My new book, The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, came in the mail today. I have just started in, but one of the contributing factors to abusive situations is vulnerable moms. Single moms trying to support their families, protect themselves and their children, and just plain survive. Since I am a temporary single mom this week, I am seeing the weakness in the situation in my own home. Kids are getting to bed way too late. Dinner has not been what it is when dad is home. Homework is being neglected. My situation is temporary, and my resources are abundant. I am not living in Chicago, in the winter, without a car, trying to get groceries and my kids across town before we freeze to death.
It made me very grateful for the many blessings my family has. We have a dad that provides for us, and protects us. We have a great church community. We have great educations. We live in a relatively mild climate. We have reliable cars, warm homes, and insurance. We have teachers that love our children. We have grandparents that care about what happens to us. I take so many things for granted.
It made me think about the people in my community that do not have the support network that I have. I find myself wishing I had more people around, but really I do if I would just let them know I need something. There are many people that are truly out there slugging it out alone. It broke my heart to think of all of the single mommies trying to be everything for their children. I am seeing that there are so many opportunities to love my neighbor. I need to open my eyes to the people around me that are hurting. I need to be grateful for what I have, and willing to share those gifts with those ladies and their children that need me to be the one to give the helping hand.
Life in a small town with a large family. Trying to put God on display.
3 comments:
Well said. Thank you for posting.
Dear Signe!
I ove reading your blog and I have been for a while now. Today I needed to tell you, that I am a very happy single mom and our house is always clean and 3 healthy meals are beeing served everyday mostly on time. I know that I am blessed being able to stay home and work a couple of hours from here. We too have a wonderful extened family and loving friends. I think that is realy what one needs a good network of loving people.
Thank you.
I've been playing the "single mom" role for about 5 weeks now, as I had to move back to our old town because our house hasn't sold.
Makes me REALLY appreciate my husband, and all that he does for me and for our many children.
Laurel
Post a Comment