Dear Linda:
My mother raised two children without a husband or family support. She decided not to remarry so we wouldn't have to deal with a stepfather. When we were young, she worked from home so she wouldn't miss any of our activities, and when we went to college, she worked two jobs to pay bills. I didn't understand the extent of her selflessness until I had my own child, and now I know I can never repay her generosity, but I wanted to wish her, and every other single mother who gives so completely, a blessed Mother's Day.
Julia's Grateful Daughter
Dear Julia's Grateful Daughter:
Mothers are extraordinary creatures. They cherish their children and think of little besides their security, contentment and success, put their own desires on hold, and give all that is humanly possible. They sacrifice the bodies of their youth and a simple life of self-centered pursuits.
Regardless of the constant work, exhaustion and worry, mothers still invest every ounce of their energy and emotion into the job of raising their children. The rewards for their self-sacrifice are gray hair, guilt about not doing the job perfectly, being taken for granted, and, ultimately, an empty nest.
Ironically, if asked to do it again, most would do so in a heartbeat-their baby's goodnight kisses, toddler's small hand in theirs, and teenager's laughter and excitement at life's unfolding, all sweet compensation.
Single mothers are particularly amazing-true unsung heroes. Without showing the fear that often darkens their world, they must find the strength, endurance and courage to carry out their awesome responsibility alone and in an environment that is complicated, costly, unsupportive and even hostile.
There is help, however. Read The Single Mother's Book: A Practical Guide to Managing Your Children, Career, Home, Finances and Everything Else by Joan Anderson (Peachtree Publishers) and Going It Alone: Meeting the Challenges of Being a Single Mom by Michele Howe (Hendrickson Publishers).
Visit www.singlemothers.org, www.parenting.ivillage.com, and www.singleparents.about.com for excellent resources, information and support while accomplishing nobly the most important job of all.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
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