Unseen Courage: The choices that changed everything

Welcome to the official launch of Hidden Chapters!

This first interview episode is deeply personal—it’s not just the beginning of the podcast, it’s a celebration of Mother’s Day, my 45th birthday, and the woman whose quiet strength made all of it possible: my mom!!

For the FIRST time ever, she shares her side of the story-her journey into motherhood, the unexpected challenges she faced, and the life changing choices she made with courage and love. We talk about the moment she found out she was pregnant with me, the weight of that reality, and the quiet strength it took to raise me through it all. 

I’m so honored she chose to tell her story here-with me!

This episode is a tribute to the unseen courage so many women carry, and a reminder that the stories we often keep hidden are sometimes the ones that shape us the most.  

Thank you for being here for this incredible beginning! 

What you'll learn from Mom: 

• Motherhood can come unexpectedly and change one's life trajectory.
• Societal pressures can heavily influence personal decisions, especially for single mothers.
• Support from family and friends is crucial during challenging times.
• Balancing personal ambitions with motherhood is a continuous journey.
• Finding love can bring new hope and stability to a family.
• Military life presents unique challenges for families, especially during deployments.
• Pursuing education as a parent can be daunting but rewarding.
• Understanding one's identity and background is important for personal growth.
• Family is defined by love and support, not just biological connections.
• The journey of motherhood is filled with both challenges and profound joys.

What we talked about: 

00:00 The Unexpected Journey Begins

04:56 Navigating Early Motherhood

07:49 Balancing Motherhood and Personal Ambitions

11:13 The Challenges of Military Life

14:07 Finding Love and Building a Family

16:55 Pursuing Education Amidst Chaos

23:12 Understanding Identity and Family

32:11 Reflections on Motherhood and Life Lessons

39:48 Dedication to Mothers on Mother's Day 

Special Dedication:
The song that my mom kept for us: 
 “You and me against the world” By Helen Reddy 
 https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=F34c1Re8k5s&si=_Fz3V7Mm-SiGFdaY

Background Music: "In Time" by folk_acoustic from Pixabay

Transcript

Genevieve : 0:00

Birthdays and Mother's Day have always meant a lot to me. One's a celebration of the life I've lived so far, and the other honors the woman who made that life possible. And for as long as I can remember, those two days have been beautifully connected. My birthday is May 10th, and my grandma's was May 11th. With Mother's Day always landing right around that time, it became a time when the three of us, my mom, my grandma, and me, got to celebrate together. Those moments are some of my favorite memories. This year, as I launch Hidden Chapters, I'm realizing just how deeply those days are tied together. Because so much of who I am, so much of my story has been shaped by my mom's story, especially the parts she kept tucked away, the ones that came before I was even born. Today, I'm sharing a piece of her story, one that's also mine, It's a story about quiet strength, about the choices she made without a lot of support or recognition, and the kind of steady love that you feel even when it's not spoken out loud. And maybe by telling it here, we can finally give voice to the parts of our story that have been the background for a long time. Before I even came into this world, my mom went through something no one should have to experience. She's a survivor of rape. and became pregnant. And even in the face of something so traumatic, she made the choice to keep going. But her story isn't about what happened. It's about what she did with it. It's about how she found her way through the hardest parts. How she became a mom, raised me on her own, and figured out who she was along the way. She's a big part of the reason I am who I am today. Her journey is woven into mine in so many ways. Now that you've heard a little bit about my mom's incredible journey, let's take a step back to where it all began. So mom, I know this is a deeply personal subject, but with what you're comfortable with, could you share what it was like when you first found out you were pregnant with me? So what was going through your mind? How did you navigate that time in your life?

