Teyonna Ridgeway
Teyonna Ridgeway doesn’t need an iPod to make her happy. She says she is just thankful to have been born.
I am a mistake. That’s what I used to think and it really did hurt. My mother told me that she wasn’t supposed to have me. Her words came during one of the worst times of my life when I felt I had no purpose or reason to live. I always complained about things that were out of my control because I secretly hated my life and wished that God had dealt me another hand.
After having my older sisters, doctors told my mom she shouldn’t have any more children and that it was best if she got her tubes tied. However, six years later, she found out she was pregnant again, with me.
What if I hadn’t been born? I ponder the thought of my family without me, without the peace maker. My extraordinary grades and positive outlook on life makes my mom proud of the young woman I am.
Life is precious and people often take it for granted. It’s ok not to have an iPod Touch or the latest shoes but taking each breath is so much more important. After discovering that I wasn’t supposed to be born, I began to be thankful for everything that I have and will achieve. I now realize that instead of a mistake, I am a miracle.
