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Jessica McClure in the arms of a rescue worker after being freed from an abandoned water well. (Eric Gay/Associated Press/File 1987) |
MIDLAND, Texas — Baby Jessica is all grown up. She’s Momma Jessica now.
The toddler who tumbled down an abandoned water well and got trapped more than two decades ago turns 25 today, a milestone that gives her access to a trust fund of up to $800,000 donated by thousands of sympathetic strangers who spent 2 1/2 days glued to the television until she was free.
Jessica McClure Morales is now a stay-at-home mother of two, and her youngest is 18 months old — the same age she was when her accident drew the eyes of the world to this oil-patch city. She lives less than 2 miles from the site of the 1987 rescue.
“That’s all Jessica has ever wanted was to be a mom and have a family,’’ said her father, Chip McClure. “She’s a good mom and keeps her eyes on her kids.’’
McClure Morales has no memory of being wedged in the pipe or of the 15 operations that followed her ordeal, according to her father. A scar from her hairline to the bridge of her nose is still visible where her head rubbed against the wall of the well.
These days, she and her husband run a mobile car- and truck-washing business out of their home, according to a recent interview she gave to the Dallas Morning News.
ASSOCIATED PRESS 
© Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company.
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