Friday, March 20, 2009

Happy Single Parents' Day

I didn't even know about this until two minutes ago, but today is Single Parents' Day.

So to all my fellow single parents out there, I wish you all a day in which we can celebrate our accomplishments.

I think there's a meme out there about gratitude. So in honor of Single Parents' Day, here is my list for all the reasons I'm grateful to be a single parent:

1. I am no longer in an unhealthy relationship, which means my children are not growing up in a house full of distrust and harsh words.

2. I spent the first years of my daughters' lives so wrapped up in dealing with my husband, that I was not a good mother to my children. I am grateful that I have now spent more years of their lives being a better mother to them than I was when I was married.

3. My checkbook is my own. I no longer have fear when I hit the ATM since I know exactly how much I have, and how much I've spent.

4. I have sole legal custody. I am grateful that I don't have to fight with my ex about what is best for the girls.

5. I am no longer waiting for someone to show up and co-parent my girls. I have accepted the responsibility.

6. I have control of the remote. And I don't have to worry about the toilet seat.

7. I am grateful for my parents' help. I am grateful that this has brought us closer together.

8. I am grateful that single parenthood brought me back to Southern California. After living in several cities and a few different states, I know I am home.

9. As much as I bitch about having a deadbeat ex, I am grateful for my job and my ability to provide my children all of the necessities, and some extra.

10. I am grateful for the friendships I have made and those that have reached out to help and support not only me, but my daughters.

Okay, so this life ain't easy. There's not a day that goes by that doesn't present some new challenge. And sometimes I fail. But I'm here. I get up every day, and my first thought is about my children, and nearly everything I do - even the things I do for me - is for their benefit in the long run. Yep, I'd much rather be me, the single parent who is at least striving to meet the challenges, than my deadbeat who can't even show up for them.

Single parents, take a moment today to pat yourselves on the back. And if you're a friend of a single parent, take a moment to wish them well toady.

16 comments:

Julie@My5monkeys said...

wishing you well on this day. Its amazing what you do as a single parent. My hat goes off to you.

FreedomFirst said...

Happy Single Parent's Day. :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks April. Right back at ya!

Mark said...

Happy single parents day! You have much to be grateful for!

jenn said...

Great list. Very encouraging. You're right, we have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes when one of my friends is fighting with their husband I'll say, "It's nice to be single."

Happy Single Parents Day!

Meg said...

Giving you a big virtual pat on the back--and a hug.

Meg

Anonymous said...

Hey, that's great! Very warm thoughts you wrote. You sound happy and grateful for the good in your life, and that's awesome. Divorce is one of the hardest things I ever went through, so I appreciate that happy and grateful state now even more.

Tara R. said...

Happy Single Parent Day to one rawkin' Mom!

Julie said...

Yay! Wishing you well, April!

Anonymous said...

Amen to #3.

"But the ATM said our balance was $1500"

Anonymous said...

I had no idea!!!!

Lovely post!

Anonymous said...

Right on the button. Hope you had a sparkling brilliant day!

won said...

Number 5 resonated with me.

Acknowledging the day, albeit a little late.

I hope you and the girls are well!

Shiona said...

I am with you on number 1. Actually I like the whole list. I hope those will apply to me. Happy Single Parents Day. I will be marking this for next year :)

MindyMom said...

You are a fabulous example of a single parent. Great list!

Kori said...

You said it all. And since I missed the hoopla, Happy single parent's day; you are a continuous example for me, and I love you.