As a single mom, there are many daily challenges that have to be faced. You are juggling work, kids schedules, paying the bills, going to church, laundry, feeding dogs, taking out trash, cleaning, and oh... you still need to visit and spend time with family - and there are approximately 10 million other things going on at the same time. And, somewhere in the middle of this - you may actually want 5 minutes to yourself! There are days when you want to scream and yell... and you do! And... then there are days you are so proud of those little people that you cannot stand it. There are also the days when they are younger, that you deal with the fits and tantrums and then just like that... they decide they don't really hate you & you are the one that gets all of the bear hugs, kisses and the I love you's! I have been a single mom for over 10 years, and I must say - it has been one of the most challenging and one of the most rewarding things I have ever done! I have watched my 3 blessings turn into these amazing adults (and one almost adult). They are caring, kind hearted, funny and they are each completely different. I have encouraged each of them to follow their dreams, and live each day to the fullest. Now... I must say - when I say "follow your dreams," it is not always the easiest on me. But, I do believe it is not my place to judge them - it is my place to support them unconditionally so they know they are loved!
WIth that being said.. you expect your kids to go to school, graduate, and then go to college (if only it were that easy). I have one that is a free spirit, who has a great job, a house, and is living life to the fullest each day. I have one who is in high school, with all of her goals set out before her. And then...I have the other one. My sweet, baby faced C! We had talked about the options in the military before, but when he started school in the fall - I thought that thought was officially over. But... not so much! I got a phone call that went like this, "Mom... I'm on my way to talk to an Army recruiter." Y'all... I can't tell you how many emotions went through me at one time. I cried, I got excited, and I was so super proud I couldn't contain myself. Going through this process has been a whirlwind of emotions. I am watching my sweet baby boy grow up right before my eyes. It is crazy! I have watched him take full responsibility completing everything that is needed, and going to tell him family members personally about his decision. I am looking at him (knowing he is grown), and yet I still see him as a little baby! Y'all it's crazy!! Each day we are a step closer to him leaving, and each day I grow more proud and my heart hurts just a little more - all at the same time! I can honestly say, that going into the military is one of the most selfless things an individual can do! So...if you see me in the next few days, just know that I may burst into tears, and I will most definitely need a hug!
I have friends ask me all the time, "Isn't being a single parent hard?", "Do you ever just need a break?" They answer to both of those questions is... YES!! It is hard and you do need a break! But... I can tell you, it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done and when I look at my kids - I am so proud of each of them, and I love them more than life!!
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