Mom : 2:26

I would say that what went through my mind was a menagerie of different things. My life is over. I'm not worth anything. I've had to hide. I had plans and I felt like those plans are gone. And I was ostracized because in the 80s, it still was not acceptable to have a woman who is a single mom, let alone you never talk about those that are victims. They are silent. And how I navigated it was difficult. a very sketchy way. Sometimes I think that I can beat it, but on shaky legs. Sometimes I said, forget it. And I thought, should I end my life? Should I secretly get an abortion? You know, how can I do this? I have no money. I didn't get to finish my college. That was my ambition. And so I I come full circle and say, okay, that's it. I didn't reach that crescendo of my life that I wanted to. So there's a lot of confusion and it takes a long time. It's something that is a lifetime that what goes in your mind. And then you'll go back and you'll say, well, was this right to do? Was this right to do? Looking back now, it was the right thing to do, right? Having a child, I never wanted to have a child because I saw how my parents were. My parents fighting all the time and there was five of us. And so when this unexpected, and I'll say gift from God came along, I was not sure what it was for. It's like somebody gives you a gift and there's no occasion. But with me, Jen, you were automatically loved, And protected by grandpa, who was a staunch Christian and fell into the, you know, thou shall not kill.

Genevieve : 4:40

Right. And that's what I was going to get into is that, you know, the decision came because grandpa did not believe in abortion.

Mom : 4:48

I needed guidance because I could have so easily... been prompted to go and have an abortion because society would not look up to me. The society would look down on me if I didn't, because here I am, a single woman that has a child. And so that was my first thought. And another is, I don't know how to take care of a child. And then your grandpa and your grandma, they were a lot of help in ways, but then they kept over my head you are a christian you know thou shall not kill and so my father right away got into the point where yes we will house you yes we will support you yes you will be in this house yes that's my grandchild so that helped a lot but at the same time they locked me and then you eventually in this ivory tower we couldn't go any place without telling them where we're going and they thought that okay this is the end of her life we'll just keep her in the ivory tower she'll be fed she'll be you know safe but there was no more life

Genevieve : 5:57

so then raising a child without obviously a partner was not going to be easy for you so what was it like in those early years with you raising me and obviously those moments where you felt overwhelmed how did you manage through those feelings?

Mom : 6:13

Well, I have to give a lot of credit to your uncle who is not with us anymore. He championed you from the very, very start and told me, look, there are two victims here and you're both innocent. And he never judged me. He was always there, you know, and when you were born and Sometimes he'd stay over. And I was overwhelmed at night because a baby doesn't sleep all the way through night. There's feedings to happen and changing of diapers. And I was worried that when you were crying, oh, this is going to wake up grandpa. Because, you know, he was a very staunch father, you know, and very strict when I was growing up. But then here is your uncle. And sometimes your aunt would come in and help. And your mom, your grandma would help sometimes. And we got into a system later on, but it was mostly me. And, you know, I had to deal with that sleepless nights and then feedings and learning. I actually got a book, but it was Dr. Spock. That was one of the foremost experts back then of how to raise a child, you know, and about Diaper rash and things like that. And that's how I learned. And from my background of my days in college, because I was in medical school, I did learn some things there. But it was something like, okay, this is a new thing to me now. But at the same time, I've left who I was. I'm a different person now. That young college girl is gone. This one who has to either survive because she's If I don't survive, how can my child survive? So now I had to survive for me so that you would survive. And if I don't kick in all of the things that I'm supposed to do, then we're both doomed. Because I always saw myself as a failure. I cannot be a failure as a mother. And slowly but surely, you brought a lot of sunshine in that old home. Because when I was a kid growing up, there wasn't much of that. And you charmed everybody, including your grandpa and your grandma and your uncle and your aunt, you know, and me.

Genevieve : 8:46

So how did you balance now a mom, but you still had that drive to be that individual? So obviously I know the story, but explain how you were able to balance being a mom and still have something for you. I

Mom : 9:03

was barely 21. So keep in mind the youth. the things that I wanted to do. And through time, you know, I was thinking, maybe we can still do this. And I count that maybe as a gift from God because he gave me another oomph when I thought everything was gone. And I just decided that if I don't survive and if I don't make something of myself, what will happen to my daughter? My mother and father will not be here forever. And I don't know what house I'll be living in. I have got to do something for me eventually will be beneficial for you.

Genevieve : 9:45

And

Mom : 9:46

I figured I can do this because in my culture, it's like, oh, you can't do anything. You're a woman. You need a man. No, I was prepared to be that single mother who can make it. But then it was going to be a long road because I did not have the finances. I didn't have the tuition to go back. And there wasn't anybody who's going to take care of you. So it was either survive or just go six feet under. And I saw it as you and I now, and there was a song way back by Helen Reddy called you and I against the world. And that's how I saw it, you know, and it, the song is, At the end of it, it had a little girl saying, I love you, mommy. And then she said, I love you too. That became one of my inspirations. I go, I can make this. And I know that I'm not the only one. So I had to go back

Genevieve : 10:46

and I need to go back and listen to that. I don't know that I actually heard that song.

