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Do IT this week: Layering
By David Lee Morgan Jr.
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: 02:16 p.m. EDT, Jun 03, 2009
The tears that occasionally ran down the face of Buchtel senior Christy Campbell as she talked about her recent past were tears of joy and pain.
Joy from the fact that she loves her 2-year-old son Rylan more than anything in the world. Rylan was born Oct. 13, 2006, and loves to play with his toy Hummer and firetruck with his mom.
Pain from the fact that she realizes just how much she hurt so many people who love her with one life-altering decision as a freshman.
Christy was an honor student and outstanding track athlete at Kenmore High School when she became pregnant.
Now at Buchtel, where she is a state qualifier in four events, Christy still is an honor student, carrying a 3.75 grade-point average. She plays the viola, something she has done since the fourth grade, and she has perfect attendance.
After high school, she will run track at Kent State, where she plans to study communications and wants to go into broadcasting after graduation.
Christy was raised by loving and caring parents, Wendy and Billy Campbell, who are both Buchtel graduates and who have been married for nearly 24 years.
Wendy runs her own day-care center, Wendy's Little Angels, from the Campbell's immaculate home in West Akron. And when you walk up the driveway to the home, there is a warm and inviting sign stuck in the landscaping just before the front porch that reads, ''This House Is Protected By Angels!!!''
One of the rooms on the first floor of the house looks like a cute, miniature kindergarten classroom, complete with a six-child cubbyhole arrangement for her children.
When Wendy got the news a few years ago that her only daughter was pregnant, it was devastating.
''I saw parents who would come in and say, 'I want to enroll my grandchild.' I would say, 'Oh you look so young to be a grandmother.' Then, they would say, 'Well, yeah, my 14-year-old just had a baby and I'm responsible,' '' Wendy said.
''I would think, 'That's so sad.' And I never thought in a million years I would have to go through that experience. Here I am encouraging and supporting these grandparents and telling them that the Lord is going to be with them and that it's going to be all right and then, wow, it happened to our family.''
Wendy and Billy Campbell went through all the phases of grief.
Denial.
Anger.
Bargaining.
Depression.
Acceptance.
''I used to think to myself, 'What could I have done differently?' '' Wendy said. ''What could I have said to my young baby so that this didn't happen?''
Billy Campbell, a former serviceman in the Army, where he had been stationed in all parts of the world, is now a retired Akron police officer.
He said his heart was broken when he first found out that Christy was pregnant.
''I was beyond hurt,'' said Bill, a minister, like his wife. ''It was painful because Christy sat in her mom's Sunday school classes for years listening to her mom talk about not having sex until you're married. We told Christy that we would support her but that Rylan was her responsibility.''
Christy said she was scared and disappointed in herself because her parents taught her and her older brother, Donny, a recent Kent State graduate in criminal justice, that premarital sex would not be tolerated in the family.
''The worst thing was having to tell my dad,'' Christy said. ''I was terrified because I never thought I would find myself in that situation. When I would look at other young people who may have had a baby, I would think, 'How could they let that happen to them?' Then it happened to me.''
Getting by on faith
As a family that worships regularly, the Campbells said the only way they could get through their family development was through faith.
''Billy and I just prayed,'' Wendy said. ''It may sound corny, but prayer got me through this and I know that's what got Billy through because after a couple days, I was OK. But the more Christy's stomach grew, the more Billy saw the reality of the whole situation — and it hurt him.''
Wendy said when she and Christy would shop for baby clothes, Billy would have mixed emotions.
''I would say to Wendy, 'So you're just all for this aren't you?' '' Billy said. ''Then, Wendy would say, 'Well, honey, the baby is coming, regardless.' ''
Wendy said: ''We don't believe in throwing baby showers if you're not married. That's just something my mother always taught and preached to us. And I wasn't celebrating the fact that Christy was having a baby out of wedlock. My point was that if we didn't stick together, we were going to fall apart.''
Then she continued: ''It was like having two babies. I had to keep telling both of them that everything was going to be OK. It was hard for Billy to accept, seeing his baby having a baby. We are a close family and through all of this we got even closer. We cried together, and we prayed even more together. And our church was great, God bless them.''
Harsh realities
Telling her parents was just the first step. Christy then had to face the rest of the world.
What Christy wanted people to know was that she was a good person.
She didn't want people to judge her because she was a teenage mom.
She wanted people to know that she came from a family that was solid as a rock when it came to their faith and their values.
She didn't want anyone to judge her or her family because of one immature indiscretion on her part.
She also wanted others her age to know that having a child, as a child, wasn't the right thing to do. She said Rylan's father is in her son's life, but they are no longer together.
''There is no question that abstinence is the best choice as a teenager,'' Christy said, speaking with more maturity than she had a few years ago. Christy also warned that giving birth was an extremely painful experience.
''Childbirth was harder than I ever imagined,'' she said. ''My mom came in the room and tried to get me through it. She told me to hold her hand and I remember squeezing her hand so hard that she dropped to the floor. Then I accidentally threw up on her. It's something I don't want to go through again anytime soon,'' she said.
Once Christy came home, reality hit. She still had to finish her schoolwork, only now, she was being home-schooled. Her parents then enrolled her in Buchtel, her home district.
As a teenage mom, Christy had responsibilities she never thought she would have at her age.
''I learned patience really fast dealing with Rylan,'' Christy said. ''But I knew I had to make it in life not only for me but for Rylan. There were times when I just wanted to quit. But I just couldn't because of Rylan.''
Back to normal, almost
After giving birth to Rylan and being homeschooled for several months, Christy went back to school.
