This week has been very different from what I expected. Instead of a “typical” week for my family, my husband has been away for other family issues, which I hope do improve. However, this has left me as a single parent for the week, and I have to say that it has been interesting.
By the very nature of what unfolded I was not prepared for this week, meaning that I did not plan on being the only parent around. I can parent on my own, but I usually prefer to know about it ahead of time and plan accordingly. And, there are so many other caveats here – there is only one child, it hasn’t been that many days so far, my child is healthy, and for the most part everything else is going alright. I also have my mom available to help, which has been instrumental in helping me keep my previous commitments. I honestly probably have about the most perfect set up for being a single parent.
That being said, I am still dragging! Having to do almost everything is a lot of work, and again, I don’t feel like I really have that much to do. So, the whole point I want to make here is much respect for the single parents out there. I know how you have to do what needs to be done, but wow, it’s a lot. I don’t know how I would do It long term on my own. Of course, I would if I had to, but having another parent is looking pretty luxurious right now. And to think there was a time before I met my husband that I thought I could start a family on my own. Again, possible I know, but I am so glad I have someone to share it with. Regardless, I have a newfound respect for single parents and all that they accomplish.
I know what you mean about respect for single parents! 17 years of my marriage was spent as a single mom, in away. The USMC was always first and it needed to be. When my husband was not deployed he still worked long hours and didn’t see the girls much. Let me know if I can ever help.