(Guest Post) Raised Single in the City: You can do bad all by yourself

“It’s not easy being a mom. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” - Betty White

My mom and dad got divorced when I was 5 years old. Safe to say, I don’t remember them and their married relationship at all. My dad was never consistent in my life, all I had was my mom and I was fine with that! My mom was the baddest boss babe before that was even a thing, and I was raised single in the city.

Now that I’m married, with three whole kids, the word admiration doesn't even come close to how I feel about my mom and how she raised me all by herself. Most people think that having only one parent makes you incomplete, but I am proof that the amazing love of a confident mom can make a child whole. She did bad all by herself!

My mom showed me that even when the odds are stacked up against you, you can still prevail in the midst of the storm. She never gave up! I know it had to get hard sometimes, but I always saw her pushing, striving to survive and make the best life for me. She did bad all by herself!

One of my most fondest moments brings a smile to my face. We were without a car for some time and I had a hard day and all I wanted was a whopper from Burger King. I know, such a kid right? But this was a big deal because -we didn’t have a car and this was way before Uber Eats and Door Dash. I mentioned it to my mom, but didn’t want to make it too much of a big deal because I didn’t want her to feel bad for not being able to just hop in the car and get it for me. Next thing I know, my mom told me, “I’ll be right back.” I heard the garage open and saw her pull out her bike and take off down the street! Not before long, I saw her coming back down the street with a Burger King bag in her hand with the exact sandwich I wanted!

Now I know to some people this might seem like the most insignificant thing, but this one act of genuine love and kindness will forever be etched in my heart. She made me feel that no matter what obstacles stood in our way, as long as I had her, we would be ok.  I would never lack, I would never not feel loved and I would always have what I needed! Single moms, don’t focus on what you don’t have, use every once of your energy to use what you do have! You don’t need anyone or anything, you can do bad all by yourself!