Mom : 10:50

Yeah. Helen Reddy. Okay. I'll go back and look at that against the world.

Genevieve : 10:54

Yeah. So fast forward. Here you are. You were going through nursing. taking me in tow. You want to share just one of those of your challenges of going through nursing class and having me?

Mom : 11:10

Well, actually, the nursing school was prior to you, prior to anything. And so I When I finally had you, I didn't have the money to continue the three and a half years of the nursing, so I wanted to get to something closer. There were some free programs for individuals that they can get a six-month to an eight-month to a year training and then eventually get a job. Well, I figured I had a medical background, so I was going to go for this program called the Biomedical Lab Technician. which is basically a long word for phlebotomy. And so there were times that your grandma would not, she wanted to be able to go to her senior citizen and sing and things like that. She goes, well, I'm not going to take care of her. And so I had this fold up, they called it an umbrella stroller. It wasn't anything big, put you in it and walked. And it was up a hill going, I can't even say how much, you know, it was, but it was, it was a walk. And, um, I'd take you to class. And I had a friend of mine who, when I had the test going on, she would go out and take the stroller and roll you around. And then I'd say, okay, thank you. And I would take over after that. And it's friends like that because people need people, but you need good people, not those that are going to cheat you, harm you, or mislead you. And she was good. And that's how I did it. I'm going to do whatever I need to do. And it felt like you and me against the world. So I had that friend help me.

Genevieve : 12:55

Yeah, I love hearing that story. Okay, so a couple more years. You met dad when I was young. And I know he's the only dad I ever care to know that he's daddy to me. Can you tell me about meeting him and what it was like bringing him into our lives?

Mom : 13:14

Well, he came in November. I forget the year, 81, 81. He came because he was training in Vandenberg, which was about five hours away from where we were, and it was upstate. And he came to visit because his brother was out there. And so we wanted to show our support because, you know, his brother is my brother-in-law. And so he came out and all of the things I heard about him from my older sister, oh, he's great. He, you know, graduate of a military college and he's done this and he's done that. I felt really beneath him because I had ambitions of going to college. So I was very like upfront, you know, I'm going to just keep my distance and I'm not hiding my daughter. Because you lived and that's your home, grandma, and you had full reign. You could sit on grandpa's chair, have all of the, you know, remote controls that you want and just running around everywhere. I said, I'm not going to put her in a closet. Why? This is my home. I said, and whoop-dee-doo, good for him. He's, you know, accomplished. But I was really jealous that, you know, I wasn't in that category. I said, I was just a single mom trying to make it, you know. And so when I met him, I had a little bit of, Back up that I'm not going to let you in my fortress. But he was kind. He was kind. He was down to earth, very humble, and did everything that we would do. You know, if we had some cultural food, he wasn't going, ew, what is that? He was there. He's going, oh, yeah, I'll try it. And he picked you up. Your dad picked you up. And the moment that he picked you up, you just looked at him and then put your head on his shoulder. And I thought, hmm. OK, but I wasn't looking for anybody. But I said one day when I do find someone, if I find somebody, he is going to have to accept us both. I won't have it any other way, you know. So when I met him, I didn't think anything of it, but he kept coming back. So he came back each time and he had these little. tricks that he was, Oh, can I come over? Because, you know, I left my tennis shoes at your house and that's a five hour drive to get some measly, dirty tennis shoes, but he did it, you know? And yeah, it was a, it probably would say it's a whirlwind romance. If anything, you know, I didn't dislike him, but then I really was holding my guard up at the time. Yeah.

Genevieve : 15:56

So you and dad got married in September. I was two. And then dad got stationed in Kansas. So you automatically became a military spouse. So as a military spouse, we know how life is incredibly challenging, just being in the military, but being a military spouse now too. And dad moved us to Kansas, of all places, coming from California. So talk about now raising me, but now having two more children. And what that was like now having three kids and dad was gone on alerts and other trainings. So you were by yourself a lot and how you managed to keep all that together. Cause now you've got a whole nother season and challenge in life.

