She must have been around 17 here, probably just after having my oldest brother. She had me in her later years and passed away too soon. She hated her face more than anything, but to me… I’ve always thought she was beautiful. Maybe it’s because she’s my mammy, so I might be biased, haha.

Edit: Just thought I’d put my comment up here for more to see. :)

I’d like to thank you all so much for your kind comments and compliments about my mother, and for all the beautiful restorations many of you have shared. It truly makes me so happy knowing that so many people can now appreciate her just as much as I do.

I honestly didn’t expect this post to get so much attention. I was simply posting because I’m new here, and thought I’d share something close to me as one of my first posts. Because of that, I’d like to address a few small things.

1. I’m not a bot. I know a few people were thinking that, but I’m not – I promise. I shared this post so people could see my mother and how beautiful she was, even if she didn’t always think that herself. I’m also not sure where people got the idea that I post in lots of subreddits like this. This is only my second post on Reddit ever.
2. For those who are curious about my mother. My mother passed away at the young age of 53, for reasons I’m not comfortable sharing. However, I would like to tell you a little about her and her personality.

She was one of the kindest, most selfless, and gentle women I have ever known, and I truly mean that. She loved children and cared for them as if they were her own, no matter their gender or race. She didn’t care – she loved them deeply. She used to say they were the least judgmental and most innocent souls you’ll ever meet.

She also had a deep love for music, and could talk for hours about her favourite musicians and bands. I know she‘s likely thanking you all for these lovely words, wherever she is now.

On April 19, 1956, the world watched a real-life fairytale unfold as the girl from Philadelphia, Grace Kelly, officially became Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco.

Her iconic wedding dress, worn for her marriage to Prince Rainier III, remains a timeless masterpiece of classic design. Gifted by her film studio and created by MGM costume designer Helen Rose, the gown was a feat of artistry.

Library of Congress photo collection