She got back on the track, competing during the indoor season in January 2007. Even though she was discouraged by how she felt compared to what she could do on the track before she became pregnant, she kept training.
Slowly, Christy got herself focused, mentally and physically.
She wanted to get her life back, both on and off the track.
So she did.
Once the outdoor track season rolled around, Campbell was back in top form. Seven months after she gave birth, and after everything Christy had experienced, she finally experienced that joy of being a winner on the track again.
In 2007, she was a member of Buchtel's 400- and 800-meter relay teams that won Division II state championships. She also finished third in the 200 and helped Buchtel win the state championship.
''The way she manages being a mom and a student-athlete is a testament to her and also to her family,'' longtime Buchtel coach John Scott said. ''Christy is very fortunate to have the parents she has.''
This year, Christy qualified for state again in four events (100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and the 800-meter and 1,600-meter relays). She was the district and regional champ in the 200, and was second in the 100 at both the district and regional meets.
Christy's grandmother, Gwen Mann, said she knew her granddaughter would persevere and continue to do great things on the track, even after having a baby.
How did Mann know?
''When Wendy was in Germany, I sent them a book called Mirandy and Brother Wind when Christy was just a year old,'' Mann said. ''And when Wendy and the family came home, Christy was 4 and I remember reading the book to Christy. And after I was done, Christy said, 'Grandma, I'm going to run like the wind.' I think it was her destiny, to run like the wind.''
David Lee Morgan Jr. can be reached at dlmorgan@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Varsity Letters high school sports blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/varsity_letters/.
The tears that occasionally ran down the face of Buchtel senior Christy Campbell as she talked about her recent past were tears of joy and pain.
Joy from the fact that she loves her 2-year-old son Rylan more than anything in the world. Rylan was born Oct. 13, 2006, and loves to play with his toy Hummer and firetruck with his mom.
Pain from the fact that she realizes just how much she hurt so many people who love her with one life-altering decision as a freshman.
Christy was an honor student and outstanding track athlete at Kenmore High School when she became pregnant.
Now at Buchtel, where she is a state qualifier in four events, Christy still is an honor student, carrying a 3.75 grade-point average. She plays the viola, something she has done since the fourth grade, and she has perfect attendance.
After high school, she will run track at Kent State, where she plans to study communications and wants to go into broadcasting after graduation.
Christy was raised by loving and caring parents, Wendy and Billy Campbell, who are both Buchtel graduates and who have been married for nearly 24 years.
Wendy runs her own day-care center, Wendy's Little Angels, from the Campbell's immaculate home in West Akron. And when you walk up the driveway to the home, there is a warm and inviting sign stuck in the landscaping just before the front porch that reads, ''This House Is Protected By Angels!!!''
One of the rooms on the first floor of the house looks like a cute, miniature kindergarten classroom, complete with a six-child cubbyhole arrangement for her children.
When Wendy got the news a few years ago that her only daughter was pregnant, it was devastating.
''I saw parents who would come in and say, 'I want to enroll my grandchild.' I would say, 'Oh you look so young to be a grandmother.' Then, they would say, 'Well, yeah, my 14-year-old just had a baby and I'm responsible,' '' Wendy said.
''I would think, 'That's so sad.' And I never thought in a million years I would have to go through that experience. Here I am encouraging and supporting these grandparents and telling them that the Lord is going to be with them and that it's going to be all right and then, wow, it happened to our family.''
Wendy and Billy Campbell went through all the phases of grief.
Denial.
Anger.
Bargaining.
Depression.
Acceptance.
''I used to think to myself, 'What could I have done differently?' '' Wendy said. ''What could I have said to my young baby so that this didn't happen?''
Billy Campbell, a former serviceman in the Army, where he had been stationed in all parts of the world, is now a retired Akron police officer.
He said his heart was broken when he first found out that Christy was pregnant.
''I was beyond hurt,'' said Bill, a minister, like his wife. ''It was painful because Christy sat in her mom's Sunday school classes for years listening to her mom talk about not having sex until you're married. We told Christy that we would support her but that Rylan was her responsibility.''
Christy said she was scared and disappointed in herself because her parents taught her and her older brother, Donny, a recent Kent State graduate in criminal justice, that premarital sex would not be tolerated in the family.
''The worst thing was having to tell my dad,'' Christy said. ''I was terrified because I never thought I would find myself in that situation. When I would look at other young people who may have had a baby, I would think, 'How could they let that happen to them?' Then it happened to me.''
Getting by on faith
As a family that worships regularly, the Campbells said the only way they could get through their family development was through faith.
''Billy and I just prayed,'' Wendy said. ''It may sound corny, but prayer got me through this and I know that's what got Billy through because after a couple days, I was OK. But the more Christy's stomach grew, the more Billy saw the reality of the whole situation — and it hurt him.''
Wendy said when she and Christy would shop for baby clothes, Billy would have mixed emotions.
''I would say to Wendy, 'So you're just all for this aren't you?' '' Billy said. ''Then, Wendy would say, 'Well, honey, the baby is coming, regardless.' ''
Wendy said: ''We don't believe in throwing baby showers if you're not married. That's just something my mother always taught and preached to us. And I wasn't celebrating the fact that Christy was having a baby out of wedlock. My point was that if we didn't stick together, we were going to fall apart.''
Then she continued: ''It was like having two babies. I had to keep telling both of them that everything was going to be OK. It was hard for Billy to accept, seeing his baby having a baby. We are a close family and through all of this we got even closer. We cried together, and we prayed even more together. And our church was great, God bless them.''
