Crystal Johnson

Finding out that I was pregnant at 14 years old was absolutely terrifying. I did not have a clue first of all how I would begin to tell my mother as our family dynamics were already compromised without the added stress of another life. My family household was headed by a single mother with an alcohol addiction and I was her only child who often experienced role reversal in managing household duties. I can vividly recall every moment of attempting to tell my mom that I was pregnant as she sipped on her beer. Being scared couldn’t even describe how I felt as my heart appeared to jump out of my chest. I survived. 

 

I had delivered a healthy baby boy. My mom and  I worked together as we always had despite the chaos and continued traumas that reared their ugly heads. As I look back, I wish mental health, the trauma of sexual abuse, domestic violence, life skills and family dynamics were addressed in the 80’s. My mother did the best she could do in her mental state but I never truly had the right help. As I look back, a mentor equipped to guide me on my journey would have been so beneficial in easing my feeling alone and afraid many days as I made decisions in times of conflict and chaos. Every hardship, fear, tear, uncertainty and worry have all shaped me to serve others today. I want to help pregnant teens do more than survive but be equipped, confident and empowered, resilient, critically think and actually thrive!