Why is it not enough to live, we asked single mother Marlies Ader on International Women’s Day. Her story touched many – and there is a happy ending for Mother’s Day.
It’s only been 10 weeks, and yet, Marlies says when we see each other again, “it feels like an eternity”. We sit on a wooden bench in a playground in Vienna-Donaustadt, while her father cradles four-year-old Stella. The fact that she still couldn’t pay her bills in March, despite having a full-time job, seems like a bad dream to her today. “I was ashamed of that for a long time. When I went to the stock exchange, it felt like a liberation.”
“Mom has money now!”
Help came from all over Austria. “Today we are debt-free and we even have some money in the savings account,” the young mother explains with pride. The feeling of buying fruit dwarfs or bananas in the supermarket is wonderful. “Mom has money now!” Stella cheered at the time. “She has become much happier since we no longer have financial worries.” Friendships have also been formed due to the many offers of help. For example with Herta and Peter, who invited Marlies and her daughter for a short holiday.
With Michaela, who often sends her books, clothes or body lotion. Or with a young police officer who is also a single parent and has already achieved what Marlies wants most. “Last week I applied again,” beams the young Viennese – she was rejected on her first attempt because of two small tattoos; this provision is now deleted.
The kindergarten teacher sees the fact that there is a happy ending for her and Stella on Mother’s Day of all days. “It always pays to be brave. Especially for my daughter. I was only 19 when she was born. At that time I gave up my youth. Still, I never regretted it. Stella gives me so much love in return. She teaches me to be happy.’ She thinks for a moment. “To me, every mother is a hero,” she adds.
Dream job police officer
Marlies will leave kindergarten at the end of June and hopes to start her two-year police training in the fall. A support network is stretched. “If others can do it, so can I.” And if it doesn’t work right away? “Before I register as unemployed, I go back to the checkout of the supermarket.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