Mom : 16:43

Well, I had to kind of get over the fact that, Oh, I'm not worthless. And if someone wants to marry me and your, your grandparents were thrilled because their culture says, Oh, you need a man. And, um, When I realized, you know, yeah, he is military. And even though it's a different branch, because I'm a military brat. My father was in the Navy 25 years. And, you know, he was very proud of being a sailor. And where I lived, there was nothing but sailors and Marines. So I thought, I can handle this. I can handle this. And so when we went to Kansas, it wasn't only that. It was it wasn't. california anymore we're in kansas total you know and so it it was really bad because they were prejudiced then and i tried going into a ceramic store and i only got but two feet from the doorway and i called them church ladies church ladies looked at me like get out of our store or we will kill you so i walked back out daddy wasn't with me we only had one car So I said, I've walked before. I've done it with Jen. So it wasn't too far away from the apartments. And now I was by myself. We used to have this house where my mom was and my dad. And you were running around. And my brother would come by. But in Kansas, I had no one. And I was on the third floor. And good old dad, he didn't tell me until after we were married, I've got to sit you down. Well, you know what I really do in the Air Force is I'm a missile launch officer, and we have to be out there eight times a month. I said, oh, well, okay, because I thought he'd come home at night. No, he didn't come home at night. Eight times I was by myself, and that's not counting for those who understand TDYs and inspections outside of the base and going to the headquarters base in Nebraska. So I was left alone. So it was you and me, and you had to adjust because Grandma wasn't there, and they spoiled you rotten, and I didn't have all of the ideas of what you had, but... You did have a nice room, that's for sure, because Daddy had prepared it and we prepared it. I said, do you think a queen-sized bed's too big for a one-year-old? But you had all your stuffed animals all around you. And Dad took in right away as his very own. And I had to deal with marriage, being without my parents because they were my backup, and then learning to live in Kansas where the sun died. barely shines and the winters were so cold and this Californian just never really saw snow before. And so I had to adjust to that. And in me, I said, in order to validate me, I need to give this man a child. I needed to give him a child to validate our marriage. But more importantly, I did not want you to be alone. Because I come from one out of five, even though we fought a lot, we had each other. And I remember you were very little and you brought out your little porcelain tea set out in the porch with the girls right next door. And I thought, oh, how nice. Let me go get some little cookies that I can put and they can play, you know, tea, tea time. I come back out and you're in tears and the girls were saying something about you. And I said, go home. I said, how dare you? Because they were picking on you. And I said, I can't have this. I got to have other children with you to champion you. But I had a miscarriage before your brother came out. And that's why it took up to 85. So that's why the distance between you. But I absolutely loved it. Once I got a routine, I absolutely loved it. Being a mom of young kids. You guys did some stuff that were crazy, but then what parenthood is not going to have such things? I mean, you guys would ruin the living room, but that's what kids do. And you would make all kinds of entertainment because... winters were harsh out there at times. I learned how to drive on ice, which I'm still scared of. I learned how to shovel snow away from the driveway. And I learned about snowsuits that you guys had to put, you know, and making sure that if you're going to go out and make a snowman, come in every once in a while because you're sweating and You could catch a cold. And so I actually liked it. And then I realized, because I really never, ever really thought about it, is your dad's rank. You know, oh, I'm married to an officer. Duh. You know, because my father was enlisted. And that was a whole new can of worms. A whole

Genevieve : 21:54

other conversation that, yep.

Mom : 21:55

Yes. And, you know, I thought, oh, yeah, I'm a military brat. I can handle this as a military spouse. Sure. You know, but then when we ended up living together, And we were the most, the lower rank of the rank. We ended up living just next door to three colonels. I go, that's nerve wracking. I didn't like that because we weren't colonels. And so I was happy about that. And I got to adjust well because the military life I knew of. When I was a kid, we were on military base before and, you know, we would play around there and I felt it to be safe. And I was actually very thankful that we were on base and not outside because we had quite a few with those that are not so kind. So

Genevieve : 22:46

we moved from Kansas to the next state over, Missouri. And Was that around the time when you had made the decision to go back to school? Because I remember, of course, that was that time that you were up late at night going to school and then we would be three of us hand in hand as we were going on campuses with you. So explain that and how that decision came about and how that season in time was going through getting a degree, having three of us and doing it alone.

