According to the U.S. census, there were more than 10.4 million single mothers in 2006 and another 2.3 million single fathers. The report I read didn’t say how many of these single parents received support from the other parent. Based on my own experiences, and those of my friends, there isn’t always an involved second parent.
This is not a bashing of non-custodial parents, it’s in praise of all those parents who do the near impossible to provide wonderful homes for their children on their own.
Whether by choice or chance, I don’t know how single parents do it. No matter how you slice it, caring for a baby/child on your own is exhausting work. They must have incredible and loving support from their extended family. Fortunately for you, you do not have a single parent but unfortunately for you, we have no family that lives nearby and doubly unfortunate is the fact that your dad travels a lot for his job.
This time, he has been away for four nights and five days and yes, while I’m used to having you all day by myself for roughly twelve hours each week day, having him here in the evening and weekends is such a relief. Thankfully, your aunt has been able to come visit while he has been away and as usual, she has been an enormous help.
While helping me to care for you during the day has been a special treat, it has also allowed me to accomplish more than I have been able to in weeks! It is just too hard to make phone calls, set up appointments, balance the check book, or spend half an hour at the ship and mail place having documents notarized and making photocopies with you on my own. While she stayed at home with you this morning, I actually waited (gasp!) at the dealership while I got my car serviced. I worked on our long overdue thank you cards and I am proud to report that I pounded out 12 of them! I don’t know what I was thinking, I also took four magazines that sadly, I didn’t get to touch. The two hours I was there went by so quickly!
I’m excited over the every day tasks that I got done while your aunt was here and I am also counting my lucky stars that I am not a single parent. I love when my sister comes to visit and I appreciate all her help. Having her here also makes me appreciate the partner and co-parent I have in your dad.
The best is yet to be and thank goodness your dad gets home tomorrow!
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I wish we lived closer together, that way we could part-time single parent together when our hubbys travel/work. It's kinda funny that your sister is in Phoenix as is my brother and your in-laws live in NoCal as do my parents. The last two weekends my mom-in-law made the trek from Banning (over 3-hour round trip) to help me out, which was much needed and much appreciated. I know you have a good support system with all your friends, but if you ever need me, give me a call.
You know I am ALWAYS happy to come out here and help out. I know that these extra pair of hands of mine are awesome to have. I give you a lot of credit for doing it on your own during the weekdays.
I am glad that you felt that you got a lot done these past few days that I have been in town. I wish you would use me even more when I am around. I adore Lucas and seem to actually love you more now that you have brought him to my life. Didn't think that would be possible! Haha!