What do you think of when you hear the words, "single mom"? In the past when I would hear those words I would think of some stoic woman, working hard every day to provide for her family. Dropping kids off at day care, going to the office, working all day, picking kids up, going home and making dinner and then working through the evening on household responsibilities.
Maybe that is why I have a hard time seeing myself as a single mom. Maybe it's because Bill just barely moved out, in spite of the fact that we've now been divorced for almost 5 months. Maybe it's because my kids aren't in day care - whether or not they need to be. I don't know. I don't have that traditional 8-5 job, I don't cook (at least not very often), and I really don't do laundry (unless I have to)... so I feel like I don't fit the mold.
This is a weird new life to adjust to. I work mostly from home, online and on the phone. I travel some (which I both hate and love), and I sleep in most mornings (probably later than I should). I feel in limbo, waiting for reality to set in.
I think I need to embrace my own "single mom-ness", but I'd like a manual. I'd like, actually, a crystal ball so I can see where this all ends up. In the meantime... I guess I will take it as it comes and re-adjust my perceptions.
6 comments:
I think you would like this book:
"Of One Heart: Being Single in the LDS World" by my cousin's wife, Valerie Bashein Steimle Foy
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On Amazon.com --here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/One-Heart-Being-Single-World/dp/1449537820/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257964084&sr=1-1
A great read for all who are single. Encouraging words.
When I think of "Single Mom", I think STRONG. I don't go any more specific than that. Single moms come in all shapes and sizes and lifestyles, just like married moms.
I wish I had a crystal ball, wouldnt' it be nice sometimes???
xoxoxoxox
Your "single momness" will be unique to you. You are doing a good job. Your boys need and love you and you take good care of them. I love being in your home and spending time with you, so I dub you a Wonderful Single Mom.
Our Mom gave Ruby a book called "The Mommy Book" and it talks about Moms. Something like, "Some moms drive minivans. Some mom drive motorcycles."
and "Some moms work in big buildings. Some moms work at home."
There is one page that has a picture of a mom over a boiling pot of water, "Some moms make pasta for dinner."
The next page has a mom lounging on the couch wearing what looks like a mumu, and a child sitting next to her, and a cat on the top of the couch, and an open pizza box with slices of partly eaten pizza, and it says, "Some moms order pizza."
I love this book.
:)
That is all.
I agree with Melissa, when I think of single moms I think of strength.
I wonder how many times in life we need to define ourselves. I kind of wish we could define ourselves and be done with it- but it seems like a never ending process.
When I hear "Single Mom" I think "hard" as in difficult.
When we are trying something new, sometimes we forge ahead and make our own path. other times it helps to have a mentor to show the way and share suggestions. You are capable of forging your own path, no doubt about it! But maybe you will find a few friends who can share their experience as single moms, show you the ropes and warn you of pitfalls. I think you are an excellent mom, always have been and always will be!
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