Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 74 W/Melinda Brooker

Married at 19 and baby number one at 20, Melinda flew across the world to Ethiopia, Africa to be with her husband who was stationed in the Navy there.  She had to birth on her own, mother for the first three weeks on her own and then be a mom in Africa!  It was quite a challenge but in her words, "you just did it, you had no other choice." After returning to Michigan, they had baby number two and then she had the support of her family but in only two short years, her entire world was turned upside down when her husband was killed in a car accident. He was active military when it happened and she was left to figure out how to parent on her own without her spouse and rock. To add insult to injury, her father died two years later from a heart attack and she was left again to pick up the pieces. Listen to her story of resilience, love, dedication and one hell of a badass who just so happens to be my mother-in-law! As a family, we are blessed to have her as our matriarch and Nana who gives of her heart and soul to those she loves.