Shariya Small was only 14 years old when she found herself becoming a mother to triplets: Serenitee, Samari, and Sarayah. Born prematurely at 26 weeks, the tiny trio spent their first five months fighting for their lives in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Shariya spent countless hours by their side, seemingly alone in her struggle. However, as fate would have it, she was far from alone. A nurse, Katrina Mullen, noticed the young, solitary mom and was moved by her situation.
The bond between Shariya and Katrina began to blossom slowly, threaded together by mutual understanding, empathy, and shared experiences. Katrina, having become a mother herself at 16, could understand the overwhelming emotions Shariya was grappling with. This shared experience laid the groundwork for a unique bond to form. Katrina became Shariya’s lifeline, her sounding board, and her guide, equipping her with essential knowledge about infant care.
But the story doesn’t end there. A twist in the narrative arrived when Child Protective Services (CPS) deemed it necessary for the young family to be placed under foster care. In an act of trust, Shariya handed over Katrina’s contact information, hoping that somehow, things would improve. And just like that, the stars aligned in the most remarkable way.
Despite already raising five children, Katrina made the life-changing decision to open her home and heart to Shariya and her triplets. “I knew it would be hard, but we’d figure it out,” she shared, admiration shining for the young mom’s resilience.
Today, Shariya thrives in a nurturing environment, her dreams no longer mere mirages. Having earned her high school diploma, she was accepted into college on an academic scholarship. It’s not been easy, of course. Every day is a new challenge, a new learning experience, but with Katrina’s unwavering support, Shariya is confident she can face anything.
Katrina, on the other hand, cherishes the opportunity to help shape Shariya’s future. Yes, the journey has its fair share of trials, but the love and pride she has for Shariya make every hurdle worth the effort.
Shariya’s story serves as a heartening reminder that challenges, however daunting, can be overcome, especially with the help of a strong, caring community. Driven by her experiences, Shariya now aspires to become a social worker, aiming to provide the same support and assistance she herself received.
“I love her. I’m her mom — and I’m never going anywhere”