Mom : 23:20

I had... found out that there were what they call satellite schools on base. But I was also waiting for at least two of you out of the three that can walk and talk. I said, and I don't know, by the grace of God, the schedule was good because sometimes I'd have a night class and dad would be home. I said, that's good. You know, they said, oh, you can go to the university, blah, blah, blah. Oh yeah? How far is that? Oh, just about five hour drive. No, can't do it. I said, I've got kids and my kids come first. I said, I have this hunkering of this dream to finish because, you know, I can add to our income and I can be something that I've always wanted to be. And I had a personal vendetta. That personal vendetta was you're not going to beat me. I am still standing and I'm going to get this. I tried looking into nursing, but then I started thinking about all of the hardship I had as a nursing student. My hat's off to medical students. It's difficult. So I went to the next thing. I went to business. And your dad has a business degree. I read, hmm, a Pell Grant. I thought, it's worth a try. I had a station wagon. I put all three of you guys there and it was a 17 mile drive to what they call State Fair Community College. And I took you guys there. I was talking to a counselor and she said, well, only under these stipulations could you have this Pell Grant. Your husband is an officer, blah, blah, blah. And I said, well, my husband is in school too, going for his master's. And she said, oh, that's it. The little glitch goes two, Two students at the same time. I didn't realize you had

Genevieve : 25:18

an under school that time frame. I forgot about

Mom : 25:20

that. Yeah. And so I said, sign me up. So I got the Pell Grant and my associate's degree was all free. My books, my tuition. And I had three of you guys. And the woman said, that's very admirable. She says, you got these three kids. I said, I'll make it work. So I feel like that inspiration was coming from God. He says, now I'm picking you back up. And so I started to get inspired and I came home and all of you guys, we went to mommy school. And then later when you got a little bit older, you would make me the international coffees that I needed at night. And I said, thanks, Jen. And no matter what concoction, whether it was too much sugar or whatever, I drank it because I was in the zone to try to learn.

Genevieve : 26:11

You put all of us to bed. But then I would go to the kitchen and that little box had the, you know, the

Mom : 26:18

granule. Yeah, they had all kinds of flavors. So I would do the

Genevieve : 26:20

hot water and mix that up for you. And then you'd be by lamplight with the note cards talking to yourself.

Mom : 26:26

Talking to myself, yeah. That's what

Genevieve : 26:27

I remember, of course, you know.

Mom : 26:29

Yeah, your brother woke up, he was like, Mommy, who are you talking to? I said, oh, I'm just talking to myself. Go back to bed. I'm good. So that was kind

Genevieve : 26:36

of that inspiration, too, as to why I went to school. Because, I mean, you and Dad both did it. And you both had these... Beautiful knuckle to knuckle ring. So when I was ready for college, that's what I wanted. I said, I want to go to school too. So

Mom : 26:48

yeah, I was telling dad, I said, it's not for any other reason, but to, you know, settle a score, because it was a vendetta that you will not knock me down. I'm talking about my history of past. And I found out that my brain was much better in my early 30s than it was in the 20s. My grades got better. And I graduated with honors all the way through. When I got my bachelor's and then my master's, I was able to think, you know, and I think it was because now my life was in a good spot.

Genevieve : 27:25

Yeah.

Mom : 27:25

I have a loving husband.

Genevieve : 27:27

I

Mom : 27:27

have my children that crack me up because of the things that you guys say and do. And I was just happy. And I was starting to learn more about God and getting to the word a lot more. We would go to church every Sunday because I was insistent upon that. So that was all in the spot where it should be. And that was the perfect time. time. My mind was settled and God was there, you know, in spite of us having to be away from home, we made it work and you guys made it work, you know, and you, you went to the school on base. So I knew you were safe. And then eventually your brother went to school on base and we had the third child and, you know, she was just a little baby at the time. So, yeah.

