Fifty three years ago I started the day as a child and ended it as a mom. This was the first photo of me and my daughter. We both still had our hospital bracelet on.
The hospital where she delivered never even gave me a room. I was left in a hallway and discharged about eight hours after I arrived. As an unwed mother I didn't warrant a red carpet welcome. I paid them $250 and went home to the room I rented in an old Victorian house. Obviously there were holes in the wallpaper but we were warm and safe and we were living within our means. I was fourteen years old and ninety eight pounds.
I'm sharing my story because it shows all good things are possible.
My daughter turned into the best kind of human.
It wasn't easy but I have zero regrets.
True grit was never personified by John Wayne types but by regular people surviving against the odds.
Disappointing the doubters was sweet consolation.
She gave me the gift of grandkids too.
I've had a good life.
So far.
@NorcalGma2 I don't know what country this was in (was it here in the US?), but for all of my 50+ years, the age of 14 means you couldn't consent even if you thought (at the time) that you wanted to. You deserved better treatment by everyone and you shouldn't have had to rent an apartment.
@JustRosy
Was here in California. I became an emancipated minor at 15. A judge had to grant my request.
@NorcalGma2 two girls, against the world.
@NorcalGma2 thanks for sharing this. 🫂
@NorcalGma2
Hello Sister. Similar story here, I had just turned 17 when I had mine, but the hospital nurses were nice enough and helpful, if firm. Mine will be 55 this year, and came out amazing in spite of myself. I'm glad we succeeded against the odds. You rock.
@NorcalGma2
Thank you for posting this
I'm so glad you made a good life for yourself and baby 👶 💕
@NorcalGma2 Two very precious sweethearts 😘🥰🫶 Xxx
@NorcalGma2 I know your daughter turned out so well because you showed her the way, and no doubt she's given that gift to her own kids. In that way, you've made the world a better place for all of us.
@NorcalGma2 wow! Happy Birthday to your daughter. She is lucky to have such a strong mom!! 💜
@NorcalGma2 Happy Birthday! 🥳
A belated happy birthday to your daughter, and thank you for sharing that amazing picture, and your story.
I am earnest when I say that I hope someone gathers your posts for you, and with you creates a book, because I read many things that are much less heartening than your messages to all of us.
Thank you for all you share.
@NorcalGma2 tough life, great results. Brava.
@NorcalGma2 thank you so much for this wonderful glimpse of such love and courage.. and all the small moments you share from the present day. What a gift!
@NorcalGma2 You were a lovely young woman with a lot of responsibility. I hope you got help from someone - your family or community. You managed a lot and did so well.
@ELS
My daughter's father was the same age as I was. We became emancipated minors and got married before my daughter was a year old. We both worked and went to school. He during the day and I attended night school. We didn't stay married in the long run but managed to support ourselves until we were actually considered adults. I haven't heard from him in forty years but I know he was quite successful.
@NorcalGma2 Happy Birthday!
Your facial expression says it all 😉.
@NorcalGma2 Thank you for posting this. It strengthens my desire to help make a better world for everyone.
@NorcalGma2 I’m proud of you. And what an adorable photo.
@NorcalGma2 You are amazing!
@NorcalGma2 Happy Birthday to you both 😊💐
Happy Birthday to your daughter and Happy Anniversary of you being a Mom!
That must have been really scary, but wow, you knocked it out of the park. ❤️❤️❤️
@NorcalGma2 You must have done a great job as a mom.
@NorcalGma2 This story stuns me. You did not experience kindness from others when you needed it most, on a day when you brought life into this world.
A very happy birthday to your daughter!
It is extraordinary how you have channeled your own fortitude into building a life without losing yourself or your nature. You refused to lose your generosity of spirit. You've shown more heart than would even seem possible. A fierce kind of love. No one can take that away from you. ❤️❤️❤️
@NorcalGma2 Thank you for sharing this, and happy birthday to your daughter, and to you!
@NorcalGma2 Congratulations on beating the odds and making a good life for you and yours!
Wow, thank you for sharing!! 🫶
@NorcalGma2
$250 seems like a lot of money for a teenager to have in the 70's.
I'm both shocked that they bothered to charge you, and impressed you were able pay.
@duckwhistle
I had $500 saved. The doctor that provided my prenatal care also charged me $250 so I was able to pay for both. At the time I was working from home as a seamstress so I had income.
@NorcalGma2 Thank you for sharing your lovely story. But where did those 53 years go!
@NorcalGma2 The Epstein elite might read this differently than normal people.
@NorcalGma2 Congratulations, pass on the spirit! There is dignity everywhere
@NorcalGma2 wishing you and your daughter and her children lots more of the good life you share with us on here.
@NorcalGma2 Thank you... truly inspirational.
@NorcalGma2
You have indeed had a good life, and you have given something special to another human being, a childhood and upbringing that has been loving and kind and that has equipped her well for life in this world. You (and she) can't really ask for more 🥰
@NorcalGma2 I want to give that beautiful brave girl a big, non-creepy hug and feed her soup and tell her everything will be okay.
@NorcalGma2 Beautiful story and beautiful picture. Thanks for being here😘
@NorcalGma2 For me that all sounds like from a post apocalyptic novel or some "failed state" scenario.
It's hard for me to image that this was (and for sure still is) a real situation for people.
@NorcalGma2
Well done you! Well done both!! 😀🙏🏻
@NorcalGma2
Well done you! Well done both!! 😀🙏🏻
@NorcalGma2 Happy birthday to her and mom day to you.
You shouldn't have had to rely on your own grit but I'm glad you had it, and that you have such a good network of family and friends around you now. Hopefully you have some of their grit to call on, too!
