The True Story About Elon Musk's Mom Is Inspiring People Across The Globe
As the face of Tesla and SpaceX and one of history's richest entrepreneurs, Elon Musk has become one of the most recognizable figures in the world. However, he didn't get to the top all on his own. Maye Musk was not only a devoted mother to Elon, but she also inspired him by overcoming immense personal hardships and taking incredible risks. Recently, Maye has even stepped out of her son's shadow and into her own spotlight.
A Close Bond
Then again, the two of them have shared a spotlight on a few notable occasions, like when he brought her on stage during his highly-watched Saturday Night Live episode. During his monologue, the tech mogul got vulnerable, telling his mom that he loved her and sharing with the audience that he had Asperger syndrome. It was clear that the two were incredibly close, and this moment only scratched the surface.
Moving Abroad
She never saw herself as the mother of a genius. Born in Canada in 1948, Maye Haldeman moved with her parents to Pretoria, South Africa when she was just two years of age. Together with her chiropractor father, dance teacher mother, and four siblings, Maye enjoyed an adventurous childhood, involving outings in the Kalahari Desert and traveling the world in a light aircraft. The world was truly Maye's oyster.
"Live Dangerously — Carefully"
“Looking back, I realize it was dangerous to go across the desert with a compass and three weeks’ supply of water and food with five kids,” Maye admitted. Her parents were, however, cautious when it came to planning their family excursions. According to Maye, her family motto was "Live Dangerously — Carefully." This expression helped the girl to break out of her shell.
Finding Her Footing
As a means of funding her interest in studying science, a friend convinced Maye to try her hand at modeling. This provided a steady income stream for Maye, who at the age of 21, participated in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. After she worked a few years as a print and runway model, her high school sweetheart confronted her with a life-changing question.
