You amaze me. You really do.
I just happen to have a beautiful partner, an earthbound angel as terrific with the kids as any mother could be, and I’m still weary. Even divvying up the feeding, clothing, cleansing, running, chasing, and housekeeping I’m weary. Yet there you are. Doing it single-handed. I can’t even fathom trying to juggle all this “fun” on my own, and yet you do it everyday.
It’s not that I don’t know how you do it. Or why. The answer to both those questions is the same and currently running you ragged. It’s just that I don’t think you get nearly enough credit. Parenting is the most thankless job in the world, which is ironic considering that it’s also the most important. You’re doing the job of two (realistically, 19-and-a-half) and yet are somehow not celebrated as the modern miracle you are. Whether you’ve taken on the responsibility solo by choice or otherwise, you’ve still taken it on, and for some reason people look at you as if you’re missing something.
If anyone’s missing something, it’s them.
You’re incredible. You’re a warrior. You’ve got a depth of love and devotion to your kids that no one can touch. This is how and why you get up and do everything everyday for them. The Energizer Bunny has nothing on you. Marathon runners are pansies compared to you (unless they’re also single parents in which case, OH MY GOD). You’re an example to be looked up to, not derided. You’re the best of the best, and it’s way past time that you heard that.
Of course you get tired. Of course there are probably days where you just want to stay in bed and say, “to hell with it!”. Days where it all feels like too much. Truth is that there’s not a parent in the world who doesn’t feel that way at some point, and that’s including those of us with partners. Yet here you are. Getting up and showing us just what kind of strength love can really give you. You’re amazing, and you deserve to hear it.
So with that said, take a bow. You’re doing the job of an army, and probably doing it far better than any army could. You’re the real deal, two parents wrapped up into one mighty package, and you are an inspiration. Wine glasses and beer bottles raised, here’s to the single parents! You’ll never find a better example of pure awesome.