We’ve passed a lot of milestones in my house lately, most related to stages in my children’s lives. Even while welcome and anticipated, I’ve found them unsettling — to my routine, my pocketbook, my psyche. But through it all, I’ve had my husband at my back. He takes over when I need a break, possess knowledge and skills from which we all benefit, and most important of all, makes the rest of us laugh when we become too intense.
I’ve never been so conscious of what he brings to the family until he became unavailable because of work, and the proverbial shiitake mushrooms hit the frying pan.
We’re talking about five pounds’ worth, guys. Enough the resulting smoke set off the fire alarm, oil flew all over the kitchen, people slipped… It might be a slight exaggeration to say that broken limbs ensued, but you get the picture. Our lives were askew.
That got me to thinking about how much I take for granted. There are parents out there who walk this solitary path every. Single. Day. How do they manage so well? Produce well-adjusted, contributing members of society while maintaining their own sanity? Frankly, I haven’t a clue.
That’s why I’m declaring today Tartitude’s Salute to Single Parents Day.*
To those of you who deal with single parenthood on a day-by-day basis, whether due to death, divorce, choice, war, whatever: I applaud your efforts.
To those of you who are non-custodial parents, but who work to maintain a close relationship with your kids, including moral and financial support of their custodial parents: I commend you.
To those of you who support single parents on their trying journey: you are some mighty good peeps. 🙂
How about you? Any single parents in your life you’d extol as heroes or heroines? Are you walking this path and does anyone ever tell you how awesome you are?
And just for the heck of it, while you write your answers, I’m going to enjoy Hollywood’s idea of how hard a single parents can work to ensure their children’s wellbeing. If you have a better movie to recommend, I’d love to hear about it:
*March 21 is the official Single Parents Day, but I’ve never heard of that. Have you?
I can’t miss an opportunity to give such a great shout-out to my mom. My dad left when I was 10 and my sister was 3 with nary a look (or a cent) back. Mom picked up the slack and kept us all fed, housed, and clothed without denying either of us the joys of childhood, or all the care and attention she could spare. I’m pretty sure she’s a super-woman.
I may be biased though, since I think my mummy is the greatest mom on earth. 😀
~Lia
I get these comments often: “You’re so awesome.” “I don’t know how you do it.” “Where do you find the time?” The truth is most of the time I don’t feel “awesome,” and I have no clue “how” I do it…..I just do….and there is never enough “time” in my day. My kids may not have all the latest gadgets or designer fashions but they have something worth more than that….. Me! The person they know who will always be there “no matter what”.
Thanks for declaring today single parent day. 😀
Lia, I’m glad you didn’t resist! Your mom does sound like Superwoman. Speaking of which…
Jody, I’m not surprised you hear those kinds of compliments, but I’m grateful you do. And you’re welcome. 🙂
I’m with Jody, I often hear the compliments and think to myself, “I’m not that awesome, hush it.” It’s hard, I’m COMPLETELY alone (physically and financially) and I just do it, not b/c I don’t have a choice, but b/c I want to. I think the best compliment I’ve gotten (besides you dedicating a whole day to us singletons :)) is when someone sees my child and says, “he’s so happy, what a sweet kid.” That there is all the recognition I need to give me the energy to keep going.
Thanks for this.
Biscuit, when all is said and done, IMHO it’s the health and resiliency of our children that we care about most at the end of the day. You’re obviously being a fantasic role model for him.
Glad you enjoyed my wee effort to recognize your sacrifice.
Gosh, Tarty.
In struggling with Loki this past 2.5 months, to think I might do this by myself fills me with abject terror.
To those single parents out there, I SALUTE YOU!
(Brilliant theme, btw)
“Abject terror” pretty much covers, it, jaekaebee. Hee. From what I’ve observed though, in your case you’re doing a bang-up job.
I’m not a single parent, and I’m not a product of a single parent, so I’m always wondering how single parents manage.
When I see both parents present I witness plenty of struggle and strife, so when I see one parent doing all that work it’s amazing.
Exactly, Medeia. That’s my situation too. I’m still boggled. 🙂