In the Elämäni oivallukset series, Minttu Mustakallio recounts her childhood experiences in Ylivieska, Northern Ostrobothnia, where she was raised solely by her mother, Mimmi. Despite the challenges of their unusual living situation in an apartment while her peers lived in houses, she felt deeply loved and supported. Her mother, a singer and troubadour, created a nurturing environment surrounded by carefully chosen friends and family, who provided a kind of familial support that her father, who lived in Greece, could not.

Minttu reflects on her absence of a father figure during her childhood, with her godfather stepping in as a fatherly presence. The decision not to meet her father was rooted in her mother’s reasons, which remained unknown to her. As a child, it was apparent to her classmates that her family structure was different, adding societal pressures to her personal struggles. Minttu felt the warmth of her unconventional family, but the absence of her father left a significant gap.

After her mother's passing, Minttu took the brave step to contact her estranged father. This decision marked a pivotal moment in her understanding of family and connections, reinforcing her sense of belonging and the importance of reaching out to family, even after years of separation. Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities of familial relationships and the emotional impact that upbringing can have on individuals, ultimately shaping their paths in life.