When I was a teenager, having kids wasn't really one of my biggest goals. As a matter of fact, it was barely a goal at all. I was never opposed to the idea of having them, but there was just so much to do before getting onto it.
Then, life happened, and at the age of 16, a little bugger joined my life. I didn't know what to expect at first, nor how to do things right. I didn't feel "the call," nor an immeasurable love or desire to take care of them. What I did know was that I wanted to do the best I could to ensure that little person could have the most stable life I could provide.
And here we are, some years later. What started just as a "responsibility" has turned into basically my most important task in this life. Hearing love-filled words come out of their mouth is something I can't even describe.
Watching them grow, learn, understand things, ask and ask and ask about the world around us is by far the most meaningful thing I've done. I just wish to stay alive long enough to watch them become an adult with a big heart and strong values.