Catelynn and Tyler

I know this blog is generally about us becoming parents, but I'd like to make a post about other people becoming parents...

Thanks to Tivo I don't usually flip channels, but every now and then I do. On a couple occassions I caught partial episodes of an MTV show called 16 and Pregnant. I saw just enough of this one couple to know their story. And I have caught, intentionally, the tail end of the season of Teen Mom which is kind of the post baby show to see where they are now six months after the birth of their daughter. {Both are documentary style... not realty tv style... they try to show teen pregnancy as it is for so many kids.}

First let me set up their situation. Catelynn and Tyler were 16 and pregnant, both coming from broken unstable homes. Together they decided they wanted a life for their daughter that they could not give her so they made an adoption plan. Catelynn's mom did not support her decision at all. They made this decision by themselves without support. They chose a couple to adopt their daughter and had agreed to an open adoption. While the decision was heart breaking for them, they made the selfless decision that was best for their daughter. The adoptive mother had bracelets made, one for her, one for Catelynn, and one for the baby girl as a reminder of the very special bond they shared. The baby girl is now about six months old. Catelynn and Tyler are still together and think of their daughter every single day. They are still healing and finding support.

Nathan also has enjoyed watching this show. But we noticed something, something kind of ironic. Of all the parents on Teen Mom, its the couple who would have made good parents that made the adoption plan. The other parents are mostly irresponsible, constantly fighting, complaining, and selfish. None of the couples with kids can stand to be around each other. One girl lives with her parents and is flat out a spoiled brat. Its hard to watch at times because your heart hurts for those babies. But then there is Catelynn and Tyler. Having a daughter together and facing such a big ordeal made them stronger. Tyler was so supportive of Catelynn. And they are determined to better themselves so that some day they can offer a child a good, stable home.

Why is it, the people who would make good parents are the ones choosing adoption? Do you know what I mean? Of all the couples, those that are less fit to be parents are the ones who should be choosing adoption. Its kind of hard to articulate.

As I watch Catelynn and Tyler, I wish I could hug them both and tell them how strong they are. I wish I could tell them they can make it together and in life. {Side note: Catelynn and Tyler are actually from Michigan.} Tyler is considering the military and Catelynn wants to go to college. I wish I had the money to pay for her college. I wish I had the money give them a break. Sometimes we all just need a break in life.

We just watched the season finale, and Tyler proposed to Catelynn. Yes, I cried, but so did Nathan. Rather he "teared up." I think we see ourselves in them in a sense. They are young. But you can see the love is real. Having a daughter, even though they chose adoption, made them grow up and grow closer... something the other moms have failed to do. We hope that Tyler and Catelynn make it... and they will be in my prayers.