Harsh realities
Telling her parents was just the first step. Christy then had to face the rest of the world.
What Christy wanted people to know was that she was a good person.
She didn't want people to judge her because she was a teenage mom.
She wanted people to know that she came from a family that was solid as a rock when it came to their faith and their values.
She didn't want anyone to judge her or her family because of one immature indiscretion on her part.
She also wanted others her age to know that having a child, as a child, wasn't the right thing to do. She said Rylan's father is in her son's life, but they are no longer together.
''There is no question that abstinence is the best choice as a teenager,'' Christy said, speaking with more maturity than she had a few years ago. Christy also warned that giving birth was an extremely painful experience.
''Childbirth was harder than I ever imagined,'' she said. ''My mom came in the room and tried to get me through it. She told me to hold her hand and I remember squeezing her hand so hard that she dropped to the floor. Then I accidentally threw up on her. It's something I don't want to go through again anytime soon,'' she said.
Once Christy came home, reality hit. She still had to finish her schoolwork, only now, she was being home-schooled. Her parents then enrolled her in Buchtel, her home district.
As a teenage mom, Christy had responsibilities she never thought she would have at her age.
''I learned patience really fast dealing with Rylan,'' Christy said. ''But I knew I had to make it in life not only for me but for Rylan. There were times when I just wanted to quit. But I just couldn't because of Rylan.''
Back to normal, almost
After giving birth to Rylan and being homeschooled for several months, Christy went back to school.
She got back on the track, competing during the indoor season in January 2007. Even though she was discouraged by how she felt compared to what she could do on the track before she became pregnant, she kept training.
Slowly, Christy got herself focused, mentally and physically.
She wanted to get her life back, both on and off the track.
So she did.
Once the outdoor track season rolled around, Campbell was back in top form. Seven months after she gave birth, and after everything Christy had experienced, she finally experienced that joy of being a winner on the track again.
In 2007, she was a member of Buchtel's 400- and 800-meter relay teams that won Division II state championships. She also finished third in the 200 and helped Buchtel win the state championship.
''The way she manages being a mom and a student-athlete is a testament to her and also to her family,'' longtime Buchtel coach John Scott said. ''Christy is very fortunate to have the parents she has.''
This year, Christy qualified for state again in four events (100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and the 800-meter and 1,600-meter relays). She was the district and regional champ in the 200, and was second in the 100 at both the district and regional meets.
Christy's grandmother, Gwen Mann, said she knew her granddaughter would persevere and continue to do great things on the track, even after having a baby.
How did Mann know?
''When Wendy was in Germany, I sent them a book called Mirandy and Brother Wind when Christy was just a year old,'' Mann said. ''And when Wendy and the family came home, Christy was 4 and I remember reading the book to Christy. And after I was done, Christy said, 'Grandma, I'm going to run like the wind.' I think it was her destiny, to run like the wind.''
David Lee Morgan Jr. can be reached at dlmorgan@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Varsity Letters high school sports blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/varsity_letters/.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Posted 03:11 PM, 06/03/2009
Congratulations on her good grades, track accomplishments, choice to go to college, and most importantly....taking care of her child. She is doing the right thing. She should be proud.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:21 PM, 06/03/2009
My comment here has nothing to do with the life of this young woman with a newborn, a situation that seems to be working out. But what was the point of this story? this happens all the time and the overall individual and societal consequences aren't pretty. These women and their children are many times more ikely to simply add to the cycle of poverty. Is the point of this journalist's little story that no matter what, with the right partents and the right faith and the right supprt having a child is better than abortion? See? You can have a baby and still be a athletic star in high school?
Oh, one other thing, what happened to the abstinence policy that this young girl thinks is still the best policy?
This was not a news story. It was muck. Take another look, a real look, at some other teen mothers. Or better yet, stick to your sports writing.
Posted 03:41 PM, 06/03/2009
I just wanted to say that I know Christy and her parents. She comes from a good home with loving supportive parents. She is a wonderful young lady and I am so proud of her and all that she has and continues to accomplish. Christy and my daughter are friends. I just want to wish her the best in her future and encourage her to keep trusting God and working hard for herself and Rylan.
Ms. Grant
AKRON, OH
Posted 03:50 PM, 06/03/2009
@gdwymer Chill out just a bit. The story should go to show that with a little compassion, love and faith, a family can overcome a very difficult situation. I am happy to hear that this young woman had such a strong group to support her. She admits she made a mistake by having a baby so young. However instead of blaming others for her misfortune she has owned up to her responsibilites. Her parents sound like excellent role models for supporting her without glorifying her. I agree with glock 20 this young woman should be proud, and her parents should be proud of how she is handling her life. We are all going to make mistakes in life, but I will always respect those who admit their errors and own up to them.
Kent, OH
Posted 05:19 PM, 06/03/2009
Good comment Stuckincrackron, You'll have to ignore gdwymer, This individual tends to side with the crowd that likes to bash anyone that is different than them if you know what I mean. Heaven forbid they read a story with a positive outlook. Like this young lady's mother said "the baby is coming regardless." So now she took a obvious negative and turned it into a positive. Oh yeah, gdwymer maybe you can learn something from this young lady as far as education. You spell parents like so, not "Partents."
Posted 05:30 PM, 06/03/2009
We can choose to tear down or build up. I choose to build up. This story proves that you can rebound from a mistake. That is good news for all of us. Sounds like this young lady has her life on track. Good for her; good for her son; good for her family. I wish them the best.
