The memories of the day you become a parent are ones you will cherish forever. A unique child has just entered the world, completely dependent on you for love and care. It becomes your responsibility to provide the best environment and support as they strive to reach their potential.
Adriana Iliescu experienced this profound moment in 2005 when she gave birth to her first child at the age of 66. This remarkable event attracted significant media attention worldwide due to her age, making her one of the oldest mothers on record.
When Adriana’s daughter, Eliza, was born, she was overjoyed. The elderly mother embraced motherhood with happiness and determination. However, over the years, Adriana and her daughter withdrew from the public eye, maintaining their privacy. That changed recently when new photos of Eliza surfaced, renewing interest in Adriana’s story.
For many, becoming a parent is a life-altering experience. There is no way to fully describe the emotional rush that comes with meeting your child for the first time. The moment when a baby looks up at you is one filled with pure joy and connection.
Some people make history through their actions, and Adriana did just that. When Eliza was born in Romania in 2005, she made headlines around the world. Adriana’s age at the time of her daughter’s birth, 66 years old, secured her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest mother at the time. The birth of her daughter, Eliza, was a monumental moment in her life.
In 2010, Adriana opened up about the challenges she faced as an older mother. Her decision to become a mother at such an advanced age sparked widespread debate. Critics accused her of being selfish and questioned whether she could provide adequate care for her child. Despite the harsh judgments, Adriana defended herself, stating, “The mirror may be cruel to women, but if you judge me by my vitality, I would say I’m a young lady. Sometimes I feel like I’m 37, other times like I’m 27.”
Adriana was undeterred by the criticism and expressed a desire to have another child, despite her age. In an interview with a British tabloid, she mentioned that medically, having another child was possible, though she wasn’t rushing into it. She spoke about medical experiments being conducted on older women in England and believed that it could be an option for her as well.
Adriana and Eliza’s relationship over the years has blossomed into one filled with love and mutual respect. Eliza, now a young adult, is described as a happy, intelligent, and joyful individual. Despite the public’s skepticism about Adriana’s ability to be a good mother, Adriana has always maintained that she’s fully capable of caring for her daughter. She leads a healthy lifestyle, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and believes she can live long enough to see Eliza well into adulthood.
Adriana never initially planned to become a mother so late in life. In her early years, she faced health complications that led to a forced abortion. Afterward, her husband left her, and Adriana focused on her career as a university professor in Romania. As she advanced in her career, the idea of having children was set aside. It wasn’t until she finished her doctoral studies at the age of 37 that she began thinking about motherhood again. However, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) wasn’t available at the time.
When IVF finally became accessible in Romania, Adriana was 57 years old. Although her first pregnancy in 2000 ended in miscarriage, she was determined to become a mother. Despite the disapproval from many around her, Adriana persevered.
With the help of Dr. Bogdan Marinescu in Bucharest, Adriana underwent IVF treatments that resulted in the birth of Eliza. Originally, Adriana had been expecting triplets, but only Eliza survived, as the other two babies passed away in the womb. Due to her premature birth, Eliza spent a significant amount of time in the NICU.
Adriana’s strong religious faith played a significant role in her decision to baptize Eliza soon after her birth. However, this decision was met with resistance from certain religious organizations who disapproved of her becoming a mother at such an advanced age. Despite facing these obstacles, Adriana remained steadfast in her beliefs and considered Eliza to be a gift from God.
Seventeen years have passed since Eliza’s birth, and Adriana, now 83 years old, is in remarkable physical and mental health. She continues to write and has authored over 25 children’s books. In addition to being a successful writer, she still holds a part-time position as a professor in Bucharest. Adriana has also taken steps to ensure that Eliza’s future is secure, having made arrangements with her doctor to serve as Eliza’s legal guardian in the event of her passing.
Eliza, now 17, is excelling academically and dreams of attending college. Adriana prefers to keep their personal lives private, but she is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments. Eliza consistently makes the honor roll, continuing the academic tradition her mother set before her.
Adriana remains dedicated to her daughter, showing a commitment and love that surpasses many younger parents. Their bond is strong, and Eliza is thriving under Adriana’s care. Together, they demonstrate that age is just a number, and with love and determination, anything is possible.
