This week was my mom's birthday; another milestone to celebrate together and a chance to try to outdo last year's festivities. Her birthdays have included concerts, vacations, movie marathons, a day solely about her which is rare because she's a single mom. It is often me who is put first, my needs and wants being met on a day to day basis.

My mom has always been my constant when everything else was changing, the one person I knew was undoubtedly supportive. However, she always puts others first. Hearing from other friends with single moms this seems to be a common trait. No matter how many children this mom has, they always meet the child's needs before their own. Rarely is a moment about them let alone an entire day. Growing up, my mom often joked that when she was hungry, she would feed the baby; when she was cold, she'd give the baby a blanket and so on. I often laughed with her at this, though there is much more truth to this than anyone realizes. Single moms, and dads for that matter, often sacrifice relationships, time, food, money, and rest for their children.

I can recall countless times when my mom would cook what I wanted to eat for dinner, give me her sweater to borrow, buy me new clothes when hers all had holes or stains, most likely from my doing. All mothers do this, but it often means more sacrifice when you have a single mother. That single mother will do anything for you. She is not only your mom but sole breadwinner, provider, and caretaker. She knows you only have her and will do her best to ensure you don't live life missing anything. A single mother will provide more intangible values than many kids get from their two parent homes, and if nothing else, their work ethic will be immeasurable.

So, to all the single moms out there: thank you. Your work is not unrecognized. Though you may not always feel like it, you truly are wonder woman and your efforts mean more fo your kids than they may know how to express. If your kids are young, they may not realize all you do, but they one day will, and will be better for it. By playing the role of mother and father, you are teaching your children responsibility, love, compassion, respect, and the importance of family simply through your ability to love and support your kids. Your kids are the luckiest in the world simply because they have you, and you are enough.

To my own mom, I love you and recognize the vast work you do and the amount effort going into it. Thank you for being my everything, and being more than enough.

To the children of single moms, take a moment to thank the woman who not only suffered to bring you into the world, but continues to keep you thriving in it. And, you know, maybe take a minute to do the dishes or something. Moms like that.