Countless women have had to face motherhood without the support of a partner by their side, for whatever reason. There are even celebrities, such as Sofia Vergara, who have endured this difficult situation.
However, everything in life depends on our attitude, and she, in particular, was so courageous and determined to give her son the best she could that she turned him into a great man.
Becoming a mom at 19
Sofia Vergara was married to Joe Gonzalez from 1991 to 1993. As a result of this relationship, and when she was only 19 years old, the actress had her son Manolo. After her separation from Joe, Sofia put all her efforts in working and taking care of the little boy so that he would lack nothing. “I was really young when I divorced his father, so I raised him trying to set the best example and give him the best that I could,” she explains. “When people compliment me on him, on how well mannered, how charming, funny and well-behaved he is, it makes all the sacrifices worthwhile,” says Sofia.
Although she does not regret becoming a mother at such a young age, she does admit that everything could have been easier if Manolo had arrived 10 years later. When the child was very young, Sofia had to leave him with his grandmother while she worked, and it broke her heart every time she did. “Being a mother has a lot to do with instinct, a sense of responsibility, commitment and even self-forgiveness,” she explained.
How she combined her professional career with motherhood
Sofia’s career in the artistic world is very broad and prolific. As Manolo grew up, the Colombian actress and model’s career was on the rise. In 1995, she toured the world with Fernando Fiore in Fuera de serie and later participated in films such as Chasing Papi, Four Brothers and Hot Pursuit among others. She was also part of numerous successful TV series, such as Family Guy and Modern Family.
However, Sofía confessed that she had to turn down many projects in order to make Manolo’s life as stable as possible.
A mother is the best advisor
If there’s one thing moms specialize in, it’s giving advice and passing on lessons. And Sofia Vergara, who as a mother never stops worrying about her son, is no exception. “Don’t walk down a back alley. Use your head. Don’t go alone on a train at three in the morning,” are some of the warnings the actress gives Manolo. She also says she wants her son to be with a good, educated woman, and he acknowledges that his mom is an excellent mother-in-law.
The boy follows in his mother’s footsteps
Perhaps the fact that he grew up with a stellar mother influenced Manolo’s professional destiny. The young man is a film director and producer, a graduate of Emerson College in Boston. After finishing his studies, he returned to California, opened a YouTube channel and began to narrate and show what it’s like to live with his mother. The project, called Mi vida con Toti (My Life with Toti, as Sofia is affectionately called), was so successful that it gave way to a reality show called Vergaraland.
He later had a role in the movie Destined to Ride and in the series Guilty Party.
But, in addition to following in his mother’s footsteps professionally, Manolo accompanies her to some of the most important events in the artistic world. As when he attended the ceremony in which Sofia was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Manolo and Sofia share their love for dogs
Another thing they both have in common is their absolute devotion to dogs. On his Instagram account, Manolo shares hundreds of photos with his pets and Sofia does the same on hers. In addition, the boy launched his own brand of clothing and accessories for dogs and the actress joined him in the launch.
And they enjoy the moments they have together
The bond that unites Manolo and Sofia is very strong. They have accompanied each other in all stages and have been together in the most important moments of life. The actress was with the boy at his graduation and overflowed with pride and happiness for his academic achievements, while the young man was the one who walked his mom down the aisle during her wedding to Joe Manganiello.
Manolo was also next to Sofia when the actress finished her role in the series Modern Family and dedicated a message to her on his Instagram account: “11 years, 250 episodes and I couldn’t be more proud of the historic work you have achieved,” he wrote.
Undoubtedly, walking the road of motherhood alone and being so young is not something simple. However, Sofia says that now her friends panic if they have not found someone to have children with, but for her that is not a problem, because she already has her own.
All parents out there are superheroes. Fighting another day to provide for their kids, teach them, and take care as best they can. Maybe we can’t see it while we are young, but those moments build our memories and help us grow into stronger individuals.