A Very Important Date - with a story

December 11, 2003: The day that Austin Neil was born. Obviously, this is a very important date to me, as it is the day that my son was born. 

I don't often speak of the times before my children were here, since they are such a huge part of my life. As parents, our children consume our lives. We sometimes fail to remember, or just omit that part of our lives before the kids were here. 

Today though, I thought I would share more about me before my son was born. 

I wish I could say that I was always a good person. That I did everything right, and treated everyone the way they should be treated. I didn't. I wasn't a nice person, especially to myself. I drank, partied, did drugs and was promiscuous. I was careful, but I really am very lucky. My brother, who I lived with at the time did not know what to do with me. Honestly, had I been in his shoes, I probably would have given up. My boyfriend at the time was a stripper who also fooled around with men. Thinking back on it, WOW, I am SERIOUSLY lucky I didn't end up with a disease or something. 

I worked in hotels at the time as a night auditor. It was a great gig for me. I could stay up all night at work and watch movies or play on the computer after I got my work done. I could flirt with all of the male guests and not bat an eye. Who cared if they were married or not? It was just flirting. 

I wish I could say that my flirting was only viewed as innocent flirting. It wasn't. Someone took it seriously... and although I said no, he did not care. This is how my son was conceived. After that, I contemplated abortion. I am a pro-choice girl. I think that a woman should have that choice. However, after thinking about it long and hard, I realized that it wasn't for me, regardless of the circumstances surrounding conception. My unborn child didn't deserve that from me. So I decided to have my baby. 

Pregnancy saved me. I turned my life around, not just for me, but more for my child. I did not want my baby coming into the world to a mother who didn't have her shit together. So, I got my shit together. I gave up the bad behavior, buckled down and worked hard. With the hard work and a lot of support and help from my brother, I was able to get my own apartment. Though I didn't have a car, I was fine. The grocery store was a couple of blocks away, and I could take the bus to and from work. It worked out well. 

My beautiful son was born on December 11th, 2003. He was welcomed by myself and my brother who had been by my side through it all. As soon as I held my baby in my arms, I knew that my tiny son was my angel. He saved my life.  Without him, I can't imagine how my life would have turned out. There have been many ups and downs. It wasn't easy at first, and sometimes it still isn't easy. But I am happy. I am a much better person, and grateful for what I have. I no longer take others or my own life for granted. I have respect for myself that I didn't have before. My children are the reason for this. 

If you have read this post until this point, thank you. I have always wanted to get this out... it's one of those things that can take time to get out. 

I'll now share the layout I created using a photo from the day Austin Neil was born. 

My beautiful baby boy on the scale after he was born. 

The important date! 

I can't believe how tiny he was! 

With this layout, I created my own background using a heart stamp, red ink, a chipboard heart (for masking) and some glimmer mist. I love how it turned out. The patterned paper, chipboard numbers, sticker, and Love Stamp are all Sassafras Lass. The red distressed dotted paper is from one of my Studio Calico kits. 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I'll be back tomorrow with another share!!!