"Some days, she has no idea how she will do it. But every single day, it still gets done." -Unknown
When you grow up with a strong single mother, you learn about life in a totally different light. Your mother is your nurturer, provider, and protector. She can be a confidant, best friend, or disciplinarian. Speaking from personal experience, I was always mind-blown how my mom could achieve all that she does in one day, and yet still have the energy to continue on. So, here are the 7 benefits of growing up with a strong single mother:
1. Empathy
The strong single mother can be a gift in so many different ways. Whether it was helping me with my homework, listening to me talk about my day, or just the simple everyday things, she always managed to make time for me.
2. Resiliency
Resilience (n): the capacity of a system to tolerate disturbance without collapsing, to withstand shocks, to rebuild itself when necessary, and to improve itself when possible. (dictionary.com)
We all falter, make mistakes, and screw up, but it is how we bounce back from adversity that truly defines our character and who we are as a person. A single parent faces endless adversity, and bouncing back from these adversities showed me that nothing is more important than resiliency in this life.
3. Heart
A mother's love is like no other. Every thing my mom did, whether it was discipline or taking that extra shift at work, was all out of love for me. My heart has become bigger because of the influence my mom has had on me. I have put more of myself into relationships, my dreams are bigger than I could imagine, and my visions of the future are brighter because my mom inspired me to have such heart.
4. Sacrifice
My mom juggled work, housework, and everything to do with my life and hers. She did these things without complaint, resentment, or regret. She was always there for every academic banquet, cheer game, and football game, just to support me. It did not matter if she had other plans because she would have sacrificed anything to support me in all of my endeavors.
5. Dedication
My mom was always completely and totally dedicated to raising me to the best of her ability. This level of dedication transferred over to me, and now I am now relentless in the pursuit of what I want because of her dedication.
6. Respect
As the daughter of a single mother, I have learned to have respect for all of the mothers out there that take on the role of not just one, but two parents. I have also learned to have a much higher respect for the people in life that will always be there for you.
7. Love
The greatest thing I have learned from being the child of a single parent is unconditional love. She has been there for every aspect of my life, no matter how insignificant. She has been here when I cry, laugh, and has loved me through my trials and tribulations. The love she has for me is unrivaled.
A lot of people feel that if a child grows up in a single parent home, that they lived in a broken family. I cannot help but disagree because it made me closer to my extended family, I have the best relationship with my mom, and I have become a strong and independent lady because of having a single mom. So, to you mom, I love you. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. Your love astounds me.
