To all the single moms on Father's Day,
You probably didn't think you'd be a single mother when you thought of raising a family. You probably had a picture of the "All American Family:" A husband, a wife, two kids and a dog. But sometimes, things don't turn out the way you expect them to. But I know that you would never let that get to you because you have kids to take care of and you want to be there for them as much as you can.
Gender roles aside, you took on two roles instead of one. You cooked, cleaned, brought the kids to school and made their lunches, you taught them how to play catch or other activities. You listened to them when they had worries, you were stern on them when they didn't listen. All the while, you still had to juggle a full time job and somewhat of a social life to keep your sanity. But at the end of the day, you are still a mother, and you wear that title proudly.
So on this day, you, along with all other single mothers, are honored. This letter is my way of saying that all of the hard work you've put in just to make your family work is noticed and is not in vain. You are one of the strongest women there is out there, yet you expect so little for the actions that you consider to be apart of every day life. Just know that every homework problem you've helped on, every late night at the office you've had to endure, every sporting games or performances you've had to attend: all of these do not go unnoticed.
And it's okay to mess up every once in a while. No parent is ever perfect, and even the best are sure to falter some time. Your or your child's minor mistakes are not a reflection of you as a parent or as a person. When it comes down to it, it just shows all the more how hard you work and how vigilant you are when getting past minor missteps. Your children will see you make a mistake and bounce back from it, realizing that it doesn't matter what sort of error you've made. All that matters is how you bounce back up again. That is the greatest lesson a child can learn: being able to live without their parents.
So, thank you. Thank you to all the mothers that have taken on the role of the father as well. thank you for all the work you've put in, all of the hours you spent, and all of the love you gave. Not only do we celebrate the great fathers around the world, but we also celebrate you.
Sincerely,
Camille
