Mommies-to-be need support, not judgment

 

As I opened the newspaper a few weeks ago, as I do every Thursday, and opened the page to all the beautiful faces of the mommies-to-be, as pictured in the county baby shower photos, I noticed my best friend and my beautiful little sister pregnant and so happy. I was so excited that Healthy Start did this for them.

I was a young unwed mother and had a great support system, but Healthy Start educated me on a lot of stuff and helped me with many things I couldn’t afford on my own, such as car seats and Pack ‘N Plays. I cut the picture out and put it in a scrapbook I’m making for my sister’s baby girl.

But today when I opened the paper and read the letter to the editor labeled “Moms, and dads, needed for strong families,” a knot started to form in my throat and I felt so angry. I may not have had a husband but my kid’s father loves them more than he could if I had some band on my finger. And my best friend and sister have loving fathers for their children as well! There’s so many people who are so quick to pass judgment in this town and yes, you may have been married when your children were born but sadly the majority of you are now divorced.

Society isn’t glorifying un-wed mothers but, better yet, giving the beautiful pregnant mothers-to-be a little support and education. Unfortunately it’s people who are so quick to pass judgment who would make that out to be something bad. Ms. Terri with Healthy Start and Ms. Ashley with Healthy Families, thank you so much for being there for me when I needed you and thank you the same for being there for my loved ones who need you now!

Congratulations to all the beautiful mommies-to-be pictured, wed or un-wed. Our village will support you always!

Clarissa Glass