Finding Hope: Adriana’s Story

By Adriana J

This captivating memoir is a vivid real-life story and a testament to the power of fighting for freedom and achieving it. Born in Romania, during the communist reign, Adriana faced extreme poverty and hardship. Her mother was deaf and her
Father deserted them both, when she was only a baby. To survive, Adriana had to be her mother’s ears and voice. As a little girl, she was her mom’s lifeline and had to take on responsibilities that a child should have not taken. The book captures the essence of Adriana’s strength and determination. This is a reminder of how important is to honor the past and keep telling our own story. There is a strength within us greater than any storm.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Nov 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798765245453

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 Adriana J.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

Balboa Press

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 979-8-7652-4546-0 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-7652-4547-7 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-7652-4545-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023918608

Balboa Press rev. date: 11/17/2023

REVIEWS

This poignant story captures your heart. My modest upbringing seems regal, compared to the hardship Adriana endured

- Donna Lucreziano

"When I first met Adriana, I remember thinking, what a strong, amazing woman she is…a true determined single mom at the time, building a future for herself and her family. She had dreams and fulfilled it. I am truly inspired by her life story.

Honestly…her story inspired me to do better in life. I honor her as a woman and beautiful life built in spite of all her challenges she had endured."

- Maria Vaduva

This book is dedicated to

my children Athena & Jennifer, and to Susie in heaven;

my grandchildren Nico, Oliver, Rocco,

Jordanna and Serenna,

who give me hope, joy, and inspiration;

and to Arek - my ride or die; my

partner in life; and the one

who brings me happiness, encouragement,

laughter, and adventures.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1   Romania: The Early Years

Chapter 2   Memories of Romania

Chapter 3   Survival

Chapter 4   Life in Romania

Chapter 5   Endings and Beginnings

Chapter 6   The Refugee Camp

Chapter 7   The Road to Canada

Chapter 8   My Life

Epilogue

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

M y friends and family, and even strangers, have encouraged me to write my story, and I am thankful to them. I would like to especially thank Arek and my long-time friend Donna, for their unending love and support. And also, I would like to thank Connie, who passed away recently, for her many years of friendship and encouragement. And lastly, a heartfelt thank you to my wonderful editor and friend Juliet Sullivan.

Note from author

This book portrays the harsh images of my life. I’m writing about these dark and challenging times because, like everyone, I have spent my life searching for hope, a better life, and happiness. One of the reasons I am happy to share my book is to capture this simple and beautiful message: positive thoughts work. During the hard times it’s very difficult to remain positive, and I have battled with this challenge daily, but when I work to give out good energy; to be kind in the face of anger and fear; to help whenever I can; and to attract a happy life by choosing to look for it, it really does change my day. Whether in the past or present, whenever I encounter hard obstacles, I try the same approach: to stay positive.

If you have chosen to read this book, I would like to thank you for giving me a chance to tell you my story.

My life growing up was very different than my children’s. Not only have times changed, but my earlier years took place on a different continent, with a different culture and traditions. It was, and is, important to me that my children and grandchildren know and understand my history and its impact on my life.

I believe that everyone has a story. This is mine.

INTRODUCTION

Nicolette

O utside the air was crisp and the sun was shining, but inside the streetcar the air was stale and stuffy. Sitting squeezed between two strangers, Nicolette held her newborn baby tightly to her chest.

There was a thick mixture of odours which seemed to cling to her skin; from the sour smell of sweat from the man sitting on one side of her, to the cloyingly sweet perfume from the woman on the other. Nicolette felt anxious and fearful. Becoming a new mother was overwhelming.

She was on her way home from the hospital, where she had given birth to a baby girl just a few days earlier. After a long and strenuous labour, she