Being a single mom is one of the hardest things my children and I endured. I knew when I made the decision to end my marriage that it would be hard on everyone involved, and fortunately, I had my home, which had been a gift from my father. I knew we’d never have to worry about losing our home. However, we lost plenty of other things and had some stressful years. I never took for granted the peace we had because we had a roof over our heads that could never be taken away from us and I taught my children to be as appreciative as I was. It’s something that not every single mom can take for granted and I know how blessed we were. For moms who don’t have their own home, I hope that most of them have a situation like described in the fictional story below.
Finally, I had to admit to myself that I wasn’t making it on my own as a single parent with a four-year-old son and a thirteen-month-old daughter.
Reluctantly, I had written to my parents asking if I could move in with them until I could find a teaching position and manage on my own. I knew it would not be an easy decision for them to make. Living in a small town, my mother had always worried about “what people would think.” Her response came more quickly than I had expected. As I held her unopened letter, I wondered if the rapid reply was good news or bad. With careful concern, I tore open the end of the envelope. Her typewritten letter was folded in the formal standard she had learned as a secretary after graduating from high school. It read:
Dear Linda,
You must quit beating up on yourself and feeling so ashamed over needing to move back home with the children because of the divorce. I want you to know that you are not the first woman in the family to be a single parent and fall on hard times. I hope you will find courage and take pride in the woman I am going to tell you about.
Linda, did you not realize that World War II made me a single parent while Daddy was overseas for two years? I had to go back to live with my parents on their farm, Miles from town and friends. But it was such a blessing in disguise because grandma was willing to rock you when you had constant earaches, and I was able to help her with the household chores. Your daddy sent us ration books, so I could get sugar and shoes and gasoline to supplement my folks’ needs. Now that you understand that you were not the first woman in our family to be a single parent, please come back home knowing that your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, and cousins are here to be family for you. With the rich heritage of women who have found a way to give their children a wonderful future, in spite of hardships, you will be in very good company. Come back home as soon as possible.
Love always,
Mother
