At just 21 years old, Alexis Young of Monroe is learning that love can take a brand-new shape—wrapped in a baby blanket and cradled against her chest.
Only a week ago, she gave birth to her first child, a son named Mikelle Davis, and with that moment came a wave of hope, reflection, and renewed purpose.
“It was different,” she said softly, describing the experience of carrying Mikelle. “At first, it was weird. It was my first time. But as the months went on, I got used to it. It was definitely worth it.”
This Mother’s Day, Alexis stands not only as a new mother, but as part of a long line of women who have raised children through struggle and strength. Yet, she’s determined to chart a new course.
When asked how she plans to raise her son, she didn’t hesitate: “Differently,” she said. “You gotta have good guidance, and you gotta have discipline. That’s what I’m going to give him.”
Raised among sisters, Alexis admitted she originally hoped for a boy. “I just wanted to see how being a boy mom felt,” she laughed.
“I’ve got a lot of sisters, so I wanted something different.” So, when the ultrasound revealed she was having a boy, emotions rushed in—a blend of surprise, joy, and acceptance.
Now her goals are crystal clear. “I just want him to have a good, successful life,” she said. “I don’t want it to be too hard for him. I know he’ll face struggles, but I want it to be better than it was for me.”
Alexis has watched the world shift around her, especially in her own generation. “Some of these boys now, they don’t have home training. They’re just disrespectful,” she said. “But with my son, he’s going to be raised right. He’s going to know better.”
Though she isn’t married, she emphasized that Mikelle’s father will be active in his life. “That’s all I really need,” she said. “As long as he’s there for him.”
Faith will be a central part of her parenting. A member of the “Church of the Living God,” where her grandfather serves as pastor, Alexis plans to raise Mikelle in a Christian household, surrounded by family.
“We go to church together—Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday,” she said. “So he’ll grow up in it. Most likely, he’ll be a Christian, too.”
“I may not have all the answers,” she said, “but I have love, I have family, and I have faith. And that’s where we’ll start.”
