We can't print a a real photo of her because of the privacy laws around adoption, but here's her story, continuing our series.
I have recently become a Mum to a gorgeous little girl, PJ aged 3, whom I am adopting - at 47!
It hasn't so much been a shock to the system, these last 6 months, as more of a dream that has taken what feels like a lifetime to be fulfilled. I have waited a long time for this - and yes there are days when I dream of watching my telly programmes during the day, rather than CBeebies, or eating my food on the sofa - because I want to, but can't until she is much much older - or after she has gone to bed!
Most days, are fun-filled and we are both re-adjusting - she from a turbulent and traumatic past and has now been uprooted from a secure foster placement to be with me, a somewhat older and single Mum and our cat, Smudge - whose life- yes, has been comepletely turned upside down!
I haven't had all the years longing for a family with a partner. My short-lived abusive marriage ended before we started a family. I haven't had the pain of failed IVF, but have had the pain of wanting to have a family of my own and whilst holding onto that dream, have watched the years slip by, seemingly bypassing me, leaving me empty handed.
Whilst I have had years of working with children, young people and families, I have never seen myself as having not become a Mum until I am older because of choice or because I have the great career instead, which is often perceived by "the others": media, and some family or friends.
I love life and have enjoyed many wonderful adventures but have always wanted children of my own. So, here I am, embarking on new waters to charter, older Mum and proud. The waters may well be stormy and have the beauty of calm seas too. I bring to our journey myself and the life I have had so far, the years of experience and the treasures that lie within, yet to behold. Proud to be a Mum. Proud to adopt. Proud to be Single. Proud to be older.
It is all as yet, unknown territory. I am not frightened of a challenge. I have risen to the challenge of being adopted as a premature baby to a Single Mum myself, who gave me up for adoption as her choice. I have always known that I was adopted and always thought that I would adopt too. I have walked through the challenge of a devastating divorce and ridden through the path of singleness and travelled the bumpy ride to do it.
I hope that you will not find me broken and shattered into pieces, or arrogant and full of pretence. Rather, I hope that you might celebrate your own journey and find some connections within our own adventure in my blog NewPyjamas as our story unfolds. I am New Pyjama Mummy, as she asked for new pyjamas from her new Mummy and she is PJ.
I love tea, coffee and cake and a natter with friends - and wine - after her bedtime. I love messing around with glitter and glue to create things and love scrapbooking photos. I'm partial to a bit of really easy walking in countryside in my wellies, yet adore my high heeled shoes and shopping. I love entertaining, cooking and baking and love eating out. And now I have a 3 year old. Help!
Read other wonderful Single Mums Stories on their special Page HERE. If you would like to add yours, please email me at oldersinglemum@gmail.com.
Read other wonderful Single Mums Stories on their special Page HERE. If you would like to add yours, please email me at oldersinglemum@gmail.com.