Posted 05:59 PM, 06/03/2009
I saw the heading of this article and just knew that the negative comments would twist there way in. boo hoo
akron, oh
Posted 06:02 PM, 06/03/2009
Lets go ahead and glorify kids having kids. Its too bad the father is not around, but hey that is typical isn't it? I feel my wallet shrinking already and more kids like her will now be inspired to get knocked up and spit out welfare babies.
akron, oh
Posted 06:08 PM, 06/03/2009
Sounds like a good outcome to a awful decision. But like OldManGrump, I sure hope I'm not paying a penney for this baby. Go after the "father" and get some money from him or if he is a minor, take it from his parents.
akron, oh
Posted 06:43 PM, 06/03/2009
69% of black children are born to single mothers. the large majority of those end up on the dole and the kids have little chance of making it through school, let alone going on to a productive life.
Stories like this only romanticize the situation. Funny how little they talk about how much grandma has to struggle to run her own business and now be a mother all over again.
The beacon should at least follow this story up with another about all the babies born into such circumstances that are lucky to get fed, let alone have any real attention paid to them.
Cleveland, OH
Posted 06:45 PM, 06/03/2009
I echo Glock20 "Congratulations on her good grades, track accomplishments, choice to go to college". However, isn't that what most responsible teens should strive for? Perhaps a conversation from parents about how to protect oneself when engaging in intercourse would be less 'devastating' than having a conversation with a child about her pregnancy. So now she has a cute baby boy. How different would this story be if she had to tell her parents she had contracted genital herpes or HIV? Wendy asks, 'I used to think to myself, what could I have done differently? What could I have said to my young baby so that this didn't happen?' Obviously, the abstinence-only did not work in this case. Another startling example of why Ohio's kids need comprehensive sexual health education in high schools so they can make their own informed decisions.
Stow, Oh
Posted 06:50 PM, 06/03/2009
The reason this is news is because thus far, this young woman with a tremendous amount of support from her parents, is beating the odds. For every story like this there are hundreds of family disasters.
tallmadge, oh
Posted 06:53 PM, 06/03/2009
this was in the paper because????
tallmadge, oh
Posted 06:59 PM, 06/03/2009
sounds like it should have been in the dear abby section not the sports page.
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:01 PM, 06/03/2009
Did you not read, she lives with her parents who by the way have been married for 24 years. Her Dad is a retired police officer. Her Mom owns her on Day Care. She is not on Welfare, the article stated that her parents explained that she would have to be responsible for her child. Christy also works, and takes care of her child, with assistance from her parents. I pray only GOD's blessing on each and everyone of you. The act was a sin, not the baby. May GOD bless you for not killing him.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:00 PM, 06/03/2009
There's so much diarrhea in these posts that I don't know where to start. Let's first talk about why the ABJ did this piece: because morons like you are always b*tching that there is not enough "local" crap in the paper. So they do a human interest with a hint of education and sports, and you bellyache ad nauseum. Pick a side of the fence and stay there. You either want local stuff or you don't. You can't pick just the white and shiny and rich "local"...And I'll bet her parents have more $$ than my family and her parents' house is nicer than mine and most of the posters here. Now, OMG's start of the hysteria that we're supporting her and the baby: READ, MORONS. She's going to go to Kent State. Her mother owns a DAYCARE. She's got the grades and the skills - she probably got a little scholarship to Kent and can get student loans for the rest of her tuition. Bet she commutes, so she'll live at home. Mom will watch the little while she's in class because that's what she does as a career. Why all the drivel about food stamps?! I'm so sure - read the f*ing article. Why is it so difficult to do this before you start your typing rants?!
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:08 PM, 06/03/2009
Hear hear .... a good feel story. There's still some good people out there and we to read more stories like this to inspire others not to go down that road. You Go girl...but what about the father and how can you have perfect attendance? lol
Akron, OH
Posted 09:46 PM, 06/03/2009
I read the story. Then I read the comments. Before I read the comments this thought entered my mind. Nowhere in the article is there any mention of the father of Christy's child. I think the article has little value without an explanation of the father and his responsibilities. You see, the youngsters don't think of pregnancy and parenthood; they just don't control themselves. Christy's mother is going to have her hands full for some time to come.
r m kraus, akron
Akron, Oh
Posted 10:46 PM, 06/03/2009
@gdwymer...HATER, HATER, HATER, HATER, some of the girls on the other side of the mountain wish they could have been in her shoes and u make a mockery out of this story and for what?
@OldManGrump...HATER, did u read the story? but comin' from u, nothing else was expected, u must be an old grump, stay in bed for a yr or 2!
@Word ...HATER; where did u read that grandma was struggling to run her own business or be a mother all over again? What story did u read? or r u writing the one u want to read?
@richyfz450..."this was in the paper because????" because it is showing young girls who make wrong choice that there is life after death with the help of a caring family, friends and God!
@r m krus....' I think the article has little value without an explanation of the father and his responsibilities."....TMI, tell us bout urself instead! what responsibilities did u take care of? what is ur explanation of still being around?
@sheila..." I sure hope I'm not paying a penney for this baby." did u pay a penny for urs or was that 14 yr old stripper urs? (now I'm hatin, feel me)
@Mars and Saved by Grace...I am glad glock20 was not the only person who can read, understand and be glad someone is tryin' to make it without welfare or no matter, even with welfare some girls have still made it...so what.....black or white, these girls are our future Michelle's O.'s so lets all give them some help and take the hater aide out of the kool aid.
Columbia, SC
Posted 11:54 PM, 06/03/2009
It truly amazes me that this country has so many people who are filled with anger and hate.
