Written By: Autumn & Mother Shamarold
Photography: Felecia Causey
Mom & Daughter Photo Provided By Autumn and Shamarold
Wow, where do I even begin? The past 18 years with my daughter, Autumn Kelis Jackson (who just turned 18!), have been quite the adventure. "Trying but grateful" is probably the best way to sum it up. From the moment she arrived on November 16, 2006 (via emergency C-section, no less!), it's been a rollercoaster. Being a single mom presented unexpected challenges – things you wouldn't believe! Remember when Autumn was 7 and we had to choose between surgery and radiation? Those were tough decisions.
Autumn's always been such a bright and confident kid, a real little diva with a sweetheart. She took everything in stride, even when she missed tons of school for appointments and surgeries. She never fell behind – amazing, right? That determination is really shining through now.
We've had some incredible times together, too – trips, cruises, late-night talks, and just tons of fun family memories I'll always treasure. Those good times balanced out the tough ones, and honestly, the tough times helped us grow so much. I remember praying a lot when she was first diagnosed, seeking guidance. Looking back 11 years later, I'm so thankful for the path we chose.
I couldn't have done it without God, my family, and the incredible staff at Children's Hospital of Birmingham. They helped make me the strong person I am today. And look at Autumn – she's an honor student heading off to The University of Alabama to study nursing, with dreams of becoming a nurse anesthetist! I'm bursting with pride. She's embraced her past and is ready for an amazing future.
Autumn is my greatest joy, my biggest accomplishment, my greatest blessing. Thank you, Lord, for her. I love you, Autumn!
It's hard to believe it, but my high school journey is officially over! Looking back, it's been quite the ride – full of ups and downs, challenges, and so many amazing memories that have shaped me into the person I am today. From those early days in Pre-K all the way to graduation, each step has been a learning experience.
There were definitely some tough times. I spent a lot of time in and out of doctors' offices, which tested my strength and determination. Balancing schoolwork with recovery wasn't always easy, but I kept pushing forward! It taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying focused, even when things get really tough. And through it all, my amazing mom was right there with me every step of the way. Seriously, she's the best! I couldn't have asked for a better childhood, or a better mom to share it with.
But it wasn't all hard work! I have so many wonderful memories – playing outside, family trips, amazing friends, and the incredible feeling of being an Honor Roll student throughout school. Celebrating birthdays, achievements, and earning awards and scholarships was always so exciting! I'm especially thrilled to have earned two scholarships to the University of Alabama!
Dance has also been a huge part of my life since I was about 5. It's something I truly love, and it's definitely helped shape who I am.
If I had to sum up my journey in five words, it would be: hope, resilience, growth, fun, and laughter.
Graduating still feels surreal, but I'm so incredibly excited for what's next! This new chapter is all about independence and figuring out who I truly want to be. I can't wait to start this next adventure at the University of Alabama and begin working towards my dream of becoming a Nurse Anesthetist!
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