Do you know that out of place feeling you get when the traditional families are all together and you are left standing there with your kids with no significant other? Maybe some of you do not feel this way especially if you went through a horrible marriage. Just the same I am sure that there are others that do feel this way. I have seen some wonderful mates that are not appreciated. There are two sides to every story, I realize, but then again nobody is perfect. If you have a fairly decent mate in your life, acknowledge and appreciate them. If some of these people would realize just what they have and just what they stand to lose they would open their eyes and try to make it work.
This is from those of us who had mates and did appreciate them, but lost them just the same either through death or divorce, to those of you who do not realize just how difficult it is. We are not happy being single, but trying to make the best of it. We hope that you never have to go through this experience.
If only they knew our exhaustion that comes from being up all night with our eyes half open to care for a sick child, being sick ourselves, being scared because we heard something go thump in the night. We still have to carry on the next day and go to work because we cannot afford not to. There is no one to take over so we can get a couple of hours sleep. There is no one to check out the noise and keep us safe.
If only they knew the fear of not being able to pay a bill and the dilemma of whether to buy groceries or have heat in the house. There is no one to help financially and no one to share our difficulties with. We are barely making it working two jobs.
If only they knew the loneliness that is felt when others talk of their partners and just which anniversary they are celebrating or what they are doing this weekend.
If only they knew the feeling of going to a party and feeling like no one noticed you and you stood there alone feeling like you were on another planet.
If only they knew the look of anguish and hurt in their child’s eyes as everyone else stood there with their mother on “Dad’s Night” or with their father on “Mom’s Night” at a school function.
Being single was not in most of our plans, but we go on because we have to, for our kids. It is not easy. The next time that you see a single parent do something nice for them. It does not have to be anything big, just something small to show that you care. My wish is that nobody will have to go through this experience.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.