Haven't we learned our lesson about what hatred and discrimination leads to?
This article shows what it means to be family. It does not encourage wrong doing of any kind. It does not promote welfare and ignorance.
It promotes acts of courage, family strength and love. We as a nation and a country must get back to helping each other through troubled times by standing strong with our children and showing them that mistakes can be corrected and that with hard work, prayer, faith and love, they can attain all that is good in life.
Shame on all of you who spread negativity. Grow up and hopefully you may be able to tell your own story of how you overcame a mistake done in your life. However, I doubt that none of you could achieve what Christy has done!
MILLBROOK, AL
Posted 11:58 PM, 06/03/2009
Back at gdwymer, oldmangrump, zipped86, and like comments. It would show attention to detail if you read the article and then commented. In no way would this honor student rely on society to feed and clothe her child, nor did the article implicate that. This article has clearly been taken out of context. To step up for Rylan’s Dad I would like to say looking in from outside of their small family that he has done a good job and he and his family provide support for his son on all levels, just as we do. This intelligent child has both parents’ intellectual genes and both parents time and support. I repeat both parents support, to include financial. This article highlighted the positive and negative points on Christy’s “decision” and how regardless of the decision made in life a teenager can still succeed in life, which is always a Blessing. No child is a mistake. This isn’t all too common in Akron it is all too common in the world, but we are all human and we have all been that teenager that already knows all about being an adult. Both parents have learned from their decision made over two years ago and have gone on to EXCEED EXPECTATIONS of their families and GOALS of their own. The comments posted are obviously of those who have no clue, but still have many judgmental comments. As one of Christy’s Aunts, I am ecstatic that she has beaten all statistics and still shined as the bright “Track Star” she continues to be, in addition to everything else. To Christy and All Teenage Moms, although all of you may not have the strong support chain she has YOU CAN STILL BE SUCCESSFUL. The article mentions the family’s faith, which is where all instructions and direction to success is written.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:07 AM, 06/04/2009
These comments are for those of you that live in glass houses! This story has been printed so that a little light from god can save one or more young ladies from making the same mistake Christy made. If those of you that made the negative comments had the love of God in you then about the time you got too the end of the story you would be thanking God for giving this young lady and her parents for having the willof God in their lifes's to share a story like this one! And for those of youthat missed that Christy's parents are very well off financially and taking REAL GOOD care of Christy and Rylan! By the it isn't any of your business but I will say that the dad and grandmother is doing a real good job in support of Rylan. So you penny pinchers can keep your money!Christy and Rylan are Blessed and highly favored of the Lord and on Top and never will they be Beneath! Unlike you haters I speak Blessing from the Lord over you and your families!
Posted 02:55 AM, 06/04/2009
Many of you are like sharks to blood. Read the article. She's going to college on a scholarship. She's turned her life around. There is no welfare, no glorification of single motherhood; only a lesson about recovering from a mistake and making the best of it. So many of you are just waiting to tear someone else apart, it's no wonder your city and your region is in the situation it is. You put no premium on education; you tear down people making a positive impact; you live to complain in ignorance. Perhaps that's why the Akron area's main export is jobs.
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 06:00 AM, 06/04/2009
Let's see where her life is 2-3 years down the road. Will the teen father be another black no parental responsibility, no child support payment statistic? I hope the ABJ does a follow-up article telling us the truth about her if the paper is even still around by then. I hope she is a success in life. I have my doubts.
Akron, Oh
Posted 06:33 AM, 06/04/2009
As the snow flies
On a cold and gray Akron mornin'
A poor little baby child is born
In the ghetto
And his mama cries
'cause if there's one thing that she don't need
it's another hungry mouth to feed
In the ghetto
People, don't you understand
the child needs a helping hand
or he'll grow to be an angry young man some day
Take a look at you and me,
are we too blind to see,
do we simply turn our heads
and look the other way
Well the world turns
and a hungry little boy with a runny nose
plays in the street as the cold wind blows
In the ghetto
And his hunger burns
so he starts to roam the streets at night
and he learns how to steal
and he learns how to fight
In the ghetto
Then one night in desperation
a young man breaks away
He buys a gun, steals a car,
tries to run, but he don't get far
And his mama cries
As a crowd gathers 'round an angry young man
face down on the street with a gun in his hand
In the ghetto
As her young man dies,
on a cold and gray Chicago mornin',
another little baby child is born
In the ghetto
Posted 06:54 AM, 06/04/2009
lets all pat her on the back for getting knocked up in high school. let the tax payers take care of me.... thats the problem with america today. and how hard is it to get good grades at buchtel? bet anyone could do it if they showed up without a gun and crack.
AKRON, ohio
Posted 07:23 AM, 06/04/2009
what ever happened to condoms???
or maybe abortion???
3.75 gpa in an Akron Public School???
what a joke, you'd probably have to show up at least 3 days a week to maintain that average.
For once I agree with O.M.G. I'd like to see a followup story in 3 years
Snydertown, OH
Posted 07:34 AM, 06/04/2009
Old Man Grump...I agree with you. I hope I'm not paying anything for this. And why write about it anyway?? And where is Papa?? Oh, he could come around to get in the panties, but he's gone now. Is Papa going to college on a scholarship too?? He will need something to be able to pay his part. It just happens too often today. Often the ones raised in single parent homes are the ones robbing banks and pizza shops. Then we have to hear, "oh, he was such an angel" whenever they get shot. Come on.
