Three Cheers for…
Who would you be willing to give three cheers for if you had the chance?
Today, I would like to focus all my cheers for the mothers that raise their children alone.
The other day, one of my friends, Tyler, and her teenage triplets showed up at the most unusual place. My son was receiving an award for a movie he directed and they came to the awards ceremony.
Now you may not have thought that was so unusual, but stop to think. It was great that she took the time to come enjoy the festivities. It was even more amazing that all three of her TEENAGE boys came with her.
You know what I mean. Teenagers are not often likely to want to do the same thing their parent does…much less three of them agreeing to go to anything together.
Tyler has done a great job raising her boys despite some tremendous odds. While no mother is perfect, I can tell you any mother that raises three boys should have a special place in heaven. She has had lots of support along the way, but she still had most of the responsibility of doing it on her own day in and day out.
Then there are those mothers that raise a single child and sent them out in the world trusting them to make good choices. When a mother does that, she really trusts that all the love and encouragement given along the way will be embraced when the going gets challenging. It’s hard for a loving mother to watch as children make decisions…but good mothers do that with the honor and trust that it will all be ok when it’s said and done.
I reflected on this again when I saw American Idol last night. The contestant that was voted off this time – LaKisha – is a single mother of a 3 year old. What a voice she had and what a talent waiting to be scooped up for a record deal. I suspect she never would have thought a year ago she would be singing on a show like that. What a dream.
Yes, mothers have dreams, too. They may put them on hold. They may even sacrifice them for their children.
So for all you mothers raising your children out there alone…three cheers for you. I’ve done it and so can you…regardless of your imperfections and the challenges you face along the way.
My wish for all you mothers out there today is that you keep on raising your children the best you can. Regardless of whether you are a single mother or not, remember it’s ok not to be perfect…just love yourself through it as you do your best to raise your children lovingly to dream their dreams. As Mother’s Day approaches Sunday, my wish for you is that you will celebrate that day in honor of or memory of all the mothers that influenced you positively in your life.
~ Joellen