To Single Mothers

This post is a bit delayed due to several factors, mainly the lack of internet in my house.  You see, in South Africa, one must pay for the internet by the megabytes used--the country has a certain cap is allowed to use each month.  February, being the shortest month of the year, apparently was a high media and social networking month because we ran out of internet access a good week and a bit before the end of the 28 days.  (Lesson learned: youtube can be your enemy in this category)

Excuses aside, the past 2 weeks have been quite hectic!  Work has really picked up at the office and there are numerous roles and office politics that must be addressed.  (Reminder: we are all broken people living in a broken world, avoiding issues doesn't solve anything)  I almost have all of my registration papers in order to register the first center in Manenberg so I hope to have that finished by the end of the week!

In addition to work craziness, the last 2 weeks I've been house sitting, aka-playing mom for 4 while working full time.  Hence the title of this blog...

The kids are all pretty much grown and can take care of themselves so there's no need to bathe them, read stories or tuck them into bed at night; BUT there are so many little things that go into a day in the life!  Eish!  Get up early, open the house up (blinds, windows, etc--no central air system so this is a necessary), wake the kids, go on a run (marathon training), come home, make sure kids are still up and getting ready, make lunches, pick up living room, get kids out the door and off to school, take a shower, eat breakfast, pack my bags, take the train to work, work all day, pick up groceries for dinner, train home, cook dinner, eat dinner, clean up dinner, make sure kids have rides to appropriate activities, water the garden, clean the pool, close up the house, etc....I'm sure all you parents and home owners reading this right now are just nodding your head.  "Yep, that's life right there"

By the time 10pm rolls around, I can't wait to jump into bed!  I cannot even begin to imagine how single mothers can raise a child and work full time.  I have the utmost respect and admiration for you ladies.  It was crazy enough the past 2 weeks and all the kids here are capable of doing most of the stuff themselves!  Babies, toddlers and young ones have a new added dimension of chores and responsibilities.  I just don't know how you do it.

Working in the townships, father absenteeism is a huge problem.  Drinking, drugs, sex...it may sound cliche, but the cliche didn't just happen to appear one day.  These are all serious issues in this community and the fact of the matter is that most women are responsible for income and raising their children.  Add on being a single mother in a poverty stricken area and you've got a lot to deal with.

This is where the community comes in.  Township communities (women especially) band together to build each other up and fill in for each other.  They'll watch each other's children, share what little food they have, and talk through the tough issues of every day life.

I'm sure everyone reading this blog knows someone, somewhere who is a single mother.  It's easy to get sucked into the business of our own lives and the hectic schedules, meetings, chores, I know.  But what have you done recently to help a single mother in need.  Single mothers are strong women.  I know, I work with 3 of them and I can't even begin to tell you their stories of trial right now.  While they won't always ask for it, they will appreciate your help.

It could mean watching the kids for the afternoon, taking her out to the movies, or simply sharing a cup of coffee with her in her crazy household.  Reach out.  Use your time and talents.  She will appreciate it.

To single mothers everywhere, I raise my glass and tip my hat.  You are astounding!