I had my baby girl on my 17th birthday, based on how rough a 9 months it was l, I am equally grateful for my birthday gift.

My mom got a lesser paying job because she became awfully unrealiable no corporate office wanted to hire her.

I tried staying in school but after how everyone treated me I had no choice but to quit and get a job.

I started waitressing at Gloria's Bed Breakfast.

Gloria was a friend of my parents and she understood too well of what I'm going through,30 years ago she was in my exact position.

The work isn't too hard and when I am up to it she teaches me how to work the front desk. All my pay goes into buying stuff for the baby and helping with the mortgage, Dad was nice enough to leave us

the house. I tried to eat all

my meals at work as a way to cut down on expenses.

Gloria has been helpful, she gave me advice on how to take care of the baby and also motivates me to go back to school as soon as possible.

My McKenna Angel Harris came

into this world on October 10,2017. With they eyes of her father and my nose and mouth , too bad he will never meet her.

"Ms Harris it's time to feed your baby." My nurse came and bring McKenna.

Since things are so tight I will be breastfeeding at lot.

"Ms Harris you are free to go as soon as someone come and pick you up. Your baby girl is healthy and lovely and she will make you happy."

When that nurse spoke, she forget to mention how often she will poop and how much she will cry. How depressed I will get.

When McKenna became 3 months my mom took sick so she was unable to work, she was able to keep her so I webt back to work at Gloria's.

I had to take as much shifts I can pick up and as much tip as I can get.

"Samantha, let me talk to you a minute."

"Sure Gloria give me a minute."

" What's up ?"

" I think it's time you go back to school, have a baby at 16 it's not the end of the world it should be the driving force for you to do better, for wanting to do better for your baby girl.

I'm selling the B&B. "

"What? Why?"

"I have struggled all my life, and now I don't have to struggle anymore, I already have a few offers and I know which one I'll be accepting. I have something for you abd your daughter, use yours to further your education and put McKenna's own somewhere safe. At the end of the month I'm gone and I don't want to leave you here."

As she got up tears ran down my face but I know she is right, I have my daughter to live for my mom to take care of not much more I can do.

I started doing evening class you get my diploma, worked the breakfast shift at Hal's Diner go home after lunch rush to prepare lunch, take care of Kenna and my Mom and attend classes. It was hard but I stay motivated.

5 years later