Growing up with a single parent is special, but it’s not easy.
In fact, from my experience, it may even be better.
(Yes, I loveGilmore Girls.)
Nothing was off limits.
But not getting to see my mom all the time was also my “normal.”
Every family is different and has a different daily routine.
A single parent just has to work, work, work there’s no way around it.
No one’s teenage years are easy frankly, they suck.
I translated her absence and lack of communication into apathy, which really troubled me for a long time.
It’s just different.
For me, that revelation came at a very critical moment in my adolescence.
She bolted upstairs to my room, busted through the door and was visibly freaked out.
I had never seen her so upset and scared before.
I learned it wasn’t just about me.
You have to be the adult in the house when your parent isn’t around.
Because my mom was frequently absent, I had to learn how to be strong on my own.
I had to learn how to be responsible for myself and for others.
I also had to ensure the dogs were fed and properly taken care of.
My mom didn’t pester me about my responsibilities because she had her own.
Thick skin and independence is absolutely invaluable as you become an adult.
I literally don’t know how she did it and still continues to do it.
Watching her work so hard ceaselessly has pushed me to do my absolute best.
Honestly, that is one of the most offensive and insulting things that people have ever said to me.
Parents would fight or be estranged from each other, causing problems for their children.
You tell me what’s better.
She doesn’t know all the answers, but to me she is infinitely wise.
She can’t be everywhere at once, but she can do anything.
