Becoming a parent is a life-changing moment — one that stays with you forever. It marks the beginning of a new chapter defined by love, responsibility, and hope for the future. For Adriana Iliescu, that moment came in 2005, when she welcomed her daughter, Eliza, into the world. What made her story extraordinary was her age: Adriana was 66 when she became a mother for the first time, capturing the world’s attention and earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
For Adriana, holding her newborn daughter was pure joy. But her happiness also came with challenges. Many people doubted her ability to parent at an older age, and she faced criticism from those who didn’t understand her decision. Still, Adriana remained confident and deeply committed. She always believed she had the energy, health, and dedication needed to raise her child with love and stability.
Looking back, Adriana says she has always felt young at heart. “I feel energetic, strong, and capable,” she once shared in an interview. “I do everything I can to be a good mother.” She never let public opinion weaken her devotion to Eliza.
Adriana’s journey to motherhood was not simple. As a young woman, she faced difficulties that prevented her from having children. Later, after building a career as a university lecturer and completing her doctorate, she hoped for a chance to start a family. But medical options were limited at the time. It wasn’t until she was in her late fifties that in-vitro fertilization became available in Romania.
Her first round of treatment was unsuccessful, but Adriana did not lose hope. She tried again under the care of Dr. Bogdan Marinescu, a respected specialist in Bucharest. That treatment resulted in a pregnancy, and eventually, the birth of Eliza. Although the baby arrived early and needed time in the NICU, she grew stronger each day — a little fighter from the very beginning.
Throughout the years, Adriana and Eliza developed a warm and supportive bond. Eliza grew up cheerful, intelligent, and creative. Despite occasional assumptions from strangers who believed Adriana was her grandmother, the two built a life filled with love, respect, and understanding. Adriana remained protective yet encouraging, doing everything she could to give her daughter opportunities.
Even now, at 83, Adriana continues to work part-time and write children’s books, a passion she has pursued for decades. She planned carefully for Eliza’s future, making arrangements with her doctor, who agreed to serve as the girl’s guardian if needed. Eliza, now 20, is thriving academically and personally. She studies literature and humanities, embraces her cultural heritage, and has already been recognized for her talent and dedication.
Recently, photographs of Eliza made headlines, showing her performing on stage with confidence and grace. Viewers praised her poise and accomplishments, noting how well she carries herself and how loving her upbringing must have been.
Today, Adriana and Eliza’s story stands as a powerful reminder that families can be formed in many ways — and that love, care, and determination matter far more than age or expectation. Against all odds, Adriana built a beautiful life for her daughter, and Eliza grew into a remarkable young woman who inspires others with her strength, kindness, and ambition.
Posted by Șezătoare culturală on Thursday, April 18, 2024