Week 2 Of Single Motherhood

This has been another week of Nick working long, L-O-N-G hours. The last two nights though he has actually been home in time to see Gabby before she went to bed. It bothered Nick because at first she acted like she didn't know who he was. I have stayed busy Fall, "Spring Cleaning". Yesterday, I cleaned out drawers, closets and cleaned carpets. I wish I had my mother's "cleaning gene". She has always stayed on top of things. As I loaded my dishwasher, something I have put off doing for two days, I began to think about when I was young and everything my mother did for us. Don't get me wrong, my father did an excellent job providing for us. But my mother was the driving force of our house. When does it happen? When do we go from thinking everything our parents' say is stupid to realizing they actually do have some pretty good ideas? We moved to Athens when AT&T transferred my Dad to Huntsville. Not long after, the government decided the company was becoming a monopoly and my Dad lost his job when the company had to down-size. We sold the house and rented a one bedroom house. My parent's slept on a fold-out couch and my sisters and I shared the bedroom. Living in such a small house wasn't completely necessary but at the time that was the only thing available in the school district we were in. We loved our school and my parent's wanted us to go thru as little change as possible. I never worried nor was embarrassed about living in that house. In fact, I have a lot of fond memories from there. My mother cleaned houses and business offices at night to help with the income. She pinched, poked and squeezed every penny. I remember one time she went to Kroger when they were tripling coupons and saved $100.00! She was so excited and I had know clue why. But now I realize that meant there was a little extra that month and I am sure instead of spending it on herself she bought us something. And the economy was no better then than it is now. We always had clothes, and not that it matters, but cute clothes. We never did without. We might not have had everything we wanted but we had everything we needed and then some. My mother was always there for parties at school and for softball and basketball games. We always had way too many gifts at Christmas. My father worked a second job some Christmases just to make sure and he mowed lawns in the summer for extra money. Not long ago, Mom got a promotion and Dad quit mowing yards. I got a little teary eyed when I found out because I new what it meant. It meant that no longer did my parents have to worry about money. I never felt the stress of not having enough money and I know my parent's stressed in secret so we wouldn't worry. Now my parent's get to travel and splurge! I ask Mom a lot how they did it raising a family of five on one tight income. She says she never worried that there wouldn't be enough money for the necessities. She knew Dad would work 3 jobs if he had to. So, for some that think that they are doing a horrible job at motherhood, here are some words of wisdom. Not from me, but things I have learned from my parents. Tell your children you love them often. Sometimes to the point that they are sick of hearing it. Make memories everyday with your children. Give out hugs and kisses like it is candy at Halloween. Teach them about the awesome love and power of God and that God does provide. He might not answer your prayers just the way you want them to be answered but the way that is best for you. Believe me, they will forget about the fact they didn't get every toy they asked for. But they will never forget the time and love you spent making them happy, healthy, children of God.