Katrina Mullen, a 23-year-experienced nurse, not only sympathizes with but also actively helps Shariya Small, a 14-year-old girl who has already been through three premature pregnancies. Mullen, who became a mother at the age of 16, understands the difficulties Small faces and wants to assist her.
Mullen, driven by her own experiences, shares her life story with Small. She reveals that she too had a teenage pregnancy and had to give her child up for adoption due to financial constraints. Mullen expresses her willingness to support and help Small whenever she needs it. Gradually, Small starts to open up to Mullen and sees her as a reliable figure who provides comfort and valuable advice.
After the premature babies stabilize and are discharged from the hospital, Mullen realizes the health issues faced by one of the triplets, a boy. She urges Small to bring her son to the hospital for a check-up, where he is diagnosed with developmental delays and an allergy to the formula he was consuming. While Small stays at the hospital to take care of her son, Mullen takes the two baby girls, Serenitee and Sarayah, to her own home to provide care for them.
Shariya Small’s three children after 5 months of birth.
Unfortunately, the distressing news does not end there. Mullen receives an unexpected phone call from Child Protective Services, informing her that Small and her three children will be removed from their current living arrangement, which is staying with a relative. This means that the family of four will be separated, and the children will be placed in foster care.
At this moment, the newly assigned caseworker informs Mullen that Small has requested to stay with her and asks if she would be willing to foster all four of them. Without hesitation, Mullen responds, “Yes, I will foster them.” Despite some objections from others, Small and her three children officially move in with Mullen on April 9, 2021, with only a rough bag full of clothes as their belongings. From that day forward, they never leave each other’s side.
Although it takes some time to adjust, Mullen’s children quickly embrace Small and her children, forming a bond that resembles a true family. Furthermore, after Small’s biological mother agrees to terminate her parental rights, Mullen formally adopts her as her daughter and accepts her children as her grandchildren.
Not only did Small continue to go to school, but the three children also developed well mentally and physically.
After moving in with her foster mother, Small enrolls in high school and is expected to graduate in the upcoming June. She has been accepted into two universities, where she plans to study social work with the ultimate goal of helping other teenage mothers overcome their difficulties, just like Mullen helped her.
The three children become the center of their mother’s life, and her greatest desire now is to move forward and raise her children in a happy and healthy environment. These children never disappoint her and achieve significant milestones early in life. Despite facing challenges as premature babies, they are all developing well both physically and emotionally.
The story of the nurse and the 14-year-old expectant mother has gained attention on social media. The majority of people admire Mullen’s selfless love and dedication to helping others.
The heartwarming story of Mullen and Small resonated with people online, and their inspiring journey touched many hearts. Mullen’s compassionate act of taking in Small and her children showcased the power of empathy and the impact one person can make in someone’s life.
On April 9, 2021, Small and her three children officially moved into Mullen’s house.
As the news of their story spread, Mullen received an outpouring of support from the community. People offered assistance in various forms, such as donations, baby supplies, and even emotional support for both Mullen and Small. The overwhelming support from strangers further strengthened their belief in the goodness of humanity.
Mullen’s dedication to Small and her children didn’t go unnoticed by her colleagues and superiors at the hospital. She became an inspiration to her fellow healthcare professionals, reminding them of the importance of connecting with patients on a deeper level and providing compassionate care.
Over time, Small and her children flourished under Mullen’s care. The nurturing environment, stability, and love they found in Mullen’s home enabled them to heal from their past traumas and grow into resilient individuals. Small’s determination to pursue higher education and make a positive impact on the lives of other teenage mothers showcased her strength and resilience.
Look at photos of the trio when they were young.
As the years passed, Small and Mullen’s bond continued to strengthen. They became not only mother and daughter but also confidantes and pillars of support for each other. Mullen’s guidance and wisdom helped Small navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, while Small’s presence brought joy and fulfillment to Mullen’s life.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and compassion. It highlights the potential for positive change when individuals extend a helping hand to those in need. Through Mullen’s selfless act, Small and her children were given a second chance at a brighter future.
Look at photos of the trio when they were young.
As for Mullen, the experience of fostering and eventually adopting Small and her children enriched her life in ways she never imagined. It reinforced her belief in the importance of providing a loving and stable environment for children, regardless of their circumstances. Mullen continues to advocate for the well-being of teenage mothers and supports initiatives aimed at providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive.
The remarkable story of Mullen and Small reminds us all of the power of compassion, empathy, and the lasting impact that a single act of kindness can have on someone’s life. It serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for positive change when individuals come together to support one another.
In conclusion, the story of Katrina Mullen and Shariya Small is a testament to the power of empathy, compassion, and the transformative effect of a helping hand. Mullen, drawing from her own experiences, reached out to Small, a 14-year-old girl facing immense challenges as a young mother. Through their connection, Mullen provided support, love, and stability to Small and her three children.
Look at photos of the trio when they were young.
Despite initial objections and challenges, Mullen’s decision to foster and eventually adopt Small and her children proved to be life-changing for everyone involved. Small and her children found a nurturing home where they could heal and thrive, and Mullen experienced the joy and fulfillment of being a mother and making a difference in their lives.
Their story resonated with people around the world, inspiring others to show kindness and compassion to those in need. Mullen’s act of selflessness serves as a reminder that a single act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s life, and it highlights the importance of providing support and love to those facing difficult circumstances.
Look at photos of the trio when they were young.
Ultimately, the story of Mullen and Small is a story of resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. It reminds us of the strength we possess to overcome challenges and the potential we have to make a positive difference in the lives of others.