Dear Mom,
I don’t really know where to start and I’m sure you felt the same. Yourself, along with many other women that I know to exist in the world, have gone through the experience of raising your children on your own.
Whether it was a choice to become a single mother or not, it is a gross understatement to say that it couldn’t have been easy. I know that it was anything but easy and I also know that I probably didn’t help as much as I should have. You are most definitely overworked and underappreciated.
There’s a long list of things I want to say. Most of them range from, “Thank you so much,” to “I’m so incredibly sorry,” and back again to, “I know you were right.” Throughout my life and yours, there have been so many positive and negative changes and experiences.
My life sometimes seems like it is being bulldozed and thrown into chaos, however, I want you to know that I know you have always been there for me and you have always been my light at the end of the tunnel.
You have remained a constant in my life from the very beginning and this is why you, and all single mothers who are doing the best they can, should know that you are an inspiration and a true hero. I would never have been able to see the strength within myself if you hadn’t pointed it out first.
You probably don’t need to google what comes up when you type in “single mothers” online because the negative connotations and ideologies are consistent with the society’s views of single motherhood.
Instead of being celebrated and praised for single handedly getting me through my teenage years, the association around single mothers is anything but positive.
I would like to tell you that the negative stereotypes of single motherhood and raising a family on your own is anything but disreputable. I want you to know, that regardless of whether becoming a single mother is a choice or not, it is one of the most admirable and strongest things any person could do and people should tell you that more.
I want you to know that what you do matters. I know you are waiting for the merry-go-round to slow down and for some sort of clarity to tell you that you’re doing things right, because you are.
I would like to remind you of a few things. You are a beautiful testament of what motherhood should be and you should never forget that. Although it may seem like your children are unappreciative and too consumed in their own lives, you are still the centre of it.
You taught us everything from unconditional love and motivation to how to be exceptional. On top of that, without you, we would not exist.
I’m going to say it while I have the chance because you and I know firsthand that time is precious. You are an incredible woman and I owe you so much more than a letter.
You are not the label society so often places on single mothers. You have taken on the role of cook, maid, counsellor, mother, father, friend, and almost everything else imaginable. Thank you for your constant guidance and support.
Love,
A grateful child.
Jodie Vanderslot
Staff Writer
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