I never imagined that I’d struggle so much to provide a better life for my child.

When I got pregnant with Jace, I thought living in my late mother’s trailer was a temporary solution. The unexpected pregnancy threw me off, but I hoped to work hard and move into an apartment or tiny house soon. However, life had other plans. Bills piled up, and every small gain went towards emergencies. Despite my efforts, I felt trapped in an endless cycle of financial strain.

Jace, now 22 and working minimum wage, took advantage of my offer to stay with me. I thought it was a sign of support, but he saw it as an excuse to remain indefinitely. When I unexpectedly became pregnant again, Jace complained, “We can’t afford a new child.”

“We’ll manage,” I replied. “Babies are blessings. You can move out if you can’t handle it.”

Heartbroken by his words, I was overwhelmed by the added stress, which led to my hospitalization. At five months, I went into premature labor. My second son was born and placed in an incubator, fighting for his life. The doctors were concerned, but I clung to hope

Jace visited and seemed skeptical. “Maybe it would be more humane to let him go,” he suggested. “Is he in pain?”

“I have to do everything I can for him, just like I did for you,” I replied, my voice cracking.

Jace eventually came around. “The bills will be tough, but he deserves a shot. What’s his name?”

“I was thinking Luke,” I said.

“Perfect,” Jace agreed.

After 398 days in the hospital, Luke was finally discharged. But when I returned to our trailer, I found a new family living there. Confused and distressed, I learned from the new occupant that Jace had sold the trailer for cash.

As I panicked, Jace arrived and led me away. He confessed, “I realized I had been a terrible son. Seeing your love for Luke made me understand what I needed to do. I worked extra shifts and saved up. We can’t live in that trailer anymore. I bought a tiny two-bedroom house nearby. It’s not perfect, but it’s ours.”

I was stunned. “You bought us a house?”

“I did,” Jace smiled. “Are you proud?”

“Yes, I am,” I said, tears of pride in my eyes.

Jace had furnished the new house modestly, including a crib for Luke. Though we still faced financial challenges with bills and repairs, Jace and I worked hard to make ends meet. I even started cleaning houses, taking Luke with me.

Our life wasn’t perfect, but we had each other and a place to call home. I knew we’d get through it together.