Yesterday was my husband’s death anniversary. It’s been 35 years. How did I survive especially those years as a very young widow? (Warning: computing my age causes split ends to your eyelashes. ;) And I did say very young.)
It
was because my father always had my back – both my earthly and divine fathers.
“The
most vivid image I have of my support system was when my boys were toddlers. We
got home from a whole-day outing, and they had fallen asleep in the car. When I
was going to carry one of them inside the house, the other woke up and cried,
not wanting to be left behind. He wanted me, not my dad to carry him. The one I
was carrying woke up too and wanted the same thing. “Only Mommy will carry.” So,
I had to carry both of them, one on each arm. As I was mounting the stairs to
our room, Papa walked behind me with his hands propping my back so I wouldn’t
topple over. He is the perfect example of a solo parent’s navigational aid – a physical
support and emotional guide.” (From
Chapter 11 of my book The Happy Solo Kit: Tools and Supplies You Need to
Survive Solo Parenting without Losing Your Marbles)
Worry
is a solo parent’s constant companion, a pesky one who will not leave you
alone. Childhood illnesses. Budget that barely reaches the next payday. House maintenance
like part of our roof flying off in a storm. Car problems I couldn’t figure
out. And a thousand and one other things a solo mom faces alone.
Over
the course of 35 years, God has dulled my worry meter by showing me He is
always there when I call. Of course, I never fail to remind Him it wouldn’t be
so hard if He had not taken Dodo away. I’m bratty that way. It’s a good thing
He has a sense of humor and ever ready with His saving graces. Healing.
Financial windfalls in the nick of time. Sending people who will help with the
house and the car and the thousand and one things that plagued this solo mom.
One
of the things that helped me to transform from that clueless young widow to a HIP
(Hero Independent Parent as we call our Solo Parents Ministry at the Feast
Alabang) is the knowledge that my Father God takes care of my tomorrows.
