The New Father: An Unexpected Blessing

“This is not supposed to happen,” thought Blake, a young man who was about to graduate from high school. “Not yet, God, please!” Blake’s hand shook as he put down his Blackberry. Ramona, his sixteen-year old girlfriend had just called to tell him she was at the hospital in hard labor. “I am too young to be a new father!”

Blake and Ramona had been intimate during the winter. After having unprotected sex, a positive pregnancy test and a visit to her doctor confirmed that she was pregnant. Blake immediately decided to do the right thing. He was determined to become a proper husband to Ramona, as well as a good father for their baby.    

Ramona’s first instinct had been to run because her parents were very angry. They blamed Blake and demanded she have an abortion immediately. When she refused, they advised her she was no longer part of their family.

Blake and his parents convinced Ramona to stay in the city. They would be married after his graduation and become a family.

“Mom, I have to go to the hospital immediately! Ramona is in hard labor.”

“But, she is only seven months along!” his mother exclaimed. “Me, a grandmother already. Oh my! I will drive you there.”

Blake ran into the hospital, while his mother parked the car.

“Congratulations, Blake,” said Ramona’s doctor. “You have a son!”

“Is Ramona all right?” ask Blake. “What about the baby?”

“The delivery went quickly, but Ramona is fine. She is resting. The baby is in an incubator in the nursery. He is tiny, just four pounds, but he is a strong, healthy baby.”

“Thank God!” replied Blake. “May I see Ramona?”

“Sure can, Blake. Then, I will take you to the nursery to see your son.”

The doctor was amazed at how well Blake handled the situation.

“Congratulations with respect to your graduation, Blake. My daughter is graduating, too! By the way, I am looking for a young man to train as a doctor’s assistant. If you are interested, come by my office and we can talk about it.”