We are proud of all 3 winners.

I too married right out of high school and have been married for 27 years now and have raised 4 children. I was merely trying to say to the young teenagers to keep in mind that marriage is a serious committment which takes lots of effort, love, patience, forgiveness and understanding to make it work and even then it still doesn’t always work out like one hopes or plans. Don’t marry someone just because you feel it’s what your parents expect or want. It’s got to be a descision that you believe is the right thing for yourself and your life, as “for better or for worse and in sickness and in health till death do us apart” is a very long time.

People can change and life changes people and everyone doesn’t always live happily ever after!

I too, got pregnant then married, right after high school and can relate to a lot of the things Lauren stated. Except most of my family did not support me and wanted me to have an abortion. I am so THANKFUL I stood my ground and did not let them talk me into it. Of course it was tons of hard work and a lot of self sacrifice, but I would not change anything. Children are an absolute blessing! My kids have brought so much joy, laughter and love into my life.

I absolutely agree with Robert, who wrote — Marriage is what you make of it & sometimes marrying right after high school isn’t so bad —- I couldn’t agree more! I’ve been married since I was 18 and my husband and I will celebrate our 15 year anniversary next month! =)

I’d like to say that although it is the hopes and dreams of every parent that their child be able to graduate high school and move forward to accomplish many of their goals and dreams before bringing their first child into this world, it doesn’t always work out that way because some teenagers act before they think, which will sometimes change life in an instant for not only the teenager, but their families and friends too. Parents learn real quickly, were not always in control!

As a parent myself of two step daughters, a son and daughter, I too had always had the same christian beliefs and mindset as the McCalls did that the appropriate thing for your children to do is fall in love, get married and raise a family together in a positive and loving home. However, I learned real quick like that life isn’t always cut and dry as that and your children will grow up and become young adults and have the free will to make choices in life that you may or may not agree with and life goes on .

Our son did what he thought was the right thing to do and married his teenage sweetheart and he also wanted to please his parents, only to later divorce his wife almost 5 years later. As they both grew older and developed into young adults, they both changed and grew apart. Therefore we had to stop and ask ourselves, what was gained by this and was a marriage really the right thing to do when our children are so young?

I now believe that everyone needs to do what is the right thing for themselves in any given situation that will bring about peace and happiness in every desicion that they make. Love and support your children as best you can as they make their way in this world, as they make their mistakes and/or poor judgements in life and as parents, just place their needs in the Lord’s hands to help take care of the rest. Good will come out of every crisis we face in our lives some way or another if we wait long enough to see.

Thank you Lauren for sharing your families personal experiences with everyone and the lessons that you have taken away from it and how it has changed your life and just remember that everyone has a story too, so ya’ll are not alone.

God bless

I know your Mom and Dad are very proud of you. Reading your essay, I can feel the love and warmth you and your family has and maintains. In times that we live in today, it is hard to hold onto our Christain values – so keep it up and gain the wealth that love brings to a family and a community.