I know the world is full of single mothers out there, in all different walks of life and all different situations. We do have one thing in common...strength. A kind of strength that is all encompassing; physical, mental, and emotional. We work, we cook, we clean, we nurture and guide, and many times also go to school in our "spare time". It may be hard but it is worth it.

As we struggle to balance the bills and spend time with our children we remember each an every day how special it is to be a mother, no matter what the circumstance. We may not have a social life...lets face it, even if we could get a decent babysitter to go hang out with some friends on a friday night, most of the time we just dont have the energy. Picking up toys while reading a book for school and cooking supper in the other room while helping a little one with their homework...seriously, one person only has so much energy.

But as women we can prevail, it is hard to do it all alone, but sometimes it has to be done, and if it has to be done we will do it, and we'll do a good job while we are at it. I remember when I was younger and I used to get discouraged and overwhelmed at everything I was facing. I would pop "Erin Brockovich" into the VCR and after watching her I would think, "hey", she did it, so why cant I?

Sometimes people can underestimate us, judge us and look down their noses at us, but we know how strong we are...and no one can make us feel like less of a person, because in reality we are forced to be more. There will always be comments made, sometimes ones of respect but mostlymore negative in nature...especially if you are young. Being young and a single mother is not only challenging just to survive and thrive, but can be a socially isolating experience. It takes real strength to rise up and refuse to accept the labels people put upon you. You are what you make yourself, not what others try and make you.

The rush of being a single mother is a rush in so many ways...the rush from one thing to the next; the rush of hearing that baby's first word, or completing a course at school, or seeing that beautiful drawing they did at daycare; the rush of each accomplishment you make, and each accomplishment they make; the rush of developing that strong relationship between you and your children; and the rush of seeing them grow so fast.

Yes being a single mother is hard, it is a rush and it is worth every single struggle!