About a year ago we found out that my husband would have to go away on course for an extended period of time. We had the luxury of options, which doesn't happen too often in the military. He could go on course in the middle of winter or early spring.
After some careful consideration, I certainly wasn't interested in taking up the responsibility of plowing/shoveling/blowing snow while acting single mom. So early spring we decided. We never gave much thought after that.
All of a sudden it was upon us. I was going to take on the role of single mom for an extended period of time..... and I was terrified.
Some will say "well you should have known better marrying a military Captain if you didn't want to have your husband away all the time!" Yes, sure, you're right.... But here's the thing. We have been so blessed that my husband hasn't had to be away for any length of time till now. We were blessed to have him home with our new born for almost 9 months. We were blessed that he hadn't been deployed. But my husband never wanted to be away from the family either. He's seen too many families and relationships struggle with that. He didn't want that for his life.
As I digress from the meaning of this blog.... I realized over time how strong women are and how very little credit they give themselves. They always criticize themselves saying they could have done this or that better. They pull their hair as their little one is screaming with pain teething, refusing to nap or sleep, throwing tantrums left and right, throwing all the clean laundry all over the place while you're taking 5 min to write this blog....They could have done some many things.... Yet they have accomplished so much!
When I gave birth to our son. I was swarmed and overwhelmed with love, passion, dreams .... Paralyzed with fear, anxiety and no idea how to take care of a new born! I had such fear and anxiety that I forgot to enjoy the love and amazing miracle I had in my arms. Fast forward 12 months almost to the day.... And not only am I a mom, a wife a dog owner and a friend, daughter, sister, I can also take on the single mom act, clean a house, cook 3 meals a day plus 2 snacks plus 6 bottles, function with less than a couple hour sleep, weed the yard, now the lawn, do the dishes 3 time a day, change 6 to 8 diapers a day.... And still have time to play with my son and hear his giggles, recount my day over the phone with my husband during his 10 min study break, catch up with friends, relax, and go out and build a business.
Ladies, single moms in particular.... Please reflect on your day, your role, as a mom and wife and all the other hats you wear. The best part of being a mom is being selfless.... The toughest part of being a mom is being selfless. So think about all the achievements you've conquered over the last couple days, months or years. Enjoy the giggles and cuddles and snotty and wet kisses. Now reward yourself with a little something for yourself. You deserve it.
Do yourself a favor, stop focusing on the negative in your life and start being grateful for everything you've been blessed with.
With love and so much respect,
Sincerely,
Temporarily acting single mom
Danielle
