Confessions of a Single Mother

I am a single mother. Being a single mom is not something I planned. I always thought that I would have a husband to complete my family. At one time I did have that family, but circumstances beyond my control brought forth my current situation. When I think about those years, I realize I was always a single mother with an adult child as well. I was married, but have always done the child rearing alone. This adult child required the same, if not more attention than the kids and I was sick of walking around on eggshells. His low self-esteem brought much grief to my life and I left because of safety and sanity reasons.

Now that I've been on my own for a little over four years, I must say things have changed, but remained the same. I no longer have to worry about the grief I might get over decisions I make. Now I can simply hang up the phone. I mean, if you don't get off your butt to do something, how can you criticize the person who does?! I don't have to deal with the ex, but his spirit lives on in DQ and that my friends, is enough to drive the most sane person bananas. I mean, who do they think they are that they can tell me what to do and how to do it?! For instance, I took the kids to the park last week, I could walk and they could play. Well, DQ was ready to go, so she followed me and complained. I told her to go have a seat until I was ready to go. Her dad bought her a cell phone for her birthday, so she proceeded to call him and tell on me. Minutes later, my phone rings and he is questioning why I've been at the park for an hour with the kids crying to go home. I quickly informed him that I'm an adult, and just because DQ was ready didn't mean I was leaving. Furthermore, it wasn't his place to call me with questions, he should've been telling DQ to sit tight until I was ready to go. That, my friends is one example of the extremes I have to deal with. Maybe now, some will understand why I had to move. There was no way we could live in the same city.

Many people comment on how well I handle single motherhood and sometimes I explain that I feel like I've always been a single mother. Most of the time I just smile and think to myself of the many nights I'm stressed to the limit wondering about childcare, buying needed clothes and shoes and even about paying for their lunch. In the end, it all works out and everyone has been so supportive. For those who are reading this, THANK YOU!