high school graduation

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7 Days of What I’m Most Thankful For – Day 1

July 10th, 2008

This is day 1 of my week of posts of “What I’m Most Thankful For”.

Day 1 – My Daughter Jessica

While growing up, there was no way in the world I wanted kids. I cannot say I was one of those teen girls that fantasized about getting married to my soul mate and having babies. For me, that was the furthest from my mind. I didn’t want, or need a man. OR anyone for that matter. I was a very angry teen, who wanted to be alone. I wanted a career in the Air Force. Period.

At 20 I was told promptly by a Planned Parenthood employee that my pregnancy test was positive. That was 1988. I figured that solved the mystery of why I felt ill and bloated. I was 6 weeks pregnant with Jessica.

My baby girl, Jessie, was born 3/21/1989 and didn’t utter a sound. The doctor and nurses all became quite hushed. Afterall, babies usually cry as they let the air into their lungs. Not my girl, she refused to make a scene and simply stared directly at me. No lie. It was an uncomfortable silence for a new mother.

I’ve learned silence is golden throughout her rough teen times. She is my daughter, very very very independent and full of life. I never ever – not even once – regreted keeping my baby girl. I was a single mother when she was born and knew I’d be just fine raising her all by myself. I even told the father he could just “fade away” for all I cared.

Yes, remember…. I was an angry person and didn’t care much about anyone back then. EXCEPT – Jessica. Her birth changed me forever.

Headstrong runs through the Nichols’ women. I come from a long line of women who take care of their kids. Alone at times. She certainly got the “headstrong” portion and that played a role in a very turbulent teen time for her. We did make it out alive!

Jessica – Then (1989)

Jessica – Now Graduation w/ Daniel (2007)

She’s beautiful, happy and healthy. She lives with her boyfriend and works and goes to college now. I miss my little girl and love her and thank her for showing me I can be a beautiful, loving, caring person. She was my salvation.

Day 1 – My daughter.