Our culture does such a disservice to single mothers and perhaps parents in general, yet I can only speak from my perspective, observations, and personal experience. I get the sense that parents, when seen a ‘couple’ and unified family unit, receive an abundance of support on many levels, both from each other and their communities. The pressure single mothers feel that is inflicted by a society that has its priorities entirely bass-ackward is harmful not…
Parenthood isn’t always roses and sun-rays. It isn’t always radiant smiles and laughter. It’s not edited to fit into a model of perfection like the above image. It’s not the Director’s Cut version. Sometimes it’s diapers that explode and cover you in poop, or hours of sleep lost for nights and months on end listening to your child cry while teeth break through their gums and you feel helpless in relieving their pain. Sometimes it’s…
When I reflect on what the last decade has brought me, hardly any words spring forth begging to be expressed. In its place, there is a deep silence accompanied by a visualization forming… it begins with the image of a placid lake surrounded by a barren desert. The desert symbolizes desolation and loneliness, while the lake represents a reservoir of nourishment, hope, curiosity, and healing. Suddenly, the appearance of the water is reshaped by ferocious…