Snydertown, OH
Posted 07:39 AM, 06/04/2009
Family First...what I hate is when children are raised without both parents. It only leads to trouble. And what I hate more than that is when my mother gets robbed or worse yet shot by some loser (who by the way, was such a good boy) because he had no life, self esteem, morals etc. Like $50 was gonna help him get along for a week??
Uniontown, Oh
Posted 07:55 AM, 06/04/2009
waiting for toxic nut to spew his hate.......
Posted 07:59 AM, 06/04/2009
OMG...This happens all too often (& has happened even in your youth) in (any city) among (all) kids.
What doesn't happen often enough is parents making their kids take responsibility for their actions.
akron, oh
Posted 08:20 AM, 06/04/2009
You go girl.I have a neice that had her child at 17.She graduated from high school. Then 3 months later she went to LPN,school.Went 12 months. she graduated.Then got married to a man he is a phyical thereapist.and she had another child by her husband. went back to school to become a RN.And graduated . she was pick validitoran.now she working at the hospice center,now she is just 22 years old. and yes she is black.Those who says things about blacks you are the problem in are world.God made averyone the same.Its nuts like you who leave bad comments.your the problem in this world.I will pray for bad to get better.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:31 AM, 06/04/2009
Kids having kids. Not romantic nor needs romanticized by the libtard feel-good mainstream media.
That said, I wish Christy and Rylan the best. Christy is very fortunate to have the love and support of two loving - and happily married - parents.
You must agree that this situation is certainly the exception to the rule, period.
And, I trust that the Campbells will indeed keep the "father" in Rylan's life. As a financial provider for the next sixteen years, at least.
Akron, oh
Posted 08:57 AM, 06/04/2009
i THINK ITS A BLESSING TO FINALLY READ A STORY THAT HAS A POSITIVE IMAGE FOR A CHANGE. People dont realize that yes, she had a child at a young age, but she is doing the ADULT thing and taking care of her child and herself, with help and guidance from her parents. These young girls need to know that everyone makes mistakes, the differeance between a child and an adult is that adults learn, accept and sometimes embrace there mistakes. I commend you young lady! finally someone that may make something out of herself in stead of using her child as an excuse to get on welfare!
Akron, oh
Posted 08:59 AM, 06/04/2009
And another thing! GREAT POINT SLOPPY CLAM BAKE
Posted 10:07 AM, 06/04/2009
Gdwymer,
It's a profile of a student athlete. Most local papers do them all the time. I personally find it more interesting and relevant than most of the other sports coverage going on right now.
It's meant to be inspiring, both to adults and to other students. It's proof that even if you make a mistake or poor decision, your life is not over - as long as you're willing to work hard and if you have the support of those around you.
Kids need to see more stuff like this.
I know David Lee Morgan and think he's a good writer and like his choice for this story.
Cross Lanes, WV
Posted 10:23 AM, 06/04/2009
gildee, SloppyClamBake, and the rest of you who actually "get" it - thank you for saying exactly what I intended to say to those other ill-informed individuals.
This article was printed to show that it is indeed possible for a good person to make a mistake, for her to learn from it and help others avoid making it, and that becoming a mother at a young age does not mean that you can't work hard and make a success of yourself. Congratulations, Christy, for picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and working hard to get and stay on the right track. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, at a time when many parents would turn their backs on their child, you stood by Christy, showed her strength and love, and continue to help her develop herself and reach her goals. I'm sure that Christy realizes how lucky she is to have a loving support system.
Unless you have experienced this situation, you cannot know the enormous pain that comes with it for both the teenager and her parents. Mrs. Campbell was exactly right when she said if they didn't stick together, they would fall apart. In order to work through the pain, you have to grab on to each other. You must also understand that although it's not in parents' plans for their teenage daughters to have babies, God doesn't make mistakes and there is some good to come out of it from somewhere, even if it's just a simple reminder to enjoy love and laughter when these things emanate from within a small child as he/she grows.
To all you critics and people quick to judge, try tossing out your venomous tendencies and issue some encouragement to bolster this young lady's drive to succeed. Similarly to what I said earlier, unless you've walked in someone's shoes ...
Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Uniontown, OH
Posted 10:25 AM, 06/04/2009
Well isn’t this interesting, some people just can’t accept there are individuals who can rebound from a mistake in their life and turn it into a positive, especially a young person, who happens to be stereotyped because she is black and attends a black inner city school. Perhaps karl rove, OldManGrump, WSP, Wilma, richyfz450, word, Zipped86, gdwymer, you’ve not had to bounce back or make something out of a negative situation. I don’t even know if you all are around kids today. I’ve been in education and athletics for over 30 years and seen kids give up or just don’t give a darn based on less stressful circumstances than having a child. Here is a young person, from a solid family, who is fighting the odds and taking responsibility for her actions. She has made a decision to make it, despite the negative words of people in society like you all. I think it’s a tremendous story to publish because it may motivate another young person in a similar situation that they still can be positive and a success. We need these types of stories to over ride the pessimistic attitudes of society. You know my momma used to say if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Maybe you need some Faith in your lives, oh maybe you have a problem with people of Faith. They look for the positives and act upon them, where you type of people find the negative and put the blame on others. Gosh, if more people looked for the positives in situations I guess you people couldn’t spew at the mouth and bring others to your downbeat attitude, therefore you can feel like your not the only loser in the world. You know if you choose not to be part of the solution, then you’re still part of the problem.
Uniontown, OH
Posted 10:28 AM, 06/04/2009
Oh yes forgot to add, I would love to see a follow up story in 2 to 3 years from now. I love reading about NCAA champions.
