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The Graduate ....


My junior year of high school I fell for this guy and we dated. I thought I was in love but as it turned out I loved the idea of being in love. 

During the summer break between my junior and senior year I found out I was pregnant.  I was only 16. We had already broke up and he was dating someone else. I did not want us to get back together, I just wanted him to acknowledge my pregnancy and step up. He did not. 

I was a graduate but did not walk with my graduating class in 1983 from Selma High School. My son was born in January of my graduating year. 

Instead, I got my diploma in December of 1982 by taking night classes. It’s an alternative that was offered back then. 

Of course I missed out on graduation but I gained so much more insight on life by making the decisions I did. 

I had a son. I was a young mother before I was 18 years old. It was not the end of the world for me, it was just the beginning of the path I had chosen for myself and my son. It wasn’t an easy one but I knew it wasn’t going to be, either.

There were ups and downs and twists and turns and at times our world was flipped upside down… but life is what you make of it. 

Missing graduation did not change the person that I was, it actually made me stronger. I personally feel that I have been successful in life. Besides, I have been to two of my high school reunions and keep in touch with many of my friends from high school. 

The most important thing though, is although I may have taken my own path at times… The Lord has always led me right back to where I need to be. For me, his grace is enough. HIS love never fails. 

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