To the Single Mother

To the Single Mother,

You fascinate the world with the mystery that is you. Where do you find the strength and courage to endure the everyday emotional and physical strain? Your dedication to your family is remarkable. I can’t be not in your vocabulary. Failure is not an option for you. You are brave and bold because you have to be. Although loneliness might play a main character in your life, you still are strong knowing that exuberance and your accomplishments will be rewarded in the future. You power through working more than one job, going to college, helping your children with their school work, wash, rinse, and repeat day in and day out. You strive to be the best every day not only for yourself, but because you are a role model for your children. You are teaching them that no matter what the circumstance is you can always change the narrative.

Parenting is not easy, yet you make it look so effortless. Your selflessness is unwavering. Usually, having no time for yourself, you always put your children first. You creatively juggle between paying bills, having food, child care cost, medical expenses, clothes and shoes, etc. There are days you may not eat so your children can. With all this and worries being heavily on your mind, you manage to find a way to etch happiness on your face for the world to see. This is ensuring you that you are not a burden to others with your situations. You ask for little to no assistance. When asked how you are doing, your simple reply is “fine”. Whether it is the truth or a lie, you feel as if you must constantly reflect strength. The display of sorrow, regret, or exhaustion makes you feel weak and bothered. You put your feelings on the back burner in order to keep your pace in the race called life. Your only requirement to feed your soul is the love of your children. Your children depend on your love as well. Your love gives them strength and your faith gives them confidence for the future. Just as you teach your children, you also teach us by example. You teach what it means to be responsible, how to make the most of what you have, how pick yourself up after you fall, how to face hard situations, when to fight for your believes, how to give thanks, and celebrate the good times. These lessons are taught naturally by you because these are lessons you learn day to day.

I would like to tell the single mother that thinks she will never get there; you are closer than you know. Your pain is not in vain. The suffering will end and you will be victorious. No one can replace the work you are doing daily. You are instilling principles in not only your children, but in all of us. You are a hero rescuing our children. Continue to doing an amazing job and focus on the things that really matter to you. Move forward with your dreams. Keep your head high. Do not be afraid to ask for a helping hand. Since you probably do not hear thank you enough in a day, I want you to hear it from me. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for the love, joy, and peace that you spread. You might feel as if you go unnoticed in the mundane world. I want you to know that is not the case. You amaze us every day. In fact, we want you to know you are appreciated, we support you, and we are all rooting for you.

Your Admirer,

Brandi