Uniontown, Oh
Posted 10:32 AM, 06/04/2009
Facing the Giants is my hero! Facing the Giants for President
Uniontown, OH
Posted 10:34 AM, 06/04/2009
In case this didn't make it the first time. I agree, I'd love to see a follow up in 2 to 3 years. I love reading about NCAA champions.
Tallmadge, OHIO
Posted 10:49 AM, 06/04/2009
Here's a story will all the good things about life: Parents, God, hard work, personal responsibility and humility.
And the haters can't keep their racism in the closet.
It will eat you up inside because you are what's wrong, not this young mother and her supportive family.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:53 AM, 06/04/2009
Where's my post, Beacon?! It's been 12 hours... You spend what money Black Press does make in court fighting for your Freedom of the Press rights - what about MY Free Speech rights?! PS: If ABJ editors could read, they'd see I was actually SUPPORTING their decision to do this stinkin' story.
Posted 12:11 PM, 06/04/2009
So, Grump, based on your last post, are you actually rooting against her? That's what it sounds like. Hoping she fails actually costs you more in the long run. Why would you want that? Seems to me your logic is flawed on this one.
Wilma, did you actually read the article. Nobody is on welfare. In fact, she's going to college on a scholarship. You're not footing the bill for anything. How about you work on your reading comprehension skills before you go on the attack again.
WSP, have you ever made a mistake? Have ever recovered from that mistake? As for your criticism of her GPA, the curriculum for high schools in Ohio is standardized. Her GPA would stand up at Hudson, Manchester, Northwest, Tallmadge, or Green as well as it does at Buchtel. Why not stop being bitter for a while, see how that works for you.
Tallmadge, OHIO
Posted 12:23 PM, 06/04/2009
@SloppyClamBake:
Asking WaSP to be less bitter? Asking Wilmutt to read before they screed? Asking Grumpnutz to have humanity?
Ask for a personal interview with the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny, instead. Higher likelihood of success.
Posted 01:40 PM, 06/04/2009
As usual the two old dinosaurs named Karl Rove & OMG show themselves to be the shallow old grumpy men they so proudly expose themselves to be...
...this is a story of family, faith and growth...anyone who has raised a family know that kids make mistakes ( and successes, as evidenced by her track goals)...some bigger than others, but given support and direction they can overcome...this young lady should be admired for her strength to stand up and take responsibility. I applaud the parents as well, they have handled it as well as you can and far better than most...(having two grown daughters) if I had ever been in their shoes I hoped I'd have handled it as well !
And, it appears she has a beautiful son to be proud of ...it spite of the circumstances !
Akron, Oh
Posted 02:50 PM, 06/04/2009
I'm glad they told us their house is immaculate. I really needed to know that. At least she's not a loser, only for making one bad decision. Hopefully we won't be raising her child on welfare.
Cleveland, OH
Posted 03:22 PM, 06/04/2009
Just another hypocritical Evangelical family. They would've cracked her on the mouth twenty times if they caught her buying a condom anyway.
Stow, OH
Posted 03:33 PM, 06/04/2009
I worked at Buchtel High School when her parents graduated in the 1980's. Both Mr. and Mrs. Campbell were top notch students and people. It is not suprising that their daughter is doing well, ovecoming, adjustng, and handling responsibility.
I wish the entire family nothing but the best.
Highland Square, OH
Posted 04:47 PM, 06/04/2009
To those of you so concerned that you'll end up paying for mother and child through the Welfare system - I'm guessing you're all "compassionate conservatives".
And you'd be calling her a "murderer" if she'd had an abortion.
Akron, Oh
Posted 05:17 PM, 06/04/2009
Congradulations Pokie (her nick name from me) and good luck. We are all very proud of you. The ones that know you have been blessed by that!
May God Bless these perfect people without lives, who want you to think that they have never made a mistake. They sit back and pounce on news articles like animals with some stupid negitive comment. God forbid it be a black person that does something good or bad. These people need to find something good about someone and learn to love them!
Ms. Shelia its penny! You should be supportive of this young lady who is truely a beautiful person. You dont have children, allow the ones that do to be happy no matter how they get here. We are all Gods children.
akron, oh
Posted 07:46 PM, 06/04/2009
it amazes me how so many people turn something positive into something negative. those posts only display their ignorance and hate. personally, i waited til i was in college to wind up pregnant, dropped out, divorced, needed welfare to help out for a year (thank you taxpayers), and don't get any child support, but 17 years later, I work and make good money now and don't let my situation hold me down and never did. I wish this gal the best of luck- you go get everything I wasn't able to, and then some!!! and don't pay attention to those who enjoy bringing everyone down to their low levels. their just jealous.
akron, oh
Posted 08:44 PM, 06/04/2009
Is the father another in the long list of young punks that wears a hoodie can't read or write and stays with his mom??
Kent, OH
Posted 09:32 PM, 06/04/2009
empowerment one obviously needs a reading comprehension class as well. It stated "Rylan's Father is still in his live, but they are no longer together". That goes for gdwymer,O.M.G and all the other closet biggots that post on this blog.
Phoenix, AZ
Posted 09:48 PM, 06/04/2009
I would just like to say that most of the people who write mean hateful comments will reap what they sow. God Bless you for being a good mother and not throwing your child away by choosing abortion. God Bless your parents for their support and love. Thank you Lord for being a God of second chances. My daughter also got pregnant when she was not married. She went on to become a wonderful nurse while getting no help from the goverment or the childs father. She is engaged to a wonderful man and has given me one of my greatest blessings in life. My grandson. I just hope that people don't judge most of the negative people or thoughts spoken with the same lack of empathy. May God continue to be with Christy and Rylan as they continue to move forward for HIM.
