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.