I don’t write about this aspect of my life often, if ever, but… just in case anyone else is going through something similar, please ask for help.
I’m a single mom.
I have the amazing privilege of being in a home with just us. We’re able to do lots of great things together. But this season has also proved very difficult for both of us. It’s hard being in isolation with just two people – there is no buffer for either of us.
This was also an extremely difficult week. I’ve lost count, but I think it was week 5 of being together for 24/7. Due to the virus, I’ve taken extra precautions to keep us safe. That means I’m not physically connecting with even my mom. That also means there’s no one to relieve me of mom duties for even a moment.
I literally cried out to God this week telling Him that I needed help. I am certainly grateful for my blessings, but could not continue in this manner.
This week I had some of the most ‘random’ reach out. I also knew there was nothing random about them. God had laid me on their hearts to remind me that I was not alone.
A stylist friend had been offering to FaceTime with Amelia just so that I could have an hour of time. I knew her offer was sincere, but I also know my kid. But over time, she warmed to the idea of playing dress up for a fashion stylist, so much so that when my standard meeting was rescheduled, I had to request time for this dress up. Even though my daughter is relatively shy, she eventually came out of her shell and even brought out her myriad of musical instruments based on the turns in the conversation.
My mom out of the blue called me to bring me a home cooked lunch. She even asked my preference as she was about to prepare it. She did not know, but I had asked God for just one meal that I didn’t need to prepare myself. She brought it over before she had even gotten a chance to eat it. We both inhaled it within a matter of minutes.
My other friend knowing that this season must be hard for me, trying to determine a way to get me just a few hours break. We haven’t figured it out yet, but just the fact that she was thinking along those lines meant the world to me.
And my mommy friends in our ‘social distancing’ chat – just to help keep us all sane and reminding me that we are all struggling in some arena and offering each other support and laughter.
Are you a single parent? How are you coping? Are you asking for help?
Dear Heavenly Father, while this season is certainly difficult, I don’t want to lose sight of the many blessings. Help us to know when to ask for help and how to do so.
