The Face of a Single Parent

I am a single parent of two boys. I had never planned to bring up my children alone lest a specially determined child on the Autism spectrum. But here I am, and I am not the first one and will not be the last one.

Single parenthood may happen by choice or by circumstances like the death of a partner or by events leading up to divorce. Under any scenario, don’t let other’s ideas of a ‘broken home’ single one out from anything believed should be the standards for normalcy. Single parents learn quickly and sometimes have to fast track their healing, and growth for a child’s life is precious and needs nurturing. In the same sentiments, below are few words dedicated to the pains and pride of a single parent- just because being a single parent has taught me to love myself a little extra.

The face of a single parent is you and me.

Sometimes it is forlorn.

And other times…exhausted

Most times single and determined

The face of a single parent is pride.

Mixed with salt and water of hidden desires

And constant churn and burn of priorities.

Most times work, and bills to pay

The face of a single parent is the expectation.

A ton of responsibilities on shoulders

And the intention of the best parent.

Most times overcompensating for the other parent

The face of a single parent is the streak of grey.

The nights of tending to the sick little one

And the dark circles under eyes.

Most times avoiding going out to save on finances

The face of a single parent is the struggle inside.

Keep your mouth shut — the offspring doesn’t need to know.

Put up a face the child perceives all.

Most times stronger than the other kid with the blue door

But, the face of a single parent is also a burst of joy.

The child is doing well, and so are you.

You have jumpstarted your life once again.

And you have finally broken the bonds that made you feel small.

The face of a single parent is also in abundance.

The laughter and jokes and playful antics of a child

You have single-handedly brought his childhood back.

And finally, there are no eggshells to walk upon too.

The face of a single parent is also the sparkle in the eyes.

The makeup, the heels and checking myself in the mirror alike

Your beauty is shinning from the inside.

And finally, there is that self-love glow that shines through you.

The face of a single parent is also the boundaries that you never had.

The realization that you never signed up to be a lone parent

You wish things were different.

And finally, the epiphany that you were always enough and not a half-life.

The road filled with potholes

The distance is long

And this is the hand you dealt with

So own it, play it well to the end.