Connected
My Lola and mom are strong matriarchs, fearless and independent women who shaped our family. From both, I inherited the strength to follow my curiosity and wanderlust, even if it took me to the far side of the world.
My mother, Nini, graduated from nursing school in Lucban and dreamed of joining a U.S. program. Her strict father refused to sign the consent form, so with her boldness, she asked her oldest sister to forge his signature. That is where I get my mischievous streak. Eventually, with his blessing, she left for America with fellow nursing grads and has made a life here for more than sixty years.
In 1987, I gave birth to a daughter in New Orleans. She was adopted by a loving local family in a private adoption. For years, we had no contact until 2010, when we reunited. Today, my daughters Melinda Baudoin, McKenna and I are living our happily ever after.