Bristol's Pregnancy

News is out that unwed daughter of Sarah and Todd Palin is pregnant. I'm sure the press is going to make a huge deal out of it.

The 17-year old is five months along and is planning to marry the father.

As the aunt of a niece who got preggers when she was 16, I can tell you it's a shocker, it's difficult and it is heart-breaking. These kids don't have a clue what they're getting into and it changes their entire life.

I know the family went through their own kind of hell when their jewel of a daughter told them she was going to have a baby.

I love it that the Palin's are standing behind their daughter and that the youngster has decided to keep her baby. So many would opt for an abortion and take the "easy" (in their mind at that time) way out.

We have a gorgeous little one-year old now who is delightful. Yes, grandma is more involved that she would have been had her daughter been older and stable. Yes, it has made life a lot more difficult for all involved. However, we stood behind her decision to have her daughter. She made a bad choice, a really bad choice, compounded by the fact that the father was not responsible (and boy are we glad he's out of the picture!).

I know Bristol's pregnancy will somewhat tarnish the image of Sarah Palin as VP in some people's minds. Hopefully the Left and Right will praise her for standing with her daughter.

John McCain knew about the pregnancy when he selected Sarah Palin. Kudos to him for still making the choice despite this personal issue the Palins are facing.

Here's the statement released by the Palin's:

"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us. Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.

"Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates."