My boyfriend’s parents have an amazing story. I recently had a chance to sit down and have a heart to heart my boyfriend’s mother, Monica, about it and about her coming of age experience.

The second oldest of five children, Monica grew up in a very strict Mexican household. When she met Manuel, my boyfriend’s father, she was 15 and a freshman in high school. Her parents were so strict that she was not allowed to see him outside school, and had to come straight home every day. However, Monica and Manuel still managed to see each other, and soon Monica found out she was pregnant. Neither Monica’s nor Manuel’s parents took the news well. Monica’s parent’s practically disowned her, kicking her out of the house. Manuel was also kicked out of the house. The only thing that their parents approved of (reluctantly), was Monica and Manuel’s marriage. They needed to sign the papers allowing them to marry, but after that they offered no assistance to the young couple, who had to find a way to make it on their own. By 16, they were married with a son, and renting an apartment. Monica describes this time as being very difficult for her, mostly because of the rejection she received from her parents. They acted as if they lost their daughter, and that only made the already difficult situation that much worse.

Manuel found work any way he could. He did construction, gardening, stone work, any physical labor jobs he could find. Monica stayed home to raise their first son, Manny, and then found part time office work. She told me that many people were surprised to find out that they never had to rely on government assistance, even at such young ages. They always worked and saved for what they needed. While many young couples face similar situations, (getting pregnant at a young age, needing to support themselves), and end up separating or divorcing, Monica and Manny truly made it work. What may have started as “puppy love” or infatuation, had turned into real love. 27 years later, not only have they stayed together, but they had three more children, all boys. Monica and Manuel loved each other, and they loved building their family. When I talk to Monica about it today, she always says that marriage is about love, but more importantly it’s about hard work and respect. Monica and Manuel never had it easy, but it was with hard work that they raised their family happily together. Both of their parents came to forgive their children and there hasn’t been any bad blood since.  Although Monica and Manuel had to grow up at a very young age and had difficult lives, the home they created for their children has been one of the happiest and most secure of anyone I’ve ever met. Monica says that looking back, although she was forced to become a mother, wife, and an adult at the young age of 16, she couldn’t be happier with how her life turned out. If she could go back, the only thing she would change would have been the reception she got from her parents. It may sound cheesy, but looking at the happiness and love that Manuel and Monica have for each other and their children proves to me that incredible things can come from the most difficult situations, and that true love isn’t easy, but it does exist.