Celebrating Single Moms!

From sleepless nights, two hourly feeding, diaper change, special meal preparations, bottle washing, laundry, hospital appointments, engaging in developmental or educational activities to managing a career, doing house chores, grocery shopping and bill payments. The list is endless actually but we pretty much get the picture of the life of a single mom.

She switches between roles within the twinkle of an eye. From serving as the father to being a mother, from teacher to listener, scolder to comforter, mom to friend.

She barely has quiet moments and rarely has anyone to rely on when she is feeling lazy or sick. She has to constantly remain enthusiastic and energetic for her kids, yet maintain her enthusiasm for her boss and colleagues.

She is forced to learn about all subjects, to help her kids with their assignments, including the most dreaded mathematics! She is a seamstress, cook, maid, gardener, driver, instructor, accountant, hair stylist and many more hidden roles. She is constantly running from football practice, to ballet classes, from swim lessons to piano lessons. Yet she has to ensure her kids fulfill all the requirements for these programs, appear tidy and neat, and she still has to find the time to volunteer at their school activities. In all of these, she still finds time to socialize else she is considered a prude!

She has to complete her tasks excellently at work and contribute productively on team meetings or projects otherwise be reprimanded for falling short.

She is scolded when late to work more than twice a month and cautioned when she excuses herself from the office before close of business more than three times in a month.

The society is hardly empathetic when she falls short in any of her duties because it is assumed it is a path she chose for herself and should be ready to deal with the work load involved. She is hardly offered a helping hand except when she breaks down and cries for help, and even then, she is quickly reminded to put herself together and remain strong against all odds.

I want to use this opportunity to applaud my beautiful cousin and all the single moms out there! It is a great job you do every day! Most people would crumble under your workload. Keep it up, taking it in strides, one day at a time. Never blame yourself if you fall short in any of your roles. After all, women with spousal support fall short as well, and trust me, most guys would have had their heads blown up in flames if they even dared walk in your shoes!