I always knew my stepmom, Monica, wasn’t exactly the nicest person—annoying, yes, but not evil. She was the type who would talk over me, forget my birthday, and call me “kiddo” even though I was practically an adult.
But what she did on my 17th birthday? It was the final straw.
It all started after my mom, Sarah, passed away when I was ten. After that, it was just me and Dad. We were a team—movie nights, pizza dinners, and a mutual understanding that we had each other’s backs, always.
Then Monica came along about three years ago. She wasn’t the worst, just kind of… there. She moved in, slowly took over the bathroom with her endless beauty products, and managed to inch her way into Dad’s life, whether I liked it or not.
Monica had dreams—big dreams—of opening a hair salon. I didn’t have a problem with people having dreams, but I had my own, too, and she treated me like I was an inconvenience that came with the house.
But I had a plan. College was my way out, and Dad had promised me from the time I was little that there was a college fund waiting for me. “Your mom and I set it up when you were five, Lila,” he’d say. “It’s all there, and I add to it every year.”
So, I worked hard in school, counting down the days until I could leave for college and start a life of my own.
On the morning of my 17th birthday, I wasn’t expecting much. Maybe some pancakes, a card—Dad was at work, so it was just Monica and me. But when Monica handed me a gift bag, things took a weird turn.
Inside the bag was a pink funerary urn. Yes, you read that right. An urn.
I stared at it, completely confused. “What the hell is this?” I asked.
Monica leaned against the kitchen counter, a smug look on her face. “It’s symbolic,” she said as if that explained anything.
“Symbolic of what?” I asked, already feeling a sinking feeling in my stomach.
Monica smiled wider. “It’s time to bury your college dreams, kiddo. Your dad and I decided to put that fund to better use.”
“Better use?” I repeated, my heart racing.
“Yep. We used it to help me open my salon. College is a gamble, Lila. But a business? That’s a real investment.”
I was frozen. Had they really taken my future, my college fund, and sunk it into Monica’s dream? How could my dad have let this happen?
“Life’s full of disappointments,” she added, as if that was supposed to be comforting.
I ran upstairs and slammed my door, sobbing harder than I ever had. Everything I’d worked for, everything my mom had wanted for me, was gone.
For the next few days, I barely spoke to either of them. Monica pranced around like she owned the house while I sat with the urn on my desk, a twisted reminder of what I had lost.
Then, a few days later, something strange happened.
When I got home from school, there was a note on my desk in Monica’s messy handwriting: Meet me at the salon at 6 P.M. tonight. No questions. Just trust me.
I almost laughed. Trust her? After what she did?
But my curiosity got the better of me, and against my better judgment, I went.
When I arrived at the salon, the lights were off, but the door was unlocked. Hesitant, I stepped inside. There, in the middle of the room, were Monica and my dad, both grinning.
“Surprise!” Monica shouted.
I was speechless.
“Look,” Monica said, stepping aside to reveal a shiny new sign on the wall: Dream Cuts: A Scholarship Fund in Honor of Sarah.
“What is this?” I asked, completely lost.
Monica’s smile softened. “We didn’t use your college fund, Lila. It’s all still there. The salon isn’t just for me—it’s for you, too. And for others like you. A portion of the profits will go toward funding scholarships in your mom’s name.”
I blinked, feeling like the ground was shifting beneath my feet.
“But… why make me think otherwise?” I asked, still trying to wrap my head around it.
Monica winced. “Yeah, the urn thing… That was not my best idea. I thought it would be motivational, like burying the past and embracing the future. Turns out, it was just creepy.”
Dad stepped forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve been planning this for months. Your mom always wanted to help kids get to college. This way, her dream lives on.”
I stood there, stunned, my anger melting into something softer.
Monica looked at me earnestly. “I’m not trying to replace your mom, Lila. I just want to build something meaningful, something that helps you and others. I know I haven’t been the best stepmom, but I hope this can be a fresh start.”
For the first time in a long time, I smiled.
It wasn’t perfect, and maybe things with Monica never would be. But in that moment, standing in a salon named for my mom, I realized she wasn’t trying to destroy my future—she was trying to honor it in a way I hadn’t expected.
And yeah, I kept the urn. I planted peace lilies in it. Maybe it wasn’t the symbol Monica had intended, but it had become something new. A symbol of hope.
What would you have done in my shoes?
The Woman Was Born Without Arms but Enjoys Motherhood. She Feeds and Dresses Her Daughter Herself Using Her Feet
Dejana Backo’s story is one of perseverance, strength, and boundless love. Born without arms, she never let her disability define her. Instead, she pushed past every obstacle, proving that limitations exist only in the mind. Today, she is not only a celebrated athlete and artist but also a devoted mother who cares for her child with incredible skill—using only her feet.
