When Thelma Harris was one, her father left, shattering her mother Erin’s vibrant spirit. Erin, a flight attendant, juggled international travel and single motherhood by placing Thelma in an orphanage near their Atlanta home.
Though Erin brought Thelma home during vacations, loneliness consumed the girl. Other orphans envied her connection with her mother, but Thelma felt abandoned, channeling her isolation into painting.
At 16, Thelma chose art over medicine, clashing with Erin, who feared an unstable career. Their argument escalated, and Thelma left for Savannah, determined to prove herself. She pursued Fine Arts, won scholarships, and became a successful design firm CEO—but years passed without contact with Erin.
At 32, regret led Thelma back to Atlanta, but fate had other plans. Erin had passed away, leaving behind a six-year-old daughter, Cindy, whom Thelma discovered at the orphanage. Heartbroken but resolute, Thelma gained guardianship of Cindy, vowing to honor her mother’s legacy.
Nine years later, Thelma is a thriving entrepreneur and happily married to Curtis, a man she met during her return to Atlanta. Cindy, now 15, dreams of becoming a doctor to fulfill Erin’s wishes, inspired by her older sister’s unwavering love.
Lesson: Don’t wait to make amends—time slips away. Learn from past mistakes, and focus on creating a better future.