Genevieve : 28:17

So obviously I hadn't known up until this point about my background. Yeah. But being that Daddy is a very tall, white Scottish man, and I don't look anything like Dad, I know that the questions were going to eventually come out why I don't look like him. Because I know that when I started to go to school, and that was around that time I was getting picked up for appointments, for doctor's appointments, if Dad came in, it would throw people off like, that's your dad? So I think that was right around 10, I remember, was when that time frame, I started to question, well, why don't I look like Dad? And that's where you felt like it was the time to tell me. So I know that for me, that being 10, that's a lot to take in. Because then, you know, I know we talk about this later, but you told me at 10. And then I think it wasn't until I was 32 that I asked again about my background because I was already pregnant with Izzy. And I went to the doctor. And then, of course, the doctor's asking my history on both my family. And I could always say, oh, my mom had this history and her background and my dad. Well. Actually, I can't claim dad because biologically there's no blood. So I think those are the first two times in my life when I think about it because I do forget. Those were the two times in my life where I really remember I needed to go back and go, okay, mom, hold on. You got to give me a little bit more detail. So 10 was the first time. So what was that like, that

Mom : 29:43

time frame? Back up just a little bit. I had spoken briefly to dad about it and dad was against you knowing because it, to him, it felt like she's mine, you know? But yeah, I mean, I said, she keeps asking. I said, because the other kids are constantly saying, you know, that's your dad or things like that. She keeps asking. And I said, she's going to have to know sometime, but I wanted to make sure that you were, mature enough to get it. But I said, but she's already asking because you're a very smart girl. I mean, you did all kinds of things. You do things behind my back like packing clothes when I put you in those ugly plaid pants. They were ugly. They were ugly. And I thought, you know, they're warm, you know, they're warm, they're woolen, but they were like a plaid red pair of pants. And Then you'd come home and I'd say, wait a minute, did I dress you in that? And you would act it yourself. So for a kid that's smart like that, 10 years old, yeah, your mind was already thinking. I mean, and like I said, and I'm not saying this just because I'm your mom, but you're very smart. So I had to tell you, I said it did break my heart and it broke dad's heart because he felt like, oh, she's no longer mine. But I had to remind him that anybody can be a father. anyone but it takes a special man to be a dad and without hesitation you know he he took you on and um adopted you and and today that's not unusual that's not unusual but it was we were at the cusp of computers coming out the generation yeah generation of okay she's out of wedlock so we were just at the cusp of it and um now it's no big deal it shouldn't have been a big deal but um So what

Genevieve : 31:44

was the hardest part about sharing that information? You said dad was against it, but what was maybe the hardest part?

Mom : 32:02

Where do I belong? Why am I like this? And then I thought, I was hesitant. I said, would she ask about the other? Because that's a painful subject. And the more I get older, the more I can push it back and just live my life with my children and my husband in peace. So we didn't really know how it would turn out, but we did know that eventually you'd need to know and it was your right to know your beginnings. And I

Genevieve : 32:32

think it was interesting. You asked me this as we were prepping for this. You asked me if I ever wondered about that other side. And honestly, I really don't. I mean, still to this day, I'm going to be 45. I never wondered about that. I just always, growing up, remember you saying, well, God took care of that. So I always just, I really honestly didn't remember it. I never had a wonder. And dad is the only dad that I know. And I've never had a... issue to know that other half of me because of the fact that we said before I was so loved from the very beginning and so accepted that it was never, that portion about me was never an issue. But I just, I never wondered and I still don't ever wonder and have no curiosity to find any bit of that other half. If anything, I'm just curious to say, okay, how much more of the culture mix do I have? Is there more Spanish? Is there more Filipino? Is there more, you know,

Mom : 33:31

that's more the curiosity that I have. Polynesian, which you do have. What's my

Genevieve : 33:36

background?

Mom : 33:37

The most important thing that we think of, because like I said, when I started off, My mindset was, ooh, what will people think? And so maybe you were thinking, ooh, maybe people will look at me differently. But the most important thing is they don't matter. What matters is that you're loved by your mother and father and your siblings and that you do have a lineage. You have cousins and uncles and aunts on my side. And you have your adoptive cousins, you know, as well. And they've never, ever... said, oh, wait a minute, you know, we never have. Family doesn't necessarily mean DNA. Family can be, you know, whoever is there for you, who really truly cares about you and loves you and will not hurt you. Well, sometimes family can hurt you no matter what, but it's what we identify with, you know, and the biggest thing is if God loves you, who can be against you? Yeah. And that's how I survived with the Lord Jesus Christ. You know, I couldn't have had it any other way. So

Genevieve : 34:45

looking back on everything that you've been through, of course, now raising me, navigating that military life, pursuing the degree, finding love, how would you describe the journey and the big lessons that you've taken from the life so far?

