When NICU nurse Katrina Mullen first met Shariya Small, a teenage mother navigating the overwhelming challenges of caring for her premature triplets, she couldn’t have imagined how their lives would intertwine. Earlier this year, their story took a remarkable turn: Mullen, 45, legally adopted Small, becoming both a mother to the teen and a grandmother to her three toddlers.
For Mullen, this act of compassion carried profound personal meaning. Nearly 30 years ago, she had been in a similar position, a 16-year-old facing the difficult decision to place her own son up for adoption. “My life has come full circle,” Mullen shared with PEOPLE, reflecting on the unexpected path that led her to build this unconventional family.
Now, in their Indiana home, the days may be unpredictable, but their bond is steadfast. “Every day is different, and every day we just love each other through it and we figure it out,” Mullen says. It’s a testament to resilience, love, and the unbreakable connections forged in the most unlikely circumstances.
A Journey of Unexpected Challenges: Shariya’s Story
For Shariya Small, motherhood came as an overwhelming surprise. At just 14 years old, she discovered she was pregnant over Mother’s Day weekend in 2020—a revelation that left her grappling with fear and uncertainty. “I was 14, I was like, ‘I don’t want to be a mom right now,’” she candidly shared with PEOPLE.
What began as a single shock soon escalated. During her first ultrasound on August 3, Small learned she was carrying not one, but three babies. “I was speechless,” she recalled. “I was panicking, but I had no time to panic.” Just weeks later, on August 30, 2020, the triplets—two girls and a boy—arrived prematurely at only 26 weeks.
The early arrival of her babies thrust Small into a whirlwind of medical complexities, sleepless nights, and a crash course in parenthood far earlier than she’d ever anticipated. It was the beginning of a challenging journey, one that would test her strength and resilience in ways she couldn’t have imagined.
Finding Connection in the NICU
Life in the NICU was isolating for Shariya Small. As her premature triplets battled to grow stronger at Community Hospital North, the teen often found herself alone, navigating an unfamiliar and overwhelming environment. “I felt like I couldn’t relate to all the other moms on the floor,” Small admitted.
Amid the solitude, Katrina Mullen, a seasoned NICU nurse, stepped in with a compassionate gesture. She introduced herself to Small, offering not just medical support but an understanding ear. “I wanted her to know that I was a teen mom, and that I knew how scary it was,” Mullen shared. As a single mother to five boys and someone who had once faced the challenges of teen motherhood, Mullen’s words carried a resonance that Small desperately needed.
In the sterile halls of the NICU, a unique bond began to form—a connection built on shared experiences and a mutual understanding of the trials that come with young motherhood. It was a bond that would soon evolve into something far deeper.
A Growing Bond of Trust and Support
The connection between Katrina Mullen and Shariya Small grew steadily, built on moments of kindness and trust. Mullen frequently checked in on Small, offering her presence and a listening ear. Gradually, Small began leaving the confines of her room, seeking out the nurse who had shown her unwavering compassion.
On quieter nights, when Mullen wasn’t directly caring for the NICU’s tiny patients, Small would join her in her office, sitting by her side. These moments offered a rare reprieve from the isolation. “It felt really good to finally have somebody to talk to that wasn’t on my phone,” Small shared, reflecting on the comfort of their conversations.
Through these shared moments, Mullen became more than just a nurse—she became a mentor, confidant, and source of stability for a young mother navigating an uncertain path. Their bond deepened, setting the stage for the extraordinary decision that would change both of their lives.
From Hospital Halls to Lifelong Connection
In January 2021, Shariya Small’s journey in the NICU reached a milestone as her triplets were discharged one by one. While leaving the hospital marked a new chapter, it also meant stepping into an entirely new set of challenges as a young mother of three. Before their final goodbyes, both Small and Katrina Mullen exchanged notes, agreeing to stay in touch—a simple gesture that soon became the foundation of a deeper connection.
What began as occasional updates quickly turned into daily calls. “I started hearing from her every day,” Mullen recalled. For Small, those calls were lifelines in moments of uncertainty. “I was really overwhelmed,” she admitted. “I would just call Katrina and she would talk me down and tell me what to do.”
Mullen became a steadfast presence in Small’s life, offering guidance, reassurance, and practical advice. Even beyond the walls of the NICU, their bond continued to grow, proving that the connection they had formed in the hospital was far from fleeting.
Uncovering Hardships: A Turning Point
Katrina Mullen’s visits to Shariya Small’s home revealed the difficult reality the young mother faced. Mullen noticed troubling signs, including a severe eczema flare-up on one of the triplets and overall poor health among the children. The situation raised alarms, leading to a CPS investigation.
When it was determined that the children would be removed from the home, Small made a heartfelt request to stay with Mullen. “Would you be willing to take them?” Mullen recalls being asked. Without hesitation, she agreed. Just two days later, Small and her triplets moved in with Mullen, beginning their journey as a foster family.
This pivotal moment marked a dramatic shift in their relationship, transforming Mullen from a supportive friend into a parental figure navigating the complexities of fostering four children under one roof.
Shariya’s Journey: From Adversity to Aspiration
Shariya Small’s resilience continues to shine as she pursues a brighter future for herself and her children. In June, she celebrated a significant milestone by graduating high school, a testament to her determination despite the challenges of young motherhood. Now, she’s setting her sights on Marian University, where she plans to study social work. Her goal is to support other teen moms, drawing from her own experiences to guide others through similar hardships.
Balancing education and parenting comes with its hurdles. While the university’s daycare program accommodates her daughters, her son requires specialized attention due to a feeding tube. True to her unwavering support, Katrina Mullen has adjusted her work schedule to ensure Small can continue her studies. Together, they’re navigating this new chapter, with Small’s aspirations serving as a beacon of hope for what’s to come.
A Grandmother’s Love: Mullen’s New Role
For Katrina Mullen, becoming a grandmother to Shariya Small’s triplets has brought immense joy and fulfillment. Reflecting on her new role, Mullen shared, “They make me smile and laugh so much every day.” Their infectious energy and progress have become a source of constant happiness in her life.
Now approaching their third birthday, the triplets are thriving. The girls have successfully graduated from therapy and are preparing to start preschool, marking a significant milestone in their development. Meanwhile, their brother continues to make strides with occupational and physical therapy, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Mullen’s commitment to her growing family is unwavering, and her perspective as a grandmother is one of pride and gratitude for the laughter, love, and hope the children bring into her home.
A Story of Love, Growth, and Resilience
Katrina Mullen beams with pride as she reflects on Shariya Small’s transformation. From a scared teenager navigating unexpected motherhood to a devoted and capable parent, Small has blossomed into what Mullen calls a “fierce” and hands-on mother.
For Small, her journey is defined by love—the unwavering bond she shares with her triplets. While her children are unaware of her age, they know one truth that matters most. “All they know is that they have a mom that loves them,” she says, a sentiment that encapsulates the strength and heart of their family.
Together, Mullen and Small’s extraordinary journey showcases the power of compassion, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that can emerge in the most unexpected circumstances. Their story is not just about overcoming challenges; it’s about creating a family built on unconditional love and support.
