Dear Single Mom

Dear Single Mom,

I know you didn’t choose this.  This wasn’t your plan.

You didn’t want to raise your children without their father.  You didn’t plan to do this alone.

You didn’t expect his death.  Or anticipate divorce.  You didn’t foresee separation.  Or prepare for his absence.  You thought he’d always be there.

You never imagined that you would become a single mom.

I know you wake up every morning wondering if the decisions you made the day before were the right ones.

I know that as soon as you open your eyes each day, you’re wishing things could be different.

I know that when you put your children to bed at night, you leave their rooms wondering if they’re going to be ok.

I know you look in the mirror each day and question whether or not you can do this.

You can.  You will.  You are.

I know those looks you get when your son is late to soccer practice…again.

I know those passive aggressive comments about leaving work early to get to the babysitter on time.

I know those smiles that hide judgement when your son misses a game because your daughter has a recital.

I know you can’t be in two places at one time.  I know that sometimes you have to choose between missing one event in order to attend another.

I know there is nobody to split the parenting duties with you.

I know you scan the crowds looking for other single moms.

I know that sometimes you feel like you are the only one.

I want to tell you something…

You are remarkable.

You are breathtaking.

You are the picture of strength, perseverance, and love.

And you are everything your child needs.

The world tells you that you have to be “both mom and dad.”  I want you to know that those words are not true.

You will never be your daughter’s Daddy, but you will be her hero.

You will never be your son’s father, but he will look up to you.

You wake up every morning with the vow to give them your best.  You will have bad days.  You will yell for no reason.  You will cry yourself to sleep.  You will question every decision you make.  And you will pray for wisdom every night.

You are already more than a child could ever hope to have.

You show up.  You do your best.  And that is all that a child could ever ask to receive.

I hope you know how truly wonderful you are.  I am proud of you.  You didn’t quit.  You refuse to give up, even when you question your steps.

You are phenomenal.  And it is an honor to be on this journey with you.

xoxo