Her journey is a testament to human resilience, showing that challenges can be turned into stepping stones toward greatness. From excelling in para taekwondo to becoming a mother, Dejana has redefined what it means to live a full and meaningful life.
Embracing Her Unique Identity
Born on December 9, 1994, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Dejana grew up questioning why she was different. As a child, she often asked her mother why she didn’t have arms. However, as she matured, she realized that her body was not a limitation but a unique gift. She chose to embrace it and live life with confidence.
Her positive outlook and strong character helped her achieve incredible success in multiple fields. Nicknamed the “Girl with Wings”, she became a symbol of empowerment in Serbia, proving that strength comes from within.
An Extraordinary Athlete and Artist
Dejana’s achievements are nothing short of inspiring. At the young age of nine, she joined the Society of Mouth and Foot Painters, a move that ignited her passion for art. Determined to refine her skills, she later pursued a degree at the Academy of Fine Arts in Novi Sad, where she honed her talent and showcased her work across multiple Balkan countries.
Video : Mom withouth hands – playing with baby Lara – good morning – lets rock this day
But her passion didn’t stop at art. Dejana had always dreamed of competing in the Paralympic Games, leading her to take up para taekwondo in 2016. Her dedication paid off when she won the K41 women’s -47 kg division at the World Para Taekwondo Championship in Turkey in 2019—making history as Serbia’s first world champion in this category.
From Champion to Motherhood
In February 2023, Dejana embraced an entirely new role—motherhood. Choosing to step away from competitions, she prioritized preparing for her baby’s arrival, even deciding to skip the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. While she may not be competing in sports for now, she remains active in spreading inspiration through social media.
Motherhood comes with its own set of challenges, but Dejana has once again proved that she is unstoppable. She has mastered using her feet for everyday tasks, including feeding, dressing, and caring for her child. With the same resilience she showed in sports and art, she is tackling motherhood with grace and determination.
A Love Story Rooted in Strength and Support
Dejana is not alone in her journey—she has a strong and supportive partner. Her husband, a fitness instructor, has been by her side, providing encouragement and love. Their relationship is a powerful reminder that love transcends physical limitations.
The couple enjoys traveling and sharing their experiences online, proving that their bond is built on mutual admiration and shared adventures. On February 22, 2024, they took their love to the next level and officially tied the knot. In a heartfelt social media post, Dejana wrote:
“When you love without boundaries, unconditionally and completely pure. 22.2.2024—the day these two beautiful people swore before God for eternal love!”
Their wedding was not just a celebration of their love, but also a moment that showed the world that true love knows no physical barriers.
Facing Motherhood with Confidence
For many new mothers, taking care of a child can feel overwhelming, but Dejana has adapted in extraordinary ways. She changes her baby’s diapers, clothes, and even walks with her by holding hands—using only her feet. Her ability to care for her child in such a unique way is nothing short of extraordinary.
In an interview, she spoke about the realities of being a disabled mother, admitting that there are challenges but emphasizing that self-worth and a positive mindset help overcome any difficulties.
“We all have some difficulties as people with disabilities,” Dejana shared. “But if you have a good picture of yourself, if you know who you are and what your worth is, you can overcome anything and focus on the positives.”
A Life That Inspires Millions
Dejana’s journey is more than just a personal success story—it is a source of inspiration for millions around the world. She has shown that no obstacle is too great, no dream is too big, and no challenge is impossible to conquer.
- As an artist, she has defied expectations by painting breathtaking pieces with her feet.
- As an athlete, she has shattered records and proved that physical disabilities do not define one’s capabilities.
- As a mother, she is proving that love, creativity, and perseverance are more powerful than any physical limitation.
Conclusion: A Story of Courage, Love, and Strength
Dejana Backo’s life is a shining example of what can be achieved with courage, determination, and self-belief. From an inquisitive little girl questioning her differences to a world champion, artist, and loving mother—her story is nothing short of miraculous.
Video : Don’t look at what I don’t have, see what I can do ❤️ Girl With Wings
Her ability to embrace motherhood, overcome challenges, and live a fulfilling life is an inspiration to all. Whether she is painting, competing, or caring for her child, she continues to prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Dejana’s journey reminds us that true strength is not measured by physical abilities, but by the heart, resilience, and spirit of a person. She is not just an athlete, an artist, or a mother—she is a living testament to the power of perseverance and love.
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