In honor of Mother's Day, I decided to shine a little light on our single mothers. (Don't get me wrong, all moms are 110% amazing, but this article just shows some extra appreciation for all the hard working moms doing it all by themselves).
To start off, I just want to tell you: you are doing a good job. I know you may feel like you're failing at this whole single-parent thing, but trust me, you're doing great. Your kids may not show it all the time, but they recognize your efforts and are proud of you. I know it's hard, and I know you want to break down sometimes, but look how far you've gotten. Wether it's one, or two, or six, you're raising these kids by yourself. Who pays the bills? You do. Who makes sure there's a roof over their heads and food in their bellies and clothes on their back? You do. And who do they have to thank for everything they're grateful for? You.
You work long hours and long shifts and countless days just to keep your family afloat, and not a lot of people can handle that. Not to mention all the cooking and cleaning and caring for and never missing a single important moment. It's not easy to do, but look at you, doing it. You're both dad and mom. You teach how to play baseball and you open tough jars and you kill spiders, then you turn around and hum lullabies to sick kids and kiss boo-boos. You can give yourself a round of applause for turning your little boy to a man and your little girl to a strong, independent woman.
Throughout all your responsibilities and despite your cramped schedule you still never miss a game. Never miss a recital. Never miss an event. Nope, you make sure to sit right there in the front row, cheering loud enough for two parents, and the pride in your eyes could be seen a world away. You would do anything for them. No matter how old they get, they will always be your babies, and heaven help anybody who dares to mess with your babies. You could make a grizzly bear cower in fear with the ferocity you save for anyone brave enough to test your patience. Oh, your kids are gonna drive you up a wall sometimes. They're gonna push your buttons. Test your limits. They're gonna make you feel absolutely insane. But, no matter how many boundaries they push or lines they cross, you never manage to love them any less. You love them even when you hate them and nothing could ever make you stop.
They may not express it, and they may not show it all the time, but they love you more than anything. You are everything to them. You're their biggest fan, their protector, their role model, and their hero. So please, never forget: You may not have signed up to do this on your own, and it may be hard doing it by yourself, but you're doing it mama, and you're doing a damn good job.
