A New Journey Begins for Teen Mothers
After 15 weeks, it was time for Sacred Heart Southern Mission’s Project Good Mother graduation. Five of the seven girls in class were finished. Two had a few more classes to complete due to the day that they came to Project Good Mother. That would not deter the festivities.
Project Good Mother is designed to help expectant teenagers to recognize the gift of goodness that is within them, to take responsibility for their lives and that of their children and to become mature parents who will care for their children lovingly.
Before this graduation could commence a final class was necessary. The class started off with a questionnaire. All the girls finished up and handed their papers to Mrs. Foster.
There was still more to do, as Sr. Nancy told the girls, “Time to make Christmas stockings for your baby.” She let the mothers choose between the green and red socks.
Glitter and glue, stars and other embellishments were transformed into shiny masterpieces of love for the coming bundles of joy. The girls took extra care to make sure every detail was just right.
The young mothers took a quick break and cleaned the room, laying their stockings out to dry. Sr. Nancy brought in bright tablecloths, plates and napkins and set them about. As the ladies filed back in, Sr. Gus peaked in the room and announced, “The pizza is here!”
The graduation celebration was about to begin. A wave of excitement filled the room. Sr. Nancy brought in little cups of candy and nuts. Sr. Angela distributed chips, while Freddie poured soda and lemonade.
As a surprise, some of the girls own mothers showed up to share in the occasion. You could tell it was something that the girls clearly were not expecting, but were thoroughly delighted to see.
The pizza and soda disappeared quickly amid the laughs and conversation. After everything was tidied up, Sr. Angela made her way to the head of the table.
“This is a very exciting day for you ladies. You are graduating and we are all very proud,” Sr. Angela announced. She described all the things that had been taught over the past several months and shared words of encouragement. She also read a letter from a past Project Good Mother graduate. At first the letter seemed to be addressed to the good sisters, Mrs. Foster and Mr. Brandon, but as it went on, it became a road map for the young mothers, telling them what to expect.
Sr. Angela concluded, reminding the girls that they were important and to not give up on their education. She also spoke of the importance of giving the father of their baby an opportunity to be a part of their baby’s life, as she passed out articles for the girls to share. “Remember ladies, you are light. You and your babies are gifts from God,” said Sr. Angela.
Sr. Nancy called each of the five up and presented them with certificates. Freddie snapped pictures as each girl received her award. “We have a Christmas gift for each of you,” Sr. Nancy said, as she passed delicately wrapped packages to each of the mothers.
One would have thought that they would have all torn into the gifts. Curiously, none did. Some shook the package, others mashed around to see if they could discern it’s contents, and then they all tucked the presents into their bags, as if there might not be many to enjoy.
Squeals of joy were heard as Barbara and Sr. Angela came through the door with the first car seats and diaper bags and Sr. Nancy said, “Here is what you worked so hard for!”
Each of the graduates received a brand new car seat and diaper bag filled with diapers, clothes, bottles and other necessities. “Those bags are not empty! They have all the things you will need right away once the baby gets here,” she said, opening one up.
The young mothers were ecstatic. Shaundreka, one of the more stoic ones in the group, was totally overwhelmed. She put her head down and cried. “It’s beautiful,” she said, with her hand over her mouth, as she continued to cry.
The room bustled with excitement as the girls examined the contents of the bags.
It was time to go. Freddie started the bus and the sisters and Mrs. Foster helped the mothers with their haul. Reality was setting in and tears started to flow.
“Be sure to bring your babies by so we can meet them,” said Sr. Nancy.
A new journey ensued for these teens. One they are much more prepared to travel, thanks to Project Good Mother.
