The day you become a parent is one of the most defining moments of your life. In an instant, a tiny, unique individual enters the world, relying on you for everything. It becomes your responsibility to provide them with the best possible life and help them achieve their dreams.

For Adriana Iliescu, that life-changing moment arrived in 2005. But what made her story extraordinary was her age—she became a mother at 66, making headlines worldwide.

The birth of her daughter, Eliza, filled her with boundless joy. However, the news sparked a wave of controversy, with many questioning whether she was too old to raise a child. Now, 17 years later, Adriana and her daughter are once again in the spotlight as recent photos of Eliza gain attention.

There are certain events in life that completely transform us. For those who have experienced parenthood, the day they welcome a child into the world is beyond words. Holding your baby for the first time, seeing them look up at you with innocent eyes—there’s simply no greater feeling.

Some children are born into history, and Eliza Iliescu was one of them. In 2005, her birth made global news because her mother set a record. Adriana became the world’s oldest mother at the time, earning her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

However, Adriana’s journey to motherhood wasn’t easy. While many celebrated her accomplishment, others heavily criticized her. People called her selfish and insisted she was too old to raise a child.

Despite the scrutiny, Adriana defended herself. In a 2010 interview, she shared her perspective on aging.

“The mirror may be unkind to women, but if we’re talking about energy, I feel like a young woman,” she told the Daily Mail. “Most of the time, I feel 27, and when I’m a little tired, I feel 37. I’m healthier than many women half my age.”

She also dismissed the idea that she became a mother to appear younger. “People think they’re being funny when they call me ‘granny,’ but I didn’t have Eliza for that reason. I never feel my age,” she said.

At the time, Adriana, then 71, even revealed that she wasn’t ruling out having another child.

“Medically, it’s possible,” she said. “I know there are trials happening with a 70-year-old woman in England, so it can be done. I’m healthy and believe it’s possible, but I’m not in a rush.”

Over the years, Adriana and Eliza have formed a deep bond, like any devoted mother and daughter. Eliza is described as energetic, happy, and full of life. While many have questioned Adriana’s age, she remains confident in her parenting.

“I don’t smoke, I don’t drink. If I live as long as my parents did, Eliza will be 20 when I pass away. I still have so much to give her,” she said.

Adriana’s late-in-life motherhood wasn’t a choice—it was the result of life’s unpredictable journey. As a young woman, she had to terminate a pregnancy due to medical reasons. Then, at 24, her husband abandoned her.

She poured herself into her career, working as a university lecturer in Romania.

“I couldn’t even think about having a child because I was busy working,” she explained. “But after I completed my doctorate at 37, I was ready. Unfortunately, IVF didn’t exist back then.”

By the time in-vitro fertilization became available in Romania, Adriana was 57. She attempted treatment, but her first pregnancy in 2000 ended in failure.

Many around her disapproved of her determination to become a mother, calling it immoral. Yet Adriana refused to give up. Her dream of motherhood remained strong.

She eventually sought help from Dr. Bogdan Marinescu in Bucharest. This time, the treatment led to success—though it was bittersweet. Adriana conceived triplets, but tragically, two of the babies did not survive. Eliza, born prematurely, was the only one who made it. She spent an extended period in the neonatal intensive care unit before she was strong enough to go home.

Adriana, a deeply religious woman, wanted to baptize her daughter. But even then, she faced judgment. Some members of religious communities disapproved of her becoming a mother at such an advanced age. When Eliza’s baptism took place, one nun even referred to her as “the product of dark forces.”

Despite the criticism, Adriana never wavered in her belief. To her, Eliza was a blessing, a gift from God.

Now, in 2022, Adriana is 83, and Eliza is 17. They continue to share a wonderful life together, even though people often mistake Adriana for Eliza’s grandmother.

But despite her age, Adriana remains mentally and physically strong. She is still passionate about raising her daughter and ensuring she has a bright future.

Over the years, Adriana has written more than 25 children’s books and continues to work as a part-time lecturer in Bucharest. Though she may look like a great-grandmother to some, she insists she is in good health.

Perhaps most importantly, Adriana has made arrangements for Eliza’s future. When she pursued IVF, she made a special agreement with her doctor. If anything were to happen to Adriana, her doctor would serve as Eliza’s legal guardian and godfather.

As for Eliza, she is thriving. She is an excellent student and has won awards for her academic achievements. She dreams of attending college and is following in her mother’s footsteps academically.

Many young parents struggle to balance their responsibilities, yet Adriana has dedicated her life entirely to her daughter. Without distractions, she has focused on giving Eliza the best possible upbringing.

Looking at Eliza now, it’s clear she has been raised with love, care, and attention. She is a happy, well-rounded young woman with a bright future ahead. Adriana’s story may have been unconventional, but there’s no denying that she has done everything possible to be the best mother she could be.