He had read the book “I know why the caged bird sings.” It was difficult to read because child abuse is very sad. When I saw the “Mommy and Me and Mommy” follow-up book, I was intrigued. I wanted to see what life was like for Maya Angelou when she was an adult.

I loved reading this book. Maya Angelou is a strong-willed woman, but so was her mother. Though not perfect, she was redeemed in her own way. Maya’s mother explained to her children that when she was little, she and their father would not have been good parents and they decided to let their mother raise them because she would take good care of them. The times Maya’s parents tried to take over simply confirmed the fact.

Maya’s mother came to be called Lady B. What she failed to give her daughter as a child, she made up for as an adult and they came to love each other deeply. Maya’s brother was unable to recover from his childhood disappointments and struggled with heroin. Maya, however, flourished into adulthood.

Maya’s early adult life mirrored her childhood struggles, but over time, with the support of her mother, she found her own path. Romantic relationships didn’t work out for Maya or her mother. Little by little, each woman found interests and talents in which they were good in life and began to take a different course to improve.

Lady B tried her hand at various careers and became involved with women’s charitable groups. After his death, a park was named after him. What a beautiful way to leave this life.

Maya did not start her adult life as a star. He had very difficult moments. Before being discovered, at one point she took a job at a strip club because she needed to support her young son. Once he started exploring his talents, he even had to fight for respect while directing his first film. He called his mother for support. Once her mother joined her on set, everything was fine.

Maya never went to college, yet she became a college professor. Not only honorary, but also teaching. She became a woman loved by the world. Both she and her mother were simple girls with difficult beginnings who were able to mend their relationship and each left their mark on this world.

If you’ve ever believed that your life didn’t matter, let this story encourage you that you can make a difference.