This question seems to be geared toward a person who is employed outside the home. I personally have not been this person in over five years therefore I had to chose weather to create a scenario or to write about a moral dilemma that I felt would compare. I prefer to use an honest approach and write about a real topic. The topic I chose is my daughter Starla. The reason why I chose this topic is because it relates to social work topics such as teen pregnancy, rape of a minor, & underage marriage along w/ parenting issues. (I�ll keep it as short as possible)

As a mother of four you can imagine I�vie had my share of situations. However, the largest dilemma I ever faced was that which included my eldest daughter Starla. It all started back in 2005 when I lived in Des Moines , Washington . I was attending High line Community College for my AA in Psychology. My kids were attending school. Well all except Starla who I was attempting to home school. You see Star was always a head strong child. We had already faced many of the teen issues such as overdose, running away, and bad friendships but the worst was yet to come. To make a long story short, my daughter then 15 years old became pregnant by her then 23 year old boyfriend. Yes you heard me right 23 yr old boyfriend. Now I didn�t know at first. She went to a crisis center, got the tests done, received prenatal care for several weeks and then I got a phone call from several friends who she had told. After a huge fight, the police and a lot of drama, I got the truth. This is where the moral dilemma began.

Mom had a choice. Actually a few choices. Mom could press charges or not. Mom could let them get married, or not. Mom could do etc. I sought help from several people. My greatest support came from instructors who I had grown to trust. Of course the detective was there to offer advice as well. But over all it was my choice. So what did I do? Well I�ll tell you. I had a nervous break down.

I left school, packed everything I owned, boarded 4 kids and 2 cats on a plane and moved 3000 miles away from her boyfriend. I DID NOT press charges. I truly felt that Star had allowed and chose her destiny and because of that the young man did not deserve prison. I also was looking out for my grandchild who would have to grow up not only without a father but knowing his/her father was in prison for raping his/her mother when his/her mother had wanted exactly what she got. So yes� it was a difficult thing to do� However I didn�t leave the two of them without a reunification plan. (I may not have liked the situation but I wanted to be fair)

I told her. If you go w/ me. Return to school. Look for work. Prepare for this baby. Quit acting like a thug. AND he takes care of his business, comes after you, gets a job and shows he can take care of you and the baby. I will sign your marriage license after your 16th birthday. IF you run from me. I WILL press charges for that baby�s sake. (Maybe not the most ethical but I had to do something)

So anyway� That�s what I did and well�.

She not only went back to school. She got her GED in 3 months. She had that baby (May 1, 2006) and was totally prepared for it. He may not have for filled his but they forced me to sign the marriage license (for the over all good of my other 3 kids not my own will) and they are now living back in Seattle where they just had baby number two on may 11, 2007. I guess things are working out for them.

You can read older entries by visiting the achieves on the right. Thank You For Visiting!