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 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!
@NorcalGma2 I love you so much right now I’m teary. So much.
@NorcalGma2 Happy Birthday and bravo to you both! I have no doubt that not only your daughter, but many people around you, learned strength and resilience from you, and were lifted up by you and your grace. After all we see your beautiful spirit lift others through here all the time. I hope you enjoyed your day! 🎉💕
@NorcalGma2
Happy birthday to your daughter, and thank you for sharing your story.
I found you right after I joined Mastodon at the end of October in 2022, and loved your posts. But I think some people were unkind to you then and your profile disappeared. Every week or two I'd search, and I've been so happy to follow your adventures ever since you came back as NorCal Gma 2. I'm so glad you're here.
@donaldham
Thank you.
I'm glad I tried again.
I missed all of the people like you.
If anything you should have received more care, not less, in that hospital as such a young mother. They failed you.
What a beautiful picture you two were and are.
@GracelessHippo
Lucky for me I was physically fit. Mostly because I couldn't drive. I went everywhere on foot or bicycle. My best friend's mother was a nurse who was the only person with me when I gave birth. I was fortunate that we were both healthy and recovered quickly.
@NorcalGma2 happy birthday to both of you, excellent day to celebrate the success story that ordinary people can accomplish. Or is it extraordinary people? I think, given what we all know of you, most of us would put you in the latter category. Kind, generous, thoughtful, humble, loving, talented (esp baking and embroidery!), and fierce, too, esp when needed for your loved ones. Keep it up and keep inspiring us!
@NorcalGma2 You are both beautiful people! Thank you, and your daughter, for being yourselves!
@NorcalGma2 Happy birthday to your daughter! And I'm thrilled beyond measure that life has turned out so well for both you and her.
@NorcalGma2 Yours is a truly uplifting story. Well done you, despite all the odds!
@NorcalGma2 gods I am so sorry you had to go through that. Congrats on your survival and strength and success in life
@NorcalGma2 way to go and congratulations 💕💕💕