Mom : 34:59

I've been able to do some things. I love to travel. Those are the good parts. We're going to all have trials sometimes. But we can't dwell on those trials and we can't dwell on the arguments because that will bring up a cancer in your spirit. You just try to remember the good times and go on because God wants us to continue to go on. I didn't really reach that kind of career, if you will. It didn't go the way that I thought, but they always say that God has a better plan than you have for yourself. And for some reason, which I never thought of, I became a teacher. And then I realized that there were some kids that needed saving. The kids can teach me something. And so if it didn't really work that way, I'm still happy. I'm blessed. I'm an American born, bred, and raised, as my children are. And I couldn't ask for any more now that I'm at this age. And I was so glad that I retired so I can do what I want. I'm just hanging on by all of the medicines that I have to take. But that's life. But for the most part, I look back at it. I said, I did do what I was supposed to do. I raised my kids to the best of my ability. And so did dad. You all are college graduates. So I can't complain. Because I'm still standing. I'm still here. And yes, there's some times that it was rough, but I think that's what God was doing. He's shining that diamond in the rough.

Genevieve : 36:38

Yeah. Well, you know, the reason why I started this podcast was because I have been feeling the need to share our story for so long, but I definitely wanted the right platform to do so. And I hope that for everybody that's listening gets a little inspiration from knowing a little bit of our hidden chapter because it's not a topic we talk about. And actually, this is the first time my mom has actually spoken about this other than the family. So thank you, mom, for that. And I wanted to make sure that it was launched on Mother's Day and my birthday weekend specifically because, you know, I would, of course, not be here if it were not for you. So the final thing question I want to pose here is, what would you say is the most fulfilling part of your journey as a mom? And then what words you can give to all moms?

Mom : 37:34

Being a mom doesn't necessarily mean that they have to come biologically from you. For all of those that are adoptive parents, you have the same love that any biological parent has. And you have that love to give. And there's a child out there or a child that you bear that needs your love, your guidance. And you are making such strides if you are willing to take on a child because a child is a gift from God. And it doesn't matter if it's biologically comes your way or adoptive, because all children are a creation from God and they are the most innocent. Children are our legacy. And I'm very proud of my family branch. I've got you and I've got your brother and sister and your dad. That's my family branch. And now I've got four beautiful granddaughters. So my branch grows. And all I can say is for those that have children, take heart. Because You will only pass this way once. You hang in there. You give them the love. And it's up to you to be the steward to say, no, don't go that way. Go this way. And so my biggest happiness was I didn't think I was going to be a mother. But then I was given the chance to be a mother. And then I realized what wonders comes out from being a mom. And when you first hold that child and they smell like a new human, it's incredible. Yeah, don't give up on being a parent. Sometimes it's got its lows. Sometimes it has its highs and you keep praying. You need the guidance. You keep praying because God said, teach the child in the way that they shall go and they shall not depart from it. So, yeah, that's it in a nutshell.

Genevieve : 39:33

Well, thank you, Mom. I really do appreciate you doing this with me. This is the first time my mom is getting to really share this outside of the family. So this is exciting for me, too. So, Mom, thank you. Early Happy Mother's Day. As we wrap up today's episode, I just want to take a moment to honor my mom and all the amazing moms out there. Whether you're a biological mom, adoptive, chosen mom, or a mother figure in someone's life, your love and care make more of a difference than you probably realize. To my mom, thank you for being open and willing to share your story. The strength and the quiet courage you've shown through every part of your journey, it's something I carry with me every day. And to all the moms, happy Mother's Day. You deserve to be celebrated. And to all of you listening, Thank you for being here and for sharing in this really personal moment with me. What a fun way to celebrate my birthday, right? If today's story moved you and made you think of your own hidden chapter, I'd love to hear from you. You can connect with me on social media or leave a quick review. And if you know someone with a story worth sharing, I'm always listening. Until next time, take care of yourself, keep listening, know that the stories we hold close are often the ones that connect us the most.