From Retirement to First-Time Mom. Overnight.

After she stopped working, Helen Bradley thought she'd be taking it easy. Then came little Joseph.

Editor's note: We're thrilled to announce the winner of our Reinvention Essay Contest. Out of 50-plus submissions, our judges chose this wonderful story about becoming a mother instantly by Helen Bradley of Savannah, GA, which was originally titled From Hot Wheels to High Heels. In addition to a cash award, Helen wins free admission to a 12-week intensive course put on by our partner Camp Reinvention. Read essays by the runners up, here and here.

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I became a first-time mom at the age of 52.

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