An Ode to Single Mothers

Here’s to the single moms,
who face the world with unique challenges
and rise above them like the warriors that they are.

To the moms who work two or three jobs just to make ends meet,
while juggling scout meetings, ball games, dance lessons and household tasks,
wishing for clones who could help them be in two or three places at once.

Here’s to the single moms
who stress about staying home when their little ones are sick,
while praying that their coworkers are understanding
that there is no other parent available to step in to assist.

Here’s to the single moms
who come home after a hard day’s work,
and begin their most important job of all,
helping with homework while standing over the stove,
comforting their children after a rough day at school,
and wishing they could do more.
So much more.

Here’s to the single moms who put on their “daddy hats,”
building Pinewood Derby cars and quietly seeking stand-ins for father/daughter dances.

To the moms who wipe away tears of the little ones crying that it just isn’t fair that daddy isn’t there,
while deep inside, their own hearts are shattering into a million pieces,
wishing they could take that pain away.

Here’s to the single moms who show their children
that true strength is measured not in the numbers of parents,
but in hugs and kisses, in bandaged booboos,
in being there when needed,
in doing whatever it takes
no matter what life throws your way.

Here’s to the Superhumans known as “Single Moms.”

You’re part of a unique tribe
that others may never fully understand or appreciate.
But that’s okay.

Because you can wear your invisible Badges of Honor
knowing that despite the many challenges
and oftentimes the harsh judgment of others,
You have a will of iron and an unquenchable spirit
that have garnered for you the title of “Single Mom.”

Happy Mother’s Day. You’ve earned it.

(and Happy Mother’s Day to the Single Dads who don “Mother’s Hats,” too.)