A Salute to Single Moms

After my fifth trip in thirty minutes to the bathroom, it hits me. I’m sick! In fact, I’m really sick! I need to lie down immediately. I collapse into bed, drag another blanket around me, and eventually fall asleep to the faint sounds of my children playing downstairs with my husband. I close my eyes and thank God for my husband, as I couldn’t possible handle two little ones in my state.

Later when I’m on the mend, I start thinking about the last few rough days and my utter inability to do anything short of lie listlessly in bed. Out of nowhere I gasp and say to myself, “what on earth do single mothers do when they are ill?” Sure it is unpleasant to be sick, but I have the luxury of curling up in bed and asking my husband to take over, but what if it were just me? My chest tightens, and my mind shifts to my sister in law.  She has surely dealt with this issue before and my respect for her increases although, in truth, it was already high.  

I was impressed with her decision at thirty-something to take solo parenting on. I knew she would be a great mother, and her child would be beyond fortunate, but I tended to focus more on the joys of parenting rather than the challenges.  Now as I envision her sick, wrapped in one of her handmade quilts, and caring for her 22 month year old son, I have a whole new appreciation for what it really means to go it alone.  It seems downright daunting. She is, of course, a super hero of moms: handling a full time job, tackling an unbelievable commute, never missing a relative’s birthday, making and sending handmade gifts, finding time to exercise, frequently visiting family, and all the while lovingly raising a sweet little boy.  Throw the stomach flu into the midst, and even with a super hero cape, it would be tough!

And then it dawns on me, my sister in law and single mothers in general do what all mothers do; they put their children first. They put their own feelings aside even when they are feeling lousy. They suck it up and find their inner strength. They raise their children by themselves because they can and because they’re good at it. Simply put, they embrace their MOMentum. But to be clear, and with all that said, I’m still impressed. Caryn and single mothers everywhere, my hat is off to you!

Embrace Your MOMentum

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