Selflessness on MTV

Yesterday while watching cable television (still shocked we have it again), I really got into an MTV True Life episode. It was about giving a baby up for adoption. One of the stories was so incredible and heartwarming while the other was so sad...

The happy, fuzzy story was about a 19 year-old who got pregnant while on drugs. During the pregnancy she sobered up and got her life together. She didn't want her daughter to have any disadvantage so she decided on an open adoption with a stable family (her second cousins). After delivery it took her every bit of strength to do what she felt was right for her daughter, while knowing it was wrong for her. The adoptive parents were so kind and understanding, and she had such incredible support from the adoptive services and social worker they used. Fast forward to post-adoption. She is still sober, she is getting her GED and going to college, and she lovingly pumps breastmilk for her daughter.

Pumping truly is a labor of love, as is breastfeeding. It isn't always serene and definitely isn't always easy. Yet, this young teenage mom was doing what was best for her daughter. I pumped for Conor and hated every minute of it. But, I got to see him and nurse him after work. She pumps without that reward. She selflessly donates milk to a child that is no longer hers. I am so amazed and awed by her.

Needless to say I was in happy girl tears about that.

The other girl was selfish and quit. She wrote off her child even though she decided not to give it up for adoption. Having a baby is really, really, really hard and often I want a break. Yet, I trudge through and provide for my baby because he is the greatest miracle I know of. She was selfish and said she couldn't do it right now. I wanted to punch her in the face. Luckily, the baby had a good father and a supportive family.