Becoming a parent is a life-changing moment that stays with you forever. The arrival of a new child brings immense joy and responsibility, as you’re suddenly responsible for their well-being and future. Adriana Iliescu’s journey into motherhood was particularly remarkable and made headlines around the world. In 2005, she gave birth to her daughter Eliza at the age of 66, making her the world’s oldest mother at the time. This unique event captured global attention, as many were fascinated by her story.

Adriana’s joy was immeasurable when she welcomed Eliza into the world. Over the years, Eliza has grown up to be a happy, energetic, and vibrant young girl. Now, 17 years later, the pair is in the spotlight once again, as new photos of Eliza are gaining attention. The bond between mother and daughter is strong, and despite the challenges Adriana faced, she continues to dedicate herself fully to raising her daughter.

Adriana’s decision to have a child later in life was not without controversy. When she gave birth, many criticized her for being too old to have a child. Some people even called her “granny,” questioning her ability to be a good mother. Adriana, however, always maintained that she felt youthful and energetic, regardless of her age. In a 2010 interview, she explained, “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.” She continued to emphasize that her health and vitality were better than many women half her age.

In that same interview, Adriana shared that she had plans to have another child, as she felt that medically, it was still possible. Although she was 71 at the time, Adriana believed that her health and well-being would allow her to have another child if she chose to do so. She was not in a rush, but the possibility was still on her mind.

Despite the criticism and challenges she faced, Adriana always felt that she was a good mother to Eliza. She maintained a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and drinking, and believed that she would live long enough to see her daughter grow into adulthood. “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,” she said.

Adriana’s path to motherhood was not an easy one. When she was younger, she had to abort a pregnancy for medical reasons, and her marriage ended when she was 24. She focused on her career as a university lecturer and didn’t consider having children until later in life. At 37, after completing her doctorate, Adriana was ready to start a family, but IVF treatments were not yet available in Romania.

When IVF became an option in Romania, Adriana, then 57, began treatment. Her first pregnancy ended in miscarriage, but her determination remained unshaken. With the help of Dr. Bogdan Marinescu, a fertility specialist in Bucharest, Adriana became pregnant with triplets. Tragically, two of the babies passed away, and Eliza was the only one who survived. She was born prematurely and spent time in the NICU, but she quickly grew strong and healthy.

Adriana’s deeply religious beliefs led her to want to baptize Eliza, but some religious figures disapproved of her late motherhood. Despite the criticism, Adriana saw Eliza as a divine gift, saying that her daughter was a blessing from God.

Now, at 83, Adriana continues to live an active life. She has written over 25 children’s books and works part-time as a lecturer in Bucharest. She is in good health and continues to be a devoted mother to Eliza. To ensure Eliza’s future was secure, Adriana made arrangements for her daughter’s legal guardianship with Dr. Marinescu, who has promised to care for Eliza if anything were to happen to Adriana.

Eliza, now a 17-year-old student, is following in her mother’s academic footsteps. She is an award-winning student and has expressed a desire to attend college. Eliza’s success is a testament to Adriana’s dedication as a mother. Despite the challenges, Adriana’s love for her daughter has remained unwavering, and it’s clear that their bond is as strong as ever. Adriana’s story proves that parenthood knows no age, and with love and commitment, anything is possible.