, and that is to be respected.

Third, you wouldn't go back to how things were.

You credit your everyday joy to your child, and that is a beautiful thing. When parenting is less than ideal, you are content knowing your child is a gift from God. You trust that it is all a part of the grand plan. Your love radiates in a way that it never did before your child! You are wiser and remarkably stronger. You've seen yourself grow on the inside as you've watched your child grow on the outside, and that is another beautiful thing. Your baby is your biggest motivation because you want the absolute best for him or her. Your precious child changed your life, and you are endlessly thankful for it. And that, my friends, is to be respected.