The day you become a parent is a day that sticks with you forever. Suddenly, in your arms, you hold a tiny individual who is completely dependent on you. It’s your job to create the best life possible for them and help them chase their dreams. It’s an incredible feeling!
Let me tell you a remarkable and inspiring story about a woman named Adriana Iliescu. She made headlines around the world when she became a mother for the first time at the age of 66. Yes, you read that right! In 2005, when Adriana welcomed her daughter, Eliza, into the world, her happiness was beyond measure.
She became famous not just for her age, but because Eliza was born into history, leaving a mark that few others have.
Fast forward 17 years, and Adriana is once again in the spotlight. New pictures of her daughter, now a teenager, are creating a buzz online. Can you imagine how special it must be to see your child grow? Eliza looked up at her mother for the first time all those years ago, and I bet that was a moment neither of them would ever forget.
For most parents, that very first moment of holding their child is simply indescribable. There’s something magical about it. It’s as if the world stands still, and all that matters is that tiny little being gazing back at you. They say, “A child fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty.” And that certainly holds true for Adriana and Eliza.
Now, let’s dive a little deeper into Adriana’s incredible journey. At 66 years old, she became the oldest mother in the world at that time, and her extraordinary story earned her a spot in the Guinness World Records. Imagine waking up one day and realizing that you’ve made history!
In 2010, Adriana opened up about her feelings on motherhood and what it was like to face criticism from others. Many people thought she was too old or that she was being selfish for having a baby at that age.
“The mirror is unkind to women,” she shared during an interview with the Daily Mail, “but if we are talking about my energy, then I feel like a young woman. I feel like I’m 27! When I feel a bit more tired, I feel like I’m 37. I am healthier than women more than half my age.”
She remarked, “People think they are being funny when they call me granny, but I didn’t have Eliza to make me look younger. I never feel my years.”
During that same interview, when asked if she would consider having another child, she replied confidently, “Medically, it’s possible. I understand there are trials going on with a 70-year-old woman in England, so it could be done.
I am fine and healthy, and I think it would be possible to have another child in the future, but I’m not in a rush at the moment.” Isn’t that incredible? Adriana’s determination and zest for life shine through.
As a mother, Adriana created a strong bond with Eliza over the years. Her little girl is described as energetic, funny, and full of happiness, just like her mom. Despite people often mistaking Adriana for Eliza’s grandmother, she proudly insists that she’s a good parent.
“I don’t smoke and I don’t drink. If I live as long as my parents did, Eliza will be 20 by the time I pass away. I think I still have a lot to give her,” Adriana stated, filled with love and hope.
Becoming a mother later in life wasn’t part of Adriana’s original plans. When she was young and newly married, she faced a heartbreaking situation where she had to abort her baby for medical reasons. At just 24 years old, her husband decided to leave her, and Adriana focused on her career as a university teacher in Romania.
“I couldn’t even think about a child, as I was working,” she reflected. But everything changed when she turned 37. “After I had completed my doctorate, I was ready to have a child. But there was no IVF back then,” she explained.
In 2000, at the age of 57, Adriana finally had the chance to pursue in vitro fertilization, but her first pregnancy ended in heartbreak. Everyone around her thought she was chasing an impossible dream, calling her ambitions immoral and turning their backs on her. But Adriana never lost hope. She continued to dream of being a mother.
Eventually, she found Dr. Bogdan Marinescu in Bucharest, who would help her make her dream come true. Adriana was thrilled to learn she was pregnant with triplets! However, it was tragic when two of the babies didn’t survive.
Eliza was the only one who made it into the world, but she was born prematurely and had to stay in the NICU for a while. Yet, with time, she grew stronger and healthier, bringing immense joy to Adriana’s life.
Adriana, being deeply religious, wanted to have Eliza baptized, but many religious organizations criticized her for being an older mother. It was a difficult time, filled with judgment and negativity.
During the baptism, some nuns looked at her with disdain, and one even called Eliza “the product of dark forces.” Despite these harsh words, Adriana held onto her unwavering belief that Eliza was a precious gift from God.
Now, in 2022, it has been 17 wonderful years since Adriana became a mother for the first time. The two have a beautiful relationship. They spend time together, share laughter, and create memories, even though many people still think Adriana is Eliza’s grandmother!
But let me tell you, Adriana, now 83, feels fantastic both physically and mentally. She has so much love to give, which is what every child needs to thrive.
Despite her age, Adriana is still active in her career. She has written more than 25 books for children and continues to teach part-time at a university in Bucharest. Her students would never guess that she is older than their grandmothers!
Adriana made a thoughtful arrangement about Eliza’s future. She asked Dr. Marinescu to be the godfather and legal guardian of Eliza if anything were to happen to her. It’s heartwarming to know that Adriana plans for her child’s well-being.
Looking ahead, 17-year-old Eliza dreams of going to college. According to reports, she is doing exceptionally well in school, even winning awards for her hard work. She seems to be following in her mother’s academic footsteps, showing that she is as dedicated and hard-working as Adriana was.
As Adriana often says, “Love knows no age.” And it’s clear that Eliza feels happy, content, and well-rounded, a true reflection of her mother’s devotion to her.
What do you think about this amazing story? Share your thoughts in the comments below! The journey of Adriana and Eliza reminds us that love, determination, and hope can defy the odds and create a beautiful family, no matter the circumstances.