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 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!
