I’m grateful to be a single mom

Being a single mom was never a part of my plan. I had always envisioned getting married and buying a home and then making a family with my future husband. However, life threw me a curveball and my plans were drastically changed when my daughter was born and I became a single mother.

At first I was extremely overwhelmed. I had no idea what to expect with having a newborn and doing it on my own was tough. My parents were (and still are) an amazing support but there was a part of me that wished that I could be experiencing all of the things I felt with someone whom I loved and planned on spending the rest of my life with. There were moments when I was upset that I didn’t get to have things that way that I wanted them, but I chose to get over that. Because life unfolded for me in the exact way it was supposed to and I’ve come to realize that I am grateful to be a single mom.

Before I became a single mom I appreciated my family and friends. I knew I was extremely lucky and that having them in my life was a huge blessing. But when you really need people to stand by your side, you find out pretty quickly who matters the most to you.

Right away, I learned to appreciate my parents in a whole new way. They allowed me and my newborn baby to move back in with them, no questions asked. The welcomed me home with open arms and helped me in so many ways. I always have emotional and financial support from them and they are only too happy to babysit when I go to work or want to spend time with friends on the weekend. I get more support from my parents than some people get from their spouse. I can never thank them enough for all they have done and continue to do for me and my daughter.

My sisters supported me immensely, too. Even though we all live in different cities and provinces, they have always been there to encourage me, support me and lift me up. They are two of the most amazing women I know and I am thankful to have them in my life.

My extended family has been nothing short of amazing. My aunts and uncles and cousins have loved Charlotte from the moment they met her and have continued to be a wonderful and loving presence in her life. That in itself makes my heart so happy. But beyond that, my older cousin helped me land not one, but two jobs. She took me under her wing and made sure that employment opportunities fell into place for me. I can never repay the kindness that both her and her coworker/boss showed to me. It is because of these two fantastic ladies that I have been able to save for a house and land on my feet. There are no words for that. I will forever have a heart full of gratitude for both of them.

And my friends. My sweet, sweet friends. You all know who you are. You are the ones who were there for me from day one. I may not see you as much as I would like but please know that I love you and respect you and miss you more than words can say. Thank you for always being there for me and for helping me navigate my way through this crazy and fun adventure! I know that we don’t get to spend as much time together as we would like, but please know that there will be a day when I will get to see you more often and I promise that I will be treating you to dinner and lots and lots of wine!

While most people would not expect me to say this, I do have to thank my daughter’s father. He gave me the greatest gift ever and without him, I would not have my sweet baby girl. She is my Charlotte because of who she is. And without him, she would not be the perfect little angel that I love with all of my heart. And I’m lucky to say that Charlotte’s grandmother on her dad’s side is a special lady whom we are both incredibly lucky and thankful to have in our lives.

And above all, I am beyond grateful for my sweet daughter. She changed my life from the moment I knew. I knew that I wanted to do more and be better. She helped me get all of my priorities figured out and teaches me new things about myself every day. It is because of her that I have dreamed bigger, loved deeper and imagined more than I ever thought possible. She makes me want to be the best possible person I can be. She has taught me not only how to set goals, but also, how to achieve them. She is the best part of me and the person whom completes my heart.

So you see, being a single mom has changed my life in ways I can’t imagine. It’s helped me figure out my priorities. It’s helped me realize whom and what is important in my life, and it’s opened my eyes to a whole new world. I’ve come to realize that there is no such thing as a perfect family. All that matters is that you love each other and treat each other well. It’s that simple. Your family is the group of people whom you hold closest to your heart. You don’t need to be related by blood to call them family. It’s the people who showed up and stayed by your side when you needed them most. That’s what true family is.

I’m grateful to be a single mom. It’s been an absolute whirlwind of an adventure over these past fourteen month and it’s helped me prove to myself that I am strong and determined and can do anything I set my mind and heart on. Being a single mom is the hardest and best job I have ever had. It has brought so many people into my life and has opened so many doors for me. THIS is the life I was meant to live. It may not be perfect, but it’s perfect for me. I am so truly blessed.