A Tribute To The Single Mom

0

A TRIBUTE TO THE SINGLE MOM

Last week was National Single Parent’s Day. I saw several posts and tweets on social media so I started thinking about this day that is set aside to celebrate parents raising their kids solo.

While I’m all for a day that gives a shout out to the Single Parent, one singular day doesn’t seem like near enough when I consider what single parenting looks like in the lives of my friends who are single moms.

I want to pay tribute to these Moms who are doing this motherhood gig alone.

Motherhood isn’t easy with a husband who is involved in our life. And I can’t even begin to fathom how difficult it is without.

Whether you’re single because of life circumstances or ‘single for now’ because your loved one is overseas fighting for the freedom the rest of us take for granted every day, you are remarkable in every way. 

To my friends witness walking this road alone –  I commend you with indescribable words. I have no clue how you can keep it all together in the amazing way you do. I know I don’t tell you near often enough but I think you are strong, remarkable, steadfast, courageous, selfless, forgiving, brave and about 65 other adjectives I could list but it doesn’t do your situation justice.

I am fully aware that there are infinite numbers of really HUGE life things that come with not having a mate at home, so I certainly don’t want the following list to seem even comparable to such significant things but I want you to know how often I think of you as I go about my day:

I can’t imagine how your heart breaks when you hear another woman complain about her husband, her marriage, or petty things her husband does that annoy her.

I can’t fathom the way your heart skips a beat when you’re already out of vacation or sick time at work  and you get a call from the daycare that your little one is ill and you need to go pick them up.

I can’t imagine the loneliness you feel every day. Your kids adore you and tell you they love you but I know that can’t replace the adoration and affection of a spouse.

I don’t know how it feels to shoulder the responsibility of being Provider, Fix-it Man, Disciplinarian, Financial Manager….plus the myriad other roles you play.

I don’t know how exhausted you must be when you’ve already worked a long day, and then come home to prepare dinner, get to ball practice, help with homework, do laundry, pay bills, teach life lessons, and get ready to do it all over again. 

I can’t imagine the overwhelming feeling that your ‘to-do’ list is never-ending but you are the only one truly responsible for that list. And you could probably ask for help but you don’t know where to start or have time to think about asking.

The list is endless, and I can not even begin to touch the innumerable difficulties you face every day as a single parent. Thank you for being an amazing example to me and the others in your life. I learn from you each and every day.

To the Single Moms and Dads out there: You are remarkable. We look up to you in more ways than you know. Grab ahold of us married people around you and help us learn to understand you better so that we can surround you with love and acts of service.

To the Married Moms and Dads out there: Let’s not only build up our husbands or wives and never take them for granted, but let us love and support those single parents walking next to us. Let’s not wait for them to ask us for help. Let’s just jump in and do it. Let us learn more about them so we can better relate and surround them with love. Let’s get over the excuse that “we can’t possibly understand so let’s just not say anything about it.

Lest not forget that we’re all just doing the best that we can at this parenthood thing day in and day out. Let’s give some grace and support one another as we go through life together!

To M, K, M, J, A and C – I love each of you more than you know! You know you are the inspiration for this post. I am so thankful for all you’ve shown and taught me. Please help me see how I can better love on you! 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here