MILLBROOK, AL
Posted 09:54 PM, 06/04/2009
I would like to say it is easy to post ignorance, hatred, racism, and any form of degrading comments when you can hide behind an avatar or login ID. There may not be a follow-up article, but best believe she will shine and continue to be successful regardless of who's reading about her or looking at her picture in the paper. This is self love, respect, determination, and the will to achieve at all cost. Thank you for all of the negative and positive comments; this is a part of life and it will just be used as fuel to achieve even higher. I hope one day you achieve something so interesting that the local paper will want to write a story about you.
Posted 06:48 AM, 06/05/2009
hey d wise. just because someone is "still in the childs life" not live, doesn't mean he is not a hoody wearing gun carring thug that does not pay child support. Maybe this is a good story to the blacks, but to whites it turns our stomachs.
Posted 07:19 AM, 06/05/2009
I thought this was a great story of courage and family. Yes,good people do misstep,but how do they react/rebound ? More importantly for a young girl;how does her family react ? Not through good times ,but difficult ones do we find out about the mettle of people. I believe that this young lady will be an excellent mother and will accomplish much in her lifetime,which has just begun.
I'm disapointed in all the negative comments on this uplifting story. Please take the time and read again and seek the positive in this.
Posted 08:48 AM, 06/05/2009
wilma, speak for yourself, not for all white people. Your post just proved my earlier point, as well as that of many others. However, I doubt you grasp that. Anything you post on this subject from now on will be subject to ridicule and probably a lot of laughter. Of course, you won't get it that you're the punchline in your own joke.
akron, oh
Posted 09:25 AM, 06/05/2009
Right on Wilma these days in some ones life,is not a honor statement of doing what's proper and just, it could just mean that the child visits his hoodie baby daddy = hbd for short at his hbd's mom's house while his hbd is in jail or going to be on the maury show..
AKRON, ohio
Posted 10:35 AM, 06/05/2009
Nice hoodrat tattoo on her thigh. Don't you have to be 18 to get one of those? Shouldn't you be an adult BEFORE you get knocked up? Good luck in life, try following some rules of society. That's right, kids do what they want with no accountability now. The next generation is going to be even more screwed up because of societies permissiveness.Remember Demetrius Vincent????????????????????????????????????
He(she) was(is) a good boy(girl), just about to get his(her) life together. BS!!!
Wadsworth, OH
Posted 10:37 AM, 06/05/2009
Every baby deserves a baby shower. They chose not to give their daughter a baby shower because they were ashamed of her. Life happens, deal with it.
Posted 10:55 AM, 06/05/2009
Good luck to you sweetheart. My daughter GOT pregnant her first year of college. I now have a ten year old beautiful grandaughter. My daughter did not go on welfare, owns her own home in a very nice neighborhood, works and owns her own business!!
Tallmadge, OHIO
Posted 12:09 PM, 06/05/2009
@Wilma said:"Maybe this is a good story to the blacks, but to whites it turns our stomachs."
Don't include me in your ignorant racist hate spew.
I'll be ashamed for you since you have none of your own.
Good Christian???
Akron, OH
Posted 12:12 PM, 06/05/2009
Kudos to David for writing this story, to Christy for making a decision and having the loving parents and support who helped you through the consequences. You keep running to win. You are a winner no matter what the naysayers MAY HAVE TO SAY. U-turns are what the Lord is all about, in your case you didn't even have to make one you just handled the detour and may you and your family continue to be Blessed.
Posted 12:16 PM, 06/05/2009
empowermentone1: What? Try writing in a style that is comprehensible to someone other than just yourself. I'm sure you have a point, I'm just not sure what it is based on the collection of words and letters you've chosen to string together. At any rate, I think your post just helps to prove my point about ignorance.
WSP: Plenty of kids get tattoos. Have you run out of ridiculous arguments, so now you're resorting to "tattoos" to make your senseless point? As for accountability, what do you suggest we do? Force people who make mistakes into poverty for life? Will that teach them? Will that benefit the rest of society? Do you want to jail them? Will that make them productive citizens? You tell me, what do we do to correct the mistake and turn it into a positive? It's easy to tear down, but it's much more difficult to offer a solution. Here's your chance; tell us how you'd solve the problem. I'll be the first to admit that society has many problems, and teen pregnancy is one of them, but this young lady and her family seem to have found an answer. Some teens are still going to get pregnant. No one is glorifying that, but if it's going to happen, perhaps others can follow the example of this young lady. We all benefit in the long run.
Kent, OH
Posted 07:03 AM, 06/06/2009
Wilma, your comment is simply .........well let's just say point proven. I've seen your blogs as well as the other's ignorant indviduals on here. You guys have made comments on here about Blacks not being in their childrens lives at all and I can almost sense that one of you didn't have your Father in their life so it hurt's too see someone at least making a effort. Try opening your heart win something good is put forward.
Lefty Lemmingville, Oh
Posted 02:54 PM, 06/08/2009
8chanice, you and I rarely (if ever) see eye to eye on issues. However, you presented a great post, as did the likes of Glock20, Cherella, and FacingtheGIANTS.
I can see where a story like this will catch the wrath of the haters. Many of them look at the photo, read the tagline, glance at the first paragraph, and form an opinion.
Good for this girl! She'll BE somebody. Hopefully her child will, as well. Unfortunately, in these situations, her story and outcome will be 1% success rate. Many